MSGH has been providing an exceptional, authentic Montessori education for 60 years.
We invite you to learn about the history of the Montessori School of Greater Hartford (MSGH). Since we opened our doors in the fall of 1964, MSGH has committed itself to implementing authentic Montessori education. Our school is grateful for the support and dedication from past staff, board members and families. Everyone who has come through the doors at MSGH has contributed to our legacy.
1963
The Montessori School of Greater Hartford (MSGH) was started by a group of parents who were interested in establishing a Montessori school. Born out of their shared vision, this group of parents held their first organizational meeting in 1963 at the Catholic Book Store in Hartford. It was there that the Montessori School of Greater Hartford was born.
The late 1960s
MSGH officially opens its doors in the fall of 1964 with one Primary classroom of 10 children. It was located at 2626 Albany Avenue in West Hartford. This classroom only operated in the mornings. However, by November, they opened an afternoon program and enrolled twenty more children. In 1968, a second Primary classroom was added. There was no official Head of School at that time; instead the school was run by a Board of Parents. In addition, AMI/USA was not yet established to monitor standards. At this time, there were only 25 other Montessori schools in the United States.
The 1970s
During the 1970s, MSGH continued to grow. It grew to three Primary classrooms and one Lower Elementary classroom. The school became too big for its original location. As a result, it had to split into two campuses. The Primary classrooms were still at located at Temple Beth David while the Lower Elementary classroom was located at the Sisters of St. Mary Immaculate on Park Road. In 1972, MSGH received its AMI recognition. During the early 1970s, a satellite campus of MSGH was opened in Simsbury at the Ethel Walker School. In 1974, this campus became independent from MSGH and formed its own school. Towards the end of the 1970s, the school moves again to Temple Beth Israel.
The 1980s
In the early 1980s, the Lower Elementary program is closed when the school is unable to find any trained teachers. Throughout the 1980s, the school sustained four Primary classrooms and began an after school childcare program.
The 1990s
MSGH saw a lot of growth in the 1990s. During this time, MSGH moved again to the Smith School on St. James Street in West Hartford. It received its NAEYC accreditation (National Association for the Education of Young Children). This made MSGH subject to all childcare regulations. In 1993, the Elementary program was reopened with one Lower Elementary classroom. By 1994, MSGH moved to the campus of the American School for the Deaf on N. Main Street in West Hartford. In addition, during the mid-1990s, MSGH opens its first Upper Elementary classroom. The Elementary Program is firmly reestablished.
The 2000s
In 2004, MSGH finally consolidates all its classrooms under one roof in the Boatner Building on the American School for the Deaf campus. The Family Association raises enough money to support the development of a Natural Playground. In 2005, the first Toddler classroom is opened. In addition, MSGH receives its CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) accreditation. By 2010, MSGH expands to have three toddler classrooms.
2014
MSGH celebrated its 50th anniversary! MSGH opened our Adolescent Program on the 30-acre Millstream Farm in New Hartford CT to serve children from 12 to 15 yeas old. The first year starts with 12 children: including all 7 Upper Elementary graduates. In addition, after 50 years, MSGH buys its first home: The Boatner Building located on the American School for the Deaf campus.
2024
MSGH celebrates its 60th Anniversary! MSGH celebrates its 60th Anniversary with a strong enrollment. MSGH has grown from one Primary class into 1964 to its current size today of 13 classrooms: 5 Toddler, 4 Primary, 3 Elementary and 1 Adolescent.
