Twin Parks Montessori Nurtures Engaged and Independent Learners

This Patch article is sponsored by Twin Parks Montessori School.

Twin Parks Montessori Schools nurtures a child’s natural tendency to learn. Our three campuses on the Upper West Side of Manhattan serve children from 3 months to 5 years of age. Our hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with later hours until 6 p.m. We are called Twin Parks because each of our campuses are across from Central Park or Riverside Park. Being close to nature is just one of many things that make our school wonderful. Twin Parks has a warm stimulating environment, joyful, active, independent learners and welcoming community. Each child is regarded with profound respect and care. Our nurturing teachers foster a beautiful learning environment designed to help each child reach their full potential. We are accredited by the American Montessori Society and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

All of our students, even our youngest children, have enriched experiences in math, language, science, cultural arts, music, art and movement. The Montessori approach is internationally renowned for the development of each child’s creativity, individual resourcefulness and potential.

All of our classrooms share a deep commitment to the Montessori Method and at each level our program is carefully constructed around the developmental stages of the child.

The Montessori curriculum varies at the levels of our school, but the goals are consistent throughout the programs:

• To partner with parents in the education of their children.
• To foster a love and joy of learning.
• To help children develop a positive self-image.
• To foster open minds, compassion, and respect for others.
• To develop independence and confidence.
• To instill in each child a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live.
• To maintain the highest standards for a safe and clean program.

Patch had a chance to talk with Susan Kambrich, Ed.D, Executive Director, Twin Parks Montessori School.

Patch: What attracted you to education, and how did you get started?

Kambrich: I have always loved learning and teaching. Both of my parents were educators as well as my grandparents! I started teaching in a traditional kindergarten classroom, but had the opportunity to do some student teaching at a Montessori school, and fell in love!

I have been an educator for 35 years. My first Montessori teaching job was as a summer teacher in Fairbanks, Alaska. I was a teacher in Ohio and Wisconsin and Albany, N.Y. before becoming Head of School at Woodland Hill Montessori school in 2000. After 20 years in that role, I became the Executive Director at Twin Parks Montessori in July 2020.

Patch: What is your teaching style or philosophy?

Kambrich: The Montessori method of education encourages children to discover, be independent and love learning. Montessori schools are beautiful and engaging. Children are taught to be creative, develop perseverance, and are given the time to become absorbed in what they are learning. Because we know children learn best in a hands-on environment, we have many carefully curated learning materials. Children learn food preparation, flower arranging, music and movement, art projects, along with math, language, practical life, science, geography and much more. Children make choices, which empower them and help them to build confidence. Our dedicated teachers are specially trained in the Montessori method. As a parent, I value what Montessori has done for my children too!

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced working in the education system?

Kambrich: COVID-19 has been a big challenge! We were very grateful however that we remained in person for the past two school years. We thought that masking was going to be more difficult than it really has been. We are amazed by the children’s resilience. We are tired of masks but we are grateful to be in person with our children. Our teachers and staff have been heroes!

Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, there have been some useful outcomes. This year we have offered parent education once a month via Zoom. We have been able to bring in experts to do presentations and workshops on sleep issues, biting, toilet training, sensory development, speech and language and many other topics. Having Zoom has made the workshops more accessible. This is also true for staff meetings. We are able to show presentations to staff more easily.

Patch: What’s your favorite thing about being an educator? About your school or organization?

Kambrich: It is a joy to see our beautiful children each day. They are so excited to come to school! Twin Parks is a wonderful school and I have especially enjoyed the warm sense of community. The parents are a great group of people, and the teachers are very loving and collaborative. I appreciate that the school works together, parents and educators, to do what is best for our children.

Patch: What does a typical day in one of your classrooms look like?

Kambrich: Our school day includes circle time with stories, music and games. We have open learning and play periods, time outdoors, lunch and nap time. Each week there is a special music and movement class. Our regular day is from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and extended day is until 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Patch: What kind of extracurricular activities does your school provide?

Kambrich: We have after-school programs that include Spanish, movement, art, science and music, but our options change each year.

Patch: Do you have any upcoming open houses or events for prospective students?

Kambrich: We have information sessions and open houses that can be accessed through our website.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your school or organization?

Kambrich: We have information sessions and open houses that can be accessed through our website. Our Admissions Directors are always happy to talk with parents and share information about our schools. Families can contact our Admissions Directors here.