Waterfront Montessori

The school is grounded in the Montessori tradition, emphasizing respect for self and others, independence, curiosity, global-mindedness, and community. It aims to develop confident, compassionate individuals by combining authentic Montessori practices with the International Baccalaureate framework to foster inquiry-driven learning and global citizenship.

The school offers a continuum of education starting with an Infant/Toddler program (6 weeks to 3 years), followed by Primary and Kindergarten (ages 3-6), Elementary (Grades 1-5), and Middle School (Grades 6-8). The Elementary curriculum is integrated, covering science, technology, mathematics, language, social sciences, history, geography, and civics. The Middle School program is an authorized IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes the study of two languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities, arts, physical education, and technology.

Graduates are prepared as independent, globally-minded, and compassionate individuals ready for academic success in high school and beyond. The school’s alumni are described as confident thinkers who possess strong time-management skills, a love for learning, and the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse settings.

The school emphasizes a nurturing environment that supports the whole child—socially, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. Teachers facilitate learning through Montessori materials and inquiry-based methods, providing freedom within limits to foster independence, self-directed learning, and critical thinking skills.

The school operates on a rolling admissions basis and welcomes transfer students. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule an in-person tour to visit classrooms and meet educators; specific tour tracks are available for Infant/Toddler, Primary/Kindergarten, and Elementary/Middle School levels. Tuition assistance is available for students entering Kindergarten through Grade 8, with awards capped at 50% and priority given to current families.

The school operates Monday through Friday, with daily hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuition payment plans are available on a semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly basis through FACTS.

The campus is located in the historic Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City and spans over 20,000 square feet across two levels. The lower level houses Toddler and Primary classrooms, along with an 8,000-square-foot private, fenced outdoor play area. The upper level features state-of-the-art facilities for Elementary and Middle School students, including five large classrooms, a robotics lab, music rooms with acoustic and digital pianos, a library, multipurpose rooms, and an art studio.

Students engage in a variety of specialized programs including art, music, physical education, and Spanish. The curriculum also incorporates coding, robotics, and STEM initiatives, with specific opportunities such as a robotics team, violin instruction for Kindergarteners, and an IB Design course that utilizes the Design Cycle to solve real-world problems.