Childrens Own School

Children’s Own School (COS) is a non-profit Montessori school serving the town of Winchester, Massachusetts and surrounding communities. It was founded in 1942 by Dorothy Sprague Gove (1900- 1980) as a small private school pre-school for children between the ages of 2.9 and 6 years based on the Montessori principles of education. It was incorporated in 1947 and it is the oldest Montessori school in New England. The school’s name has real meaning, for it represents the spirit of the place, a bright and warmly inviting atmosphere where a child may peacefully explore in a carefully prepared learning environment. The main objective of Children’s Own School is to provide a carefully planned, stimulating environment which will help children develop within themselves the foundational habits, attitudes, skills and ideas which are essential for a life-time of creative thinking and learning.

The Montessori classroom is non-competitive, and encourages a spirit of happy productivity in a positive climate. Children learn to care for their environment with pride, to accept guidance, to live happily with their peers, to advance at their own rate of growth and to experience the real joy of learning.

Children’s Own School occupies the former Russell Farm at 86 Main Street (Route 38), Winchester, Massachusetts. It is easily accessible by car from Arlington, Medford, Lexington and other points north of Boston. It is also easily accessible from Route I-93. The school is overseen by a Board of Directors and is administrated by an AMI trained Director.

Decisions are made not for the convenience of administration, faculty or parents but on what is best for the children we serve. COS recognizes that each child has a unique nature and, with that, the capacity to become a successful learner. We promote opportunities for self-discipline and the development of the child’s inner resources, which in turn promote self-esteem. COS believes that parents and teachers are partners working together for the benefit of each child.

Our primary goal is to provide each child with an excellent Montessori education using the principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori and sanctioned by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

COS supports and fosters positive growth and development in the entire school community. We do this through continuing education, formal and informal sharing of ideas and experiences, professional support for our work and personal respect for one another. We are successful in our mission by fostering positive attitudes with families, faculty, staff and administration.

Child Ages:

3 years - 6 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care

Special Needs:

Developmental

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 8:45 AM-4:30 PM