Caedmon School opened its doors in 1962 and is widely regarded as New York City’s first authentic Montessori school. Founded by a group of forward‑thinking parents, the school was built on four core pillars — community, academic excellence, diversity and the Montessori approach. Today Caedmon serves children from 21 months through fifth grade and continues to honor each child’s individuality and natural curiosity. Over the decades the school has grown into a thriving early‑childhood and elementary program yet retains the warmth of a close‑knit community.
Beginners (21 months–2.9 years). This introductory program operates three mornings per week, five mornings per week or five full days. Classrooms maintain a 6:1 student–teacher ratio and emphasize socialization, language acquisition and practical life skills.
Early Program (3–4 years). Children attend five full days (8 a.m.–3 p.m.) in mixed‑age classrooms. Guides present sensorial, mathematics, language, cultural and practical life lessons, and older students mentor younger peers.
Kindergarten–Grade 5. The elementary program blends Montessori methods with a rigorous progressive curriculum. Students transition from concrete materials to abstract concepts and explore subjects such as science, social studies, Spanish, music, art and physical education. Group work, research projects and community service foster collaboration and empathy.
Tuition at Caedmon varies by program length. For 2024‑25 the Beginners Program ranges from $23,265 (three mornings) to $54,315 (five full days); the Early Program costs $54,315 for a five‑day full‑day schedule. Kindergarten tuition is $63,185, while Grades 1–5 cost $65,505 per year. Annual tuition includes supplies, field trips and snacks.
Located on the Upper East Side at 416 East 80th Street, Caedmon occupies a multi‑level townhouse renovated specifically for young children. The school features light‑filled classrooms, an art studio, science lab, library, private playground and rooftop garden. Enrollment is approximately 215 students with average class sizes of 12–20 and student–teacher ratios ranging from 6:1 in the Beginners program to 8:1 in kindergarten and elementary.
The school is led by Dr. Wendy Falchuk, Head of School, who holds a doctorate in education and has worked in independent schools for over two decades. Maarten de Vreede serves as chief financial and operating officer, while Saniya Mehdi acts as associate head of school. Caedmon’s classrooms are staffed by credentialed Montessori guides and teaching associates; faculty bios highlight advanced degrees in early‑childhood education, child psychology and special education.
Caedmon follows a progressive Montessori approach that combines Maria Montessori’s child‑centered methodology with elements of progressive education. Mixed‑age classrooms encourage peer mentoring, and lessons are introduced individually when each child is developmentally ready. The curriculum encompasses five core areas — practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language arts and cultural studies — and is enhanced by Spanish language, music, movement and STEAM classes. Outdoor play, field trips and community service are woven throughout the year to nurture well‑rounded, socially conscious learners.
Caedmon operates an online application process. Families should attend an information session and submit applications by January 10 2025 (Beginners and Early Programs) or December 9 2024 (Kindergarten and elementary). Applicants participate in small group playdates or classroom visits; decisions are released in February with replies due mid‑March. The school awards need‑based financial aid using Clarity and encourages families to apply regardless of income.
Caedmon is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and is accredited by ISAAGNY, NAIS and NYSAIS. It also belongs to the Parents League of New York and participates in the Early Steps diversity initiative.
Caedmon provides healthy snacks and lunches prepared in‑house, and an after‑school program offers clubs in chess, robotics, cooking and yoga. The school budgets more than $1.6 million annually for financial aid and serves a diverse population of students from over 30 different zip codes across New York City.
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