Local Business Spotlight Oak Grove Montessori School

This Patch article is sponsored by Oak Grove Montessori School.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Meghan Rosenfeld, Head of School, of Oak Grove Montessori School.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Meghan Rosenfeld: Oak Grove Montessori School Founded in 1981, Oak Grove has enjoyed a 40+ year tradition of providing relevant learning experiences for children from all walks of life, ranging in age from 2.9 to 12 years. These experiences have withstood the test of time by authentically following Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy. At the Grove today, our esteemed faculty serve three main groups of students in multi-age classrooms: Primary (ages 2.9-6), Lower Elementary (ages 6-9) and Upper Elementary (ages 9-12). We also offer holistic learning strategies for additional social and academic enhancements when needed. What began more than forty years ago as a brand new, co-operative, not-for-profit, fledgling Montessori school has grown into a well-established institution for self-directed learning; a lighthouse for relevance in an ever-changing world.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Meghan Rosenfeld: 42 years

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Meghan Rosenfeld: I attended Montessori school as a child and this inspired my decision to join the educators who instilled my love of learning and passion for creating a more just and compassionate world. Creating spaces for children to develop skills in independence and dig into their academic passions and interests is something that brings me joy and immense satisfaction.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Meghan Rosenfeld: Parents often ask if a Montessori child can transition successfully between traditional school and our method. Because the Montessori method focuses on deeply understanding child development and hands on learning, our classrooms are specially designed to meet children where they are with a customized and dynamic curriculum that encourages independence and problem solving. Children transitioning from a traditional setting into Montessori find our classrooms to be exciting, dynamic, and supportive. Children transitioning into a traditional setting after attending our school are autonomous learners who possess excellent research and time management capabilities, consider work/learning to be exciting and fun, and depart from OGMS with enhanced social confidence and leadership skills.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Meghan Rosenfeld: Helping children discover that "work" is something that can feed their souls and make their community a better place.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Meghan Rosenfeld: We are an authentic Montessori school and take pride in our beautiful and expansive outdoor spaces for our students to learn, play, and explore in. Nurturing a connection with the natural environment is an essential element of our curriculum.