About Our School
Hyacinth Montessori was founded by Madeleine Nutting and Carmen Montopoli, two career educators who are passionate about bringing Montessori elementary to our West Philly community. We believe in the unique potential of each child, and in fostering learning, cooperation, and growth rooted in a whole-child understanding of human development.
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We started this program with an intentional focus on access for children in our neighborhood and across the city. Montessori education has the power to deepen understanding, promote social skills, encourage conversation, enable independence, and promote a sense of responsibility to each other, our community, and our world. We value each child and family's unique contribution to the space we've built together, and we can't wait to meet the next children who will continue to help shape our future.
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 about polar exploration, working with her hands, or diving into learning something new.