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.
1964
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. MSGH officially opens its doors in the fall of 1964 with one Primary classroom of 10 children. At the end of the year, the first Bushnell Carousel Picnic was hosted to celebrate. This tradition continues today and it is MSGH's longest running tradition!
The late 1960s
The first classroom 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. By the end of the 1960s, all classrooms are located in West Hartford at two different locations. There were two Primary classrooms at the Temple Beth David and one Lower Elementary classroom at the convent of the Sisters of St. Mary Immaculate on Park Road.
The 1970s
During the 1970s, MSGH continued to grow. It grew from two to three Primary classrooms and the Lower Elementary classroom continued to grow in size. 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 1981, MSGH opens a fourth Primary classroom and Carol Kuszik begins her eighteen-year tenure as Head of School. During the 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. In 1989, MSGH celebrated its 25th year.
The 1990s
MSGH saw a lot of growth in the 1990s. During this time, MSGH moved 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 where it remains today. In addition, during the mid-1990s, MSGH opens its first Upper Elementary classroom. The Elementary Program is firmly reestablished. In 1998, Carol Kuszik retires as Head of School. Una Barry serves as an interim Head of School during the search for a new Head of School. Julia Rinaldi becomes Head of School.
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. In 2004, Julia Rinaldi retires as Head of School and Una Barry becomes Head of School. 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.
The 2010s
In 2011, MSGH gets a new logo and Toddler 1 becomes an all-day classroom. In 2014, MSGH celebrated its 50th anniversary! During that same year, 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. In 2017, Una Barry retires as Head of School and Kathy Aldridge comes in as interim Head of School. The Natural Playground opens based on a generous donation in dedication of Una Barry's service to the MSGH community. Beverly Smith becomes MSGH's 5th Head of School. In 2019, Mary McHale becomes MSGH's 6th Head of School.
The 2020s
In the fall of 2022, Toddler 4 and a second Lower Elementary classroom opens. In 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. In addition, in 2024, MSGH opens its 5th Toddler classroom as well as gets its very own Peace Pole donated and crafted by Steve Ligon.
