Welcome to Hyacinth Montessori
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 rooted in respect for children and hands-on learning. It invites curiosity and discovery while supporting and challenging each unique child.
At Hyacinth, we build upon the long legacy of educators who envision Montessori as a liberatory pedagogy. We live 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 School
Authentic Montessori
The Montessori Method emerges from the belief that in a supportive environment, all children are drawn to the challenge of learning as self-construction. With the support of AMI-trained guides, children engage in rich experiences, form peaceful communities, and learn from one another.
Intentionally Small
As an intentionally small, community embedded learning environment, our school allows us to serve every child and family in deep and meaningful partnership. We meet children where they are so we can help them imagine where they could go next.
Freedom & Responsibility
We know that children learn at their own pace, and also that there are skills and knowledge children need in order to access flourishing lives. The Montessori curriculum provides freedom of choice within a structure of accountability, helping children develop cooperation skills and self-confidence.
A Place for All
Diverse, inclusive communities benefit everyone. We work to reflect the diversity of the city and of the families in our neighborhood. Through our innovative, income-based tuition, we ask each family to contribute a fair share to the school and welcome families from all walks of life.
About Our Leaders
Hyacinth Montessori was founded by two lifelong teachers who envisioned an authentic Montessori program with equity and inclusivity at its foundations.
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. She is passionate about Montessori, and she likes oil painting, practicing Arabic calligraphy, and having long discussions about what she’s been reading lately.
Carmen Montopoli 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 with the approach. She received her AMI Elementary diploma from Montessori Northwest. When she is not with students, she is spending time with her spouse and child, reading about polar exploration, fencing, or pulling up the very persistent weeds in her tiny herb garden.
Contact Us
Want to know more about admissions, Montessori elementary curriculum, or whether we might be good partners? Please reach out!