The Garden Montessori
The Garden is a Montessori-based program that offers a variety of learning environments and classes to children under the age of 6. It is emphasized to start with the Parent & Child Classes to properly integrate your child into the program. Siblings and currently enrolled students gain preference over other applicants. Part-time care begins in the Toddler Community as early as 18 months (or confidently walking!). From there, options expand further into half or full-time care options with Preschool at the Wild Hearts Nature School, Children’s House, Afterschool Nature Clubs, Summer Camps, and even Homeschool Support are offered.
Location:
The Garden Montessori, Pinehurst Campus: 895 Linden Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
Moore Montessori Community School, Southern Pines Campus: 255 S May St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
SOUTHERN PINES CAMPUS @ Moore Montessori in Southern Pines
Parent & Child Classes
Infants and young toddlers explore a prepared classroom while parents (or other caregivers) learn from a trained guide about the foundations of Montessori education such as observation, early brain development, toilet learning, and discipline. Enjoy a Free Trial. Enrollment in this session also acts as a feeder into the schools, as children will receive priority on The Garden’s wait list.
Hours: Fridays at 2 PM
Ages: Newborn-36m
The Toddler Community
In the Montessori Toddler Communities, the classroom environment encourages independence through Practical Life exercises focused on self-care and care for the environment and others. Designed for toddlers developing both large and small muscles, the setting offers fine and gross motor opportunities indoors and outdoors, including a gross motor area for climbing and jumping. Toddlers engage in gardening, mud kitchen activities, and playground fun, all tailored to their needs. This environment promotes social, emotional, physical, and academic success, with guides following each child’s lead, allowing them to make choices and learn independence. Skills include preparing snacks, pouring drinks, washing dishes, caring for pets, and even making bread from scratch.
Ages: Two classrooms serve up to 12 children aged 18 (or confidently walking!) - 36 months.
Morning Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM—12 PM
Cost (based on 2024 Pricing):
5 Days/Week Year Round (June 23-May 24): $7800
School Year Only (Sept 23-May 24): $5950
3 Days/Week Year Round (June 23-May 24): $5000
School Year Only (Sept 23-May 24): $3800
2 Days/Week Year Round (June 23-May 24): $3500
School Year Only (Sept 23-May 24): $2650
Fees: Registration is one of the highest at $375 with an additional supply fee of $150
Montessori Pre-K
The Pre-K students enrolled through The Garden attend school in the multi-age Primary classrooms with Kindergartners at Moore Montessori Community School in Southern Pines. The Primary Classrooms serve up to 25 students and are led by a trained Montessori guide and an assistant. Children who are between the ages of 3 and 4 years as of August 31st are eligible for enrollment as a Pre-K student and attend half-days from 8am-12pm weekdays.
Ages: 3 & 4
Morning Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM—12 PM
After Hours: Their Pre-K Afternoon Adventure Club meets Mon-Thurs from 12-3:30PM and Fri from 12-1:30PM. They are still enrolling for the 24-25 school year. Students can attend 1-5 days/wk.
Pinehurst CAMPUS on linden road
Wild Hearts Nature School
Wild Hearts is a Preschool operating as an outdoor classroom(s) serving up to 15 students ages approximately 3 through 6 years. Two trained nature guides lead this program. Families may choose 2 (M/F), 3 (TWR) or 5 mornings per week.
Ages: 3-6
Morning Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM—12 PM
After Hours: Their Afternoon Nature Club meets Mon-Fri from 1-3 PM
Cost (based on 2024 Pricing):
5 Days/Week Year Round (June 23-May 24): $7800
School Year Only (Sept 23-May 24): $5950
3 Days/Week Year Round (June 23-May 24): $5000
School Year Only (Sept 23-May 24): $3800
2 Days/Week Year Round (June 23-May 24): $3500
School Year Only (Sept 23-May 24): $2650
Fees: Registration is one of the highest at $375 with an additional supply fee of $150
Montessori Children’s House
The Children’s House classroom serves up to 25 students from the age of around 2.5 – 6 years, offering a multi-age learning environment that includes half-day Kindergarten. Children attending this program should be learning to use the toilet independently and past their oral motor phase.
Ages: 2.5 - 6
Hours: 8:45 AM -12:45 PM
Wild Hearts Summer Camp (2024 Info)
Half-day options are available for ages 18 months – 9 years. Summer camp operates between June and September.
My thoughts:
The staff is professional and talented (we LOVED Ms. Yudy!), and the location is idyllic with its indoor classrooms and grounds for Nature School. We often volunteered for bunny care to get the boys out and about on the weekends! I think it’s such a wonderful institution in Moore County if this type of education is right for your child.
While The Garden is a premier option in town, I personally noticed that it wasn’t the best fit if a child has behavioral or developmental needs that require extra attention. Note that this program does offer 1:1 support for children who need it, but the cost of that support falls on the family.