Edgemont Elementary School

Have sent two of my children to Edgemont, the only public Montessori School in the State, and have not been disappointed. All teachers are Montessori trained. The new principal, Cheryl Hopper, is responsive, energetic, positive, and interested in involving the local teacher's college in the mix and has the connections to do it. The parents run an excellent after school enrichment program that will introduce your child to topics that are fantastic: art of the medieval ages, dance, musical theatre, yoga, art, rocketry, fencing and the list goes on.... Beautiful Edgemont Park offers its grounds for regular use, including the brand new, all-children's playground. One known as the best kept secret in town, not so sure it'll stay that way, especially with Hopper at the helm.
--Submitted by a parent

My two young daughters attend Edgemont. The environment has been wonderful for them, and we've had some great teachers. All of the teachers have additional Montessori training and really believe in what they are doing. There is a lot of parental involvement too.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children currently at Edgemont, and one older child who was enrolled at Edgemont and is now at Montclair High. I am very happy at Edgemont, the only PUBLIC MONTESSORI school in NJ!! It is a wonderful family-like environment, with great Montessori- trained teachers. I would recommend it highly to any family new to Montclair.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Montclair to send our children to this very unique PUBLIC Montessori school. All three of my children have now graduated. Although many parents have problems with the principal, I feel that she is an excellent administrator and has served the school extremely well. My children had mostly excellent, well-trained Montessori teachers throughout their years there. There is an active PTA (I was president for a year) and, with the exception of typical political and personality problems, they do a fabulous job. There is a real sense of family at this school. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
--Submitted by a parent

We sent our daughter Chantal here. A very good school. I've helped bring up 10 children and grandchildren in the UK and US. No school was better than this, and some (very expensive ones) no nearly as good
--Submitted by Drayton Bird, a parent

great school. experienced teachers, child-centered environment with great academic outcomes. small school but with excellent extracurricular programs and good parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

Beautiful grounds. Nice small, nurturing environment. Montessori Lite. Well trained Montessori teachers, but Principal is not trained and does not really 'get' Montessori, so not nearly as much done as is possible. Very diverse and interesting family community. Amazing parent involvment providing lots of extra programs. Art, music, gym 2x per week. My kids have been happy there, but politics with principal are frustrating.
--Submitted by a parent