Catskill Montessori School is a unique institution that harmoniously blends the principles of Montessori education with a deep-rooted commitment to permaculture, which we call ‘Earth Stewards.’ "Permaculture" is a term introduced by non-indigenous peoples, which reflects the ecological understanding and traditions initially embodied by Indigenous communities in their respective regions. We recognize that this concept can be utilized to contribute to the erasure of these Indigenous identities and their original practices.

We opened our doors in September 2020 with a single early childhood 3-to-6-year-old class and one lower elementary 6-to-9-year-old class held in a beautifully restored 1700s barn. Four short years later, our school has blossomed, serving toddlers through 6th grade across five authentic Montessori classroom communities. Our campus now spans two meticulously converted barns and a charming stone farmhouse, each filled with history and character. Our next growth phase includes a secondary program for ages 12-18.

Parallel to our educational expansion, our farm has thrived and grown. The land now supports a working 3000 square foot greenhouse, fruit orchards, a traditional Indigenous Three Sisters Garden, and a budding Food Forest. Our outdoor and forest classrooms are home to various farm animals—Nigerian dwarf goats, hens, and ducks—all inhabiting a landscape with woods, trails, creeks, and rivers.

The soul of our school resides not only within classrooms but also in the rich history and natural beauty of our surroundings. The repurposed Dutch and Gambrel barns and the 1792 Farmhouse now nurture young minds. Restoration work has breathed new life into these historic structures, preserving their beauty while integrating 21st-century energy-efficient upgrades.

Our school sits humbly on lands that have been inspiring imaginations for millennia. The Mahicannituck River, once the life source for the Indigenous people known as the host tribes, graces this land. Burget Creek, a river tributary, meanders through the southeastern tip of our property. Against the backdrop of the majestic Catskill Mountains to the west, it's hard not to feel a profound sense of awe and privilege to be the current stewards of this land.