RMS NOW HAS BEFORE AND
AFTER CARE!
RMS NOW HAS BEFORE AND AFTER CARE!
Mixing the philosophies of Montessori with traditional academia from
Pre-School to Kindergarten
Rainbow Montessori School was founded in 1981 and is a state certified, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational school located in Madison, NJ. We accept children ages PK 2.5 through Kindergarten.
Our program is based on a unique balance between the benefits of the Montessori method and the principles of traditional nursery school. This has enabled the school to provide a top-notch preschool and kindergarten education for thousands of students over the years.
Please enjoy your visit to our website today. Once you have explored our site, we welcome you to visit our school in person to see our unique classrooms and our nurturing educational community in action. Please call our office to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
Thank you for your interest in Rainbow Montessori School, we look forward to seeing you soon!
WELCOME
VIEW OUR PROGRAMS
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
TESTIMONIALS
"What sets Rainbow Montessori apart is the genuine care and attention given to each child. The teachers are not just educators; they are mentors who understand the unique needs of each student. The open communication between teachers and parents is highly valued, fostering a sense of partnership in the child's learning journey."
mission statement
At Rainbow Montessori School our mission is to meet each child’s individual needs – academically, emotionally, socially and physically – on a dynamic level.
We value and encourage diversity, creativity, independence and individuality. We believe that each child has special gifts to be nurtured and encouraged and that a strong foundation of learning can be developed during early childhood through a blend of Montessori and traditional nursery school methods.
The Montessori Method’s theories include individualized learning, respect for the child and his/her unique developmental pace, a focus on sensorial development, the teaching of independence and autonomy, care of the environment, grace and courtesy, exposure to cultural traditions and practical life skill development.
The Montessori Method highlights the importance of developing a solid foundation during early childhood and promotes a love of learning.
faculty & staff
Pam Petrillo has been the Director of Rainbow Montessori School since 2013. She holds a BA Degree in English with New Jersey State Teaching Certification for grades Kindergarten through 12th. Ms. Petrillo completed Montessori training last year at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. Prior to becoming the Director of RMS, Ms. Petrillo functioned as the Assistant Director for five years, working alongside then Director, Jenelle Erickson Boyd. Ms. Petrillo began her career as a teacher at RMS and spent 7 years working with children ages 2 ½ through 4. In addition to her love of teaching children, Ms. Petrillo is very interested in the history of New Jersey and serves as a commissioner on the Landmark Commission of Hanover Township.
director
Pam Petrillo
OVERVIEW
At Rainbow Montessori School, we believe that our similar age grouped, small class size and low student/teacher ration allow us to meet the needs of diverse learners. Young children grow and learn through experiences within their environment. Our goal is to help each child build a solid foundation for learning during the period of early childhood We believe that children’s development in each of the areas of emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth are all equally important, and our approach to education is, therefore, a holistic one. At RMS, children’s individual rates of development are respected and nurtured, thus helping each child to build a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
We currently offer four classes which range from PK2.5 through Kindergarten – we blend a holistic Montessori Methodology with a traditional nursery school approach that use both group and individualized activities to help children develop the following proficiencies:
- self-confidence
- self-discipline
- critical thinking skills
- strong work habits
- independence
- social skills
- communication abilities
- values
- morals
- respect for self and others
- patience
- organization skills
- specific cognitive skills
- gross and fine motor skills
- broad general knowledge
faculty & staff
Our Montessori/Traditional Preschool blended program is staffed by loving, caring, and experienced teachers, who work together to create dynamic lessons, activities and events that promote the development of the whole child, academically, emotionally, socially and physically.
All staff members meet the requirements for preschool teachers in the State of New Jersey, have completed specific early childhood education courses and are CPR, First Aid, and Epi-pen certified. In addition, all staff members attend seminars and classes throughout the year to meet the State’s Professional Development Standards.
CURRICULUM
As part of our curriculum, we offer exposure to the following areas:
- Montessori activities in math, language, and sensory development
- Practical Life, Science, and World Culture
- Traditional Group Learning focused on Language Arts and Literacy
- Music and Art
- Gym, Dramatic Play and Active Play (indoor and outdoor)
young
5's
kingdergarten
PK 2.5
PK 3
PK 4
Y-5
PK 4
K
Our 2.5 program provides a wonderful introduction to the school setting – planting the seeds for a lifetime love of learning. There is a maximum enrollment of 6 students with two teachers in this classroom. The children have snack at school, but do not stay for lunch. It is not a requirement for them to be potty trained. Although this is a mainly a self-contained classroom, the children do travel to music class each day, play outside (weather permitting), and attend our Arts Power programs that fall within their weekly schedule.
The children are required to attend two mornings a week: (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 9am to 11:30am.
PK 2.5
Our PK3 program is designed to meet the needs of each child’s independent development. Each student is screened at the beginning of the school year so that they will progress at their own level, ensuring that they will reach their full potential as the year unfolds. Students in this class travel through four different classrooms each morning. They visit the Montessori, Practical Life, Group and Music rooms where they learn to be independent and organized while transitioning from one room and one experience to another throughout their day.
Yoga classes are held on Fridays throughout the school year. Students also attend special Arts Power assemblies when scheduled (puppet shows, magic shows, cultural programs, music and movement, story time with authors) which provide enrichment opportunities.
Each spring our PK 3 class attends a group field trip to a local nature or cultural center; parents are invited to chaperone.
This class is capped at 14 students with two teachers. Children in this class are required to attend a minimum of 3 days. They may attend 3,4 or 5 days. The class schedule is from 8:45 am to 12:30pm M-F. Children have snack and lunch time while at school.
PK 3
Our PK4 program is designed to build upon the experience gained over the previous year. Each student is screened at the beginning of the school year so that they will progress at their own level, ensuring that they will reach their full potential as the year unfolds. It is during the PK 4 level, where language skills bloom and reading skills develop rapidly.
Students in this class travel through four different classrooms each morning. They visit the Montessori, Practical Life, Group and Music rooms where they learn to be independent and organized while transitioning from one room and one experience to another throughout their day.
Yoga classes are held on Fridays throughout the school year. Students also attend special Arts Power assemblies when scheduled (puppet shows, magic shows, cultural programs, music and movement, story time with authors) which provide enrichment opportunities.
Each spring our PK 4 class attends a group field trip to a local nature or cultural center; parents are invited to chaperone.
This class is capped at 14 students with two teachers. Children in this class are required to attend a minimum of 4 days. They may attend 4 or 5 days. The class schedule is from 8:30 am to 1:00pm M-F. Children have snack and lunch time while at school.
PK 4
For children who miss the October 1st cutoff for Kindergarten, or for those who just need another year before moving forward, our unique Young Five’s program offers the perfect solution. Combined with the Kindergarten class, these students attend M-F from 8:15 to 1:00pm (2:00 pm on Wednesday for Library Science).
This class is ideal as it provides students with the benefit of attending class with students in Kindergarten thus preparing them to make a seamless transition to public or private school Kindergarten, without repeating a PK4 class.
YOUNG FIVES
RMS prides itself on an outstanding, dynamic Kindergarten program! Our program seeks to educate the whole child in a well-rounded curriculum which offers hands-on learning and experimentation. It recognizes that children in Kindergarten learn at varying rates, and that each child, therefore, required an individualized curriculum. Individual attention is readily available for each child, allowing each student to progress to his/her potential while developing a solid foundation for elementary school. Our class size and ratio allow us to meet the needs of diverse learners including those children who require more stimulation and challenge, as well as the children who require more individualized attention than may be possible to receive in other settings. Kindergarten students must by 5 by October 1st to be admitted to this class. The class is a full-day program that meets M-F from 8:15am to 2:00pm. Class size is limited to 12 students.