The Children's Academy was established in 1981 by Susan Weller, a career educator with over 20 years of experience. Dedicated to the philosophy of Maria Montessori, the Academy's academic goals are to work with the whole child. The children are encouraged by our nurturing staff to reach their own individual potential using their unique gifts.

The Academy employs 8 highly qualified Montessori trained teachers and a French teacher. The teachers provide an environment that respects a child’s individuality, enriches emotional and physical development and addresses the needs of every child.

The Children's Academy is proud of our Parents Association, which works closely with our teachers to make your child's Academy experience an enlightening and enriching one. The Academy encourages parental involvement and welcomes parent participation and visits. The Academy is always open to family visits.

Since 1981, the Children's Academy has grown from a student body of 35 to its present enrollment of 75 students. The student community includes children from Essex and Union counties. Although The Academy is located in Springfield, families come from Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, Newark, Union, Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights and Mountainside as well as other areas to form the perfect Montessori Community.

The Academy has 3 separate classrooms. The Little Room was developed for pre-primary children, ages 2 1/2 to 3. The Transitional Room is a small nurturing environment for 3 and 4 year olds. The Big Room serves the needs of children 3 to 6 ½ and includes an excellent kindergarten program.
Extended care is available from 7:20 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., as well as Holiday care during school closings.

Montessori's educational approach has changed the learning process throughout the world. There are approximately 22,000 Montessori schools worldwide. Montessori schools teach children from as early has birth to 18 years old when children become adults.

There are different levels of Montessori development. The schools we list provide different levels and practices of the Montessori educational system/approach. Call the phone number listed for more information and/or to set up an appointment to visit the school.