Andover School of Montessori Turns 50!

This year, Andover School of Montessori is celebrating 50 years of education! Founded by William and Mary Peck and Doctors Kenneth and Egle Pedini, ASM welcomed its first class of Children's House students in a rented space at Saint Augustine's School in February 1975. A few years later, ASM moved to St. Michael’s School in North Andover and expanded to include a Kindergarten program. An elementary program was introduced shortly thereafter and in 1995, construction of ASM’s new home began at 400 South Main Street in Andover – formerly the Fieldstones Restaurant. In the fall of 1996 we completed the first stage of our present building and moved our program to the 7.5 acre site. Our Middle School program was inaugurated in the fall of 2001. At the same time, we nearly doubled the size of our physical plant to incorporate space for art, music, a library, a small science lab, staff room, and a community gathering room.

In 2003, ASM received accreditation from the Association of Independent Schools of New England and the American Montessori Society. 2003 was also the year of the first 8th grade class to graduate.

The educational program is rooted in the Montessori approach, a child-centered pedagogy, which advocates learning through collaboration and communication in a climate of support and hands-on learning. At the same time, the school promotes service to others, models integrity and civility, instills a sense of community and embraces peace while challenging prejudice and encouraging a deep respect for differences.

Over the years, the progressive Montessori school has expanded its programming to include Before and After School Care, Summer Programming, an Enrichment program, and a robust STEM curriculum. Its graduates enroll at a variety of independent, private, and public schools including Brooks School, Central Catholic High School, Commonwealth School, The Governor’s Academy, Phillips Academy, and Pingree School.

To commemorate the school’s historic birthday, the ASM community enjoyed a community breakfast, weeklong auction, and special All-School Meeting during the annual Founders’ Week Celebrations in February. Throughout the spring and summer, the school will showcase ASM’s history through a social media campaign on Facebook and Instagram and host a First Families Tea before the start of the next school year. The 50th Birthday Celebration will be the culminating event held in November at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut and will be open to the greater ASM community.