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: 895 Linden Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
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.
Hours: Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 PM
Ages: Newborn-36m
The Toddler Community
Outside of Montessori education, TGM also offers Weekly Yoga and Mindfulness classes in small groups with a certified Yoga Teacher; Daily Music and Movement activities, Instrument Exploration; Nature Connection and gardening; Open-Ended, Process-Based Art Opportunities; Animal Care and Positive Discipline.
Ages: Two classrooms serve up to 12 children aged 18 (or confidently walking!) - 36 months.
Morning Hours: Monday — Friday, 8:30-12:30 (with an earlier start in summer)
Cost:
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
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
Cost:
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
Children’s House
Children’s House opens in September 2024 and will serve students from the age of around 2.5 – 6 years, offering a multi-age learning environment that includes half-day Kindergarten.
Ages: 2.5 - 6
Wild Hearts After Preschool Club
After School Nature Club meets on weekdays from 1:00-3:00 PM. Students can attend 1-5 days/week. Both days are required for children enrolling Mon/Fri (for Spanish).
Ages: 3-6
Hours: Monday — Friday, 1:00-3:00 PM
Sessions & Cost:
Mondays & Fridays: $1800/year
Spanish
Forest meditation, sports, movement
Tuesdays: $900/year
Socio-emotional learning, literacy + science
Wednesdays: $900/year
Forest free play
Thursdays: $1100/year
Woodland art
Kindermusik musicians
All 5 Days/Week: $4350/year
Wild Hearts Summer Camp
Half-day options are available for ages 18 months – 9 years. Summer camp operates between June and September.
Ages: 18mo - 9 years
Cost:
2 Days/Week: $900
3 Days/Week: $1200
5 Days/Week: $2000
Registration Fee: $150
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.
That being said, The Garden is premiere in this town, but you either love it or hate it. My issue with Montessori is that if your child has any behavioral or developmental needs that need extra attention, Montessori might not be the right fit. I do know this program offers 1:1 support if your child needs additional support, but it’s at the cost of the family.