Mission and History

History of Amherst Montessori School

Amherst Montessori School was founded in 1969, and opened its doors to the community in September 1970. It opened with a single classroom for 15 children, ages 3-5 years, and was housed in the basement of an historic church that is now the Jewish Community of Amherst.

 In 1977, AMS moved to rented space at South Congregational Church on South East Street in Amherst. In 1981, in response to demand from the community, it added a second classroom at this location. Programs grew to be full school day (8 AM-3 PM), with before- and after-care options for working families.

In 1984, with the guidance and support of many families and local businesspeople, Amherst Montessori School purchased 2.2 acres at 27 Pomeroy Lane in South Amherst and constructed its current 3,000 square foot facility housing two classrooms for children ages 3-5 (Children’s Houses). The school opened its doors at this location in September 1986. From 1986-1995, the school was located entirely at this location.  In 1995, it leased additional space at South Congregational Church, then St. Brigid’s Church, and added a third Children’s House (ages 3-5 years) and an Elementary Program. It added a Toddler Program in 1998, and then moved all annexed programs to Immanuel Lutheran Church in 1999.

In September 2004, Amherst Montessori School left the annex location at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and leased space at 7 Pomeroy Lane, two lots away from its Main Campus at 27 Pomeroy Lane. It relocated its Elementary Program to this leased space, and consolidated its Children’s Houses from three classrooms to two (one of which moved into 7 Pomeroy Lane). The Toddler Program was moved into a classroom at 27 Pomeroy Lane.

The Main Campus at 27 Pomeroy Lane currently houses classrooms for one Toddler Program (ages 18 months - 3 years) and one Children’s House program (ages 3-6). Additionally, this building houses two administrative offices and a staff kitchen. The school's three playground facilities are located at 27 Pomeroy Lane.

The leased space at 7 Pomeroy Lane campus houses one Children’s House program and one Elementary program (ages 6-12). This space also includes one administrative office and the Great Room, which is a multi-purpose meeting room and library.

Going Forward

In 2008, the Trustees voted unanimously to undertake a capital expansion project that would unify our two locations onto one campus, and expand programming to serve more children and families. The project is underway, and as details are solidified regarding our new site and building, we will share them here.

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