Walking through Fishtown, you might see a plot with 7,000+ square feet of biodiverse outdoor space featuring a wooden playset, mud kitchens, native trees and plants, and nooks and crannies for kids to explore. It’s not a new arboretum – it’s the second location of Fishtown Montessori and if it sounds like an urban oasis, that’s the intention.

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Nature-Inspired Learning in the Heart of Philadelphia

Since opening in September 2017, the 100-year-old church turned Montessori school has become a beacon of innovative education in the area for children from 18 months through kindergarten. The outdoor environment continues to be used as an extension of the classroom, serving the children who spend their formative years there.

Denise Spetrino, Founder, Head of School, and Admissions Director for Fishtown Montessori, reflects on the school’s journey: “What we’re offering children in the heart of this urban environment is the opportunity to connect with nature. Our sprawling outdoor learning space is an extension of the indoor classroom, where children 18 months through six- years -old learn, grow, and get plenty of exercise – it’s a truly unique offering in the city.

The Montessori Method: Fostering Independence and Community

Mixed-Age Classrooms: A Cornerstone of Montessori Education

Mixed age groups continue to be a hallmark of the Montessori education at Fishtown. Younger children watch and are inspired by older children, while older children become leaders, fostering a rich learning community where everyone has a role. Teachers prepare the environment for learning, guide the children, and help each child on an individual basis.

 This approach has done wonders for Roman Galas’ daughter, a three-year-old getting ready to move into the new location. “Fishtown Montessori has been everything we hoped it would be. Our daughter has blossomed so much.”

Roman said their family chose Fishtown for a few reasons: the convenience; the reputation; and the curriculum. But what they got was so much more.

“She didn’t talk much when she started there. Her pediatrician wanted her to go to a speech therapist, so we sent her. Around the same time, she started at Fishtown Montessori and her language skills took off super quick – we stopped the speech therapist after just two months.”

The learning curve the Galas’ saw at the beginning of her journey at Fishtown Montessori is still apparent two years later. “The development we’ve seen has continued every day; she comes home with new vocabulary and expresses new thoughts and feelings.”

Low Teacher-to-Student Ratios for Personalized Attention

Some of the steep learning curve could be attributed to the low teacher to student ratio: Fishtown Montessori maintains its commitment to exceeding state requirements with a 1:4 ratio in the toddler room (PA requires 1:5) and a 1:8 ratio in the primary class. This dedication to small class sizes has consistently offered unique opportunities for children and their families to grow meaningful relationships.

The small class sizes have offered unique opportunities for the kids – and their families — to grow relationships. “The socialization Fishtown has provided is amazing,” said Roman. “Since attending Fishtown Montessori, she has the best group of friends. They call each other ‘sisters’.”

Creating an intentional community for the students began early-on, when Denise had to get buy-in of community members. “We got an overwhelming amount of support from the neighbors. Those we met said they loved seeing kids playing and enjoying the neighborhood, and they wanted to see more of it.”

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility and Healthy Living

Sustainable Practices Integrated into Daily Learning

Inside and out, Fishtown Montessori promotes a healthy environment: there’s a composting program in which the kids participate; they bring all reusable containers; the school’s power is PA wind energy; and the school provides wholesome, organic snacks with no sugar added, like fresh fruit or hummus. And this new outdoor space, as Denise puts it, is a “game-changer” for the kids, the environment, and the neighborhood.

Looking Ahead: Fishtown Montessori’s Vision for the Future

Denise is a life-long educator and was a long-time resident of the 19125 zip code, and as a member of the community, she saw a need for this type of early childhood education, so Fishtown Montessori was her dream.

“This is my life’s work — creating space for children and families to thrive. That impacts our community. This is the most important work I could be doing.”

Join the Fishtown Montessori Community

Experience the unique Montessori approach to education in a nature-rich, urban setting. Visit the Fishtown Montessori website to register for a virtual tour and learn more about how your child can benefit from this innovative educational approach. You can learn more about the admissions process here.

This sponsored story was written by Stef Arck-Baynes and refreshed by Sarah Bond.