Metropolitan Montessori School (MMS) traces its roots to 1964 when five families founded St. Michael’s Montessori School with just 25 children. The program quickly grew and was renamed Metropolitan Montessori School in the early 1970s. In 1996 MMS relocated to its current home at 325 West 85th Street and expanded into a double‑brownstone with purpose‑built classrooms, a library and an Idea Lab. The school purchased its building in 2009 and an adjacent townhouse in 2011, allowing further growth. A middle‑school program launched in 2021. Today MMS serves children ages 2.8 months–14 years across Children’s House, Elementary and Middle School divisions.
Children’s House (ages 2.8–6). This division comprises Stepping Stones (ages 2.8), and primary classes for three‑, four‑ and five‑year‑olds. Montessori guides give individualized lessons with hands‑on materials, fostering independence and confidence. Music, French, art, physical education and outdoor play enrich the curriculum.
Elementary (grades 1–5). Students progress from concrete materials to abstract thinking while mastering math, language, science, history, geography and Spanish. Time management and organization are emphasized, and teachers encourage collaboration and independent research.
Middle School (grades 6–8). Launched in 2021, the program offers a rigorous curriculum with experiential learning, including overnight trips, field studies and leadership opportunities.
In 2023 MMS announced a merger with The Calhoun School; tuition now aligns with Calhoun’s lower‑school rates. Previous tuition for the Stepping Stones morning program was $26,500 with an additional $11,250 for the afternoon option. Families should contact the admissions office for current tuition and financial‑aid information.
MMS occupies a row of renovated brownstones at 325 West 85th Street on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The campus features airy classrooms, a gymnasium, library, music room, rooftop playground and a state‑of‑the‑art Idea Lab for maker projects. A community garden and nearby Riverside Park provide outdoor learning spaces. The school is a short walk from the 86th Street subway station.
Racheal Adriko has served as Head of School since 2019. She previously led international schools in Africa and brings deep expertise in diversity and equity work. The leadership team includes Sean Harrell, Associate Head and Middle School Director; Karina Cruz, Head of Children’s House; Jody Trimm, Head of Elementary; Marielle Lopez, Director of Enrollment; and Alex Asnes, Director of Finance and Operations. Faculty members hold AMS credentials and degrees in early‑childhood education, music, foreign languages and special education.
MMS’s mission is to provide a child‑centered, inclusive, enriching and rigorous environment where children, parents and teachers form a dynamic partnership. The school teaches mission skills—belonging, self‑awareness, responsibility, critical thinking, respect, common good, resilience and passion—and emphasizes community service and stewardship. Students practice mindfulness through daily “centering” and have access to an Idea Lab for design thinking projects.
Due to the merger, admissions are handled through The Calhoun School. Prospective families submit an online inquiry, attend an information session and participate in a student visit. Applications are typically due in January, and decisions are released in March along with financial‑aid awards. MMS offers both need‑based tuition assistance and sibling priority.
Metropolitan Montessori School is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS).
• Exmissions success: MMS graduates matriculate to selective public and independent schools across New York City and beyond.
• Parent partnership: The Parents Association hosts workshops, cultural events and volunteer opportunities.
• After‑school enrichment: Offerings include chess, robotics, drama, coding, basketball and capoeira.
• Financial aid: Approximately 17 % of families receive tuition assistance, with an average grant of \$23,500.
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