Hyacinth Montessori is a child-centered and equity-focused Montessori elementary school serving children ages 6-12.
The Montessori method is a time-tested educational approach predicated on respect for children and hands-on learning. It is interdisciplinary and personalized, creating an individualized pathway for each child.
A Montessori classroom environment invites curiosity and discovery. It is filled with light, natural materials, carefully designed and beautiful learning tools, and the busy work of children.
At Hyacinth, we build upon the long legacy of educators who envision Montessori as a liberatory pedagogy. We live into this philosophy by creating a school accessible to families from all socioeconomic backgrounds, in which children are supported, challenged, and affirmed.
We are located in West Philadelphia.
Our Teacher Leaders
Madeleine Nutting
Founding Hyacinth Montessori Teacher Leader
Madeleine Nutting has been teaching in Montessori schools since 2014. Madeleine has an AMI Elementary certification from Montessori Northwest and has also received training in Montessori for Ageing and Dementia from AMI, as a childbirth doula with DONA, and early childhood development. Madeleine is from Washington DC, but she went to high school in Amman, Jordan. Madeleine is passionate about Montessori, and she likes to garden, practice Arabic calligraphy, and hang out with her two cats, Raisinette and Zaya.
Carmen Montopoli
Founding Hyacinth Montessori Teacher Leader
Carmen started her teaching career in traditional public schools, teaching fourth and eighth grades. After years of working to create a more flexible and responsive space to support her students, she discovered Montessori and fell in love. She received her AMI Elementary diploma from Montessori Northwest. When she is not with students, she is spending time with her family, reading, writing, or diving into learning something new.
The 2024-25 calendar is under development and will largely align with the School District of Philadelphia annual calendar.
Hyacinth Montessori is located at 5050 Baltimore Avenue. We are accessible via the 34 trolley and the 64 bus.
Families living more than 1.5 miles from the school and transporting their children by car may be eligible to apply for the Philadelphia Parent Flat Rate Program to reimburse them for travel costs.
After you’ve completed your application, you can expect the following steps:
A virtual one-on-one meeting with Carmen and Madeleine, where we discuss what you are looking for in your child’s application, and decide whether you’d like to continue.
A time for parents to observe the environment for about 20 minutes and see Montessori elementary in action.
A day-long visit for the child you are enrolling. Often, for convenience, families combine their observation with their child’s visit.
Supporting documentation, like a past teacher recommendation and family financial forms.
An offer letter and a window in which to decide.
Family Individualized Tuition
We are committed to ensuring that Hyacinth is accessible to families at all income levels. To this end, we offer tuition at a tiered rate that makes each family’s contributions equitable. You can estimate your family’s contribution by finding your tuition on our tiered model.
Non-discrimination Policy
Hyacinth Montessori School is a nonprofit organization. Hyacinth Montessori School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity for participation in or receipt of the services under any of its programs and activities, whether carried out by Hyacinth Montessori School directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which Hyacinth Montessori School arranges to carry out its programs and activities. Furthermore, Hyacinth Montessori School admits students of any race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Please join us for an open house! Our upcoming open houses are on: October 7, 11 am-1 pm November 4, 11 am-1 pm
Substitute With Us!
Are you interested in supporting children in a busy Montessori environment? Do you want to learn more about how children lead their own educational experience, with support from guides? Are you flexible during the day?
If so, please consider being a substitute! We are looking for people with childcare or education experience who are available between the hours of 8 and 3. If you’re interested, please email your resume and a short cover letter to [email protected].
Support Equitable Tuition
Donate today to support neighborhood-nested Montessori education that strives to be accessible to all members of the community.
100% of your donations support our tiered tuition model and ensure equity and sustainability over time.
Tending the Light, by John Snyder
This short book of essays by a long-term Montessori principal delves into Montessori elementary theory and practice. We often return to his “The Bridge of Trust” as we reflect on who we are as guides and what kind of space we are preparing for children.
Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahook
This practical, thoughtful, and thorough book provides a framework for observing children’s behavior, looking past immediate behaviors and toward developing strong, secure, and resilient relationships.
The Sea-Ringed World by María García Esperón (trans. David Bowles)
A collection of stories from nations and cultures across North and South America—the Sea-Ringed World, as the Aztecs called it—this beautifully written and translated anthology opens a window into a variety of cultural worldviews.
Wildflower Schools
Hyacinth Montessori is a member of the Wildflower Schools Network
Wildflower is an ecosystem of decentralized Montessori micro-schools that support children, teachers, and parents. Our schools aspire to give all children and families the opportunity to choose high quality, beautiful learning environments as they follow life’s unfolding journey.
