Questions, answered.

Both. Countryside is an independent, nonprofit day school, founded in 1967, that uses the Montessori method as its educational approach. Families choose us for the warmth and depth of Montessori and the seriousness and continuity of an established independent school.

Yes. Montessori builds strong academic foundations through hands-on understanding, individualized guidance, and clear expectations. At Countryside, progress is benchmarked with nationally normed NWEA MAP assessment, so academic growth is visible and measurable — never left to chance.

Countryside serves children from 16 months through sixth grade — Toddler, Primary (Pre-K and Kindergarten), Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary. Children can grow along one continuous Montessori path from their earliest years through the end of elementary.

Montessori classrooms group several ages together. Younger children learn by watching and working near older ones; older children deepen their own understanding by leading and helping. The result is a strong sense of community, real leadership, and learning that meets each child exactly where they are. It is one more way Montessori keeps the future in mind, preparing children not just for the next grade, but for the real world they will eventually step into.

Tuition varies by program and schedule, and we share detailed information personally so we can answer your questions. Countryside also awards more than $300,000 in need-based financial assistance each year through the FACTS program, independent of admissions decisions. Learn more about tuition & aid →

Countryside welcomes families year-round through open enrollment. The process is a personal one — a tour, an application, a parent interview, a student visit, and a warm welcome. See the full admissions process →

Yes. Countryside students leave with strong academic skills and something just as important: independence, focus, and the confidence to take on new challenges. Teachers know each child well and prepare them not just for the next grade, but for the next stage of their education and life.

Montessori calls it grace and courtesy. Rather than rewards and punishments, we help children build self-discipline — the internal ability to make good choices, care for their community, and work through conflicts respectfully. Guides model calm, consistent expectations, and children rise to meet them.

In a Montessori day, children do deep, focused work during a long, uninterrupted morning work cycle — so real learning happens at school, where a trained guide can support it. Instead of piling on worksheets at home, we encourage reading for pleasure, real responsibilities, family conversation, and time to simply be a child.

Montessori follows each child's growth through careful observation, portfolios, and conferences rather than letter grades — which keeps children motivated by genuine curiosity and mastery instead of chasing a grade. At Countryside we also use the NWEA MAP assessment to measure progress against national norms, so families get objective data alongside the fuller picture.

Consistency matters, especially for young children. A steady five-day rhythm lets children settle into the prepared environment, build independence, and sustain the deep concentration Montessori is known for — momentum that a partial week interrupts.

A Montessori classroom is a prepared environment — beautiful, orderly, and purposeful, with everything sized for the child. Long uninterrupted work periods, the freedom to choose meaningful work, and a culture of grace and courtesy let children concentrate deeply. The calm isn't imposed; it grows from children doing work they love.

Montessori is freedom within structure. Children choose their work, but from a carefully prepared range they've each been shown how to use, within clear ground rules. A trained guide observes every child and offers the next lesson when they're ready — so there's real freedom and real direction at the same time.