MONTESSORI EDUCATION

ON THE NH SEACOAST

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THE CORNERSTONE MISSION

The Cornerstone School is deeply committed to laying the foundation upon which each child can build, in order to become the architect of their own future. The foundation consists of an open, inquiring mind, a loving heart, and a solid inner confidence that permits respect for our earth and its inhabitants. The groundwork is laid in an environment of intellectual challenge and close, supportive relationships among students, teachers, and parents.

EXPLORE OUR GRADE LEVELS

Two young children, a girl and a boy, standing at a table with a transparent plastic container, a sponge, and small glass cups, in a room with wooden furniture and a potted plant in the background.
A young girl with a butterfly hair clip in her hair is sitting on a blue rug, playing with a wooden United States map puzzle on the floor. She is placing a puzzle piece representing Alaska in its location on the map.

Primary

Child playing with math tiles on a table, with a notebook and a container of colorful educational tiles.
A person writing on sheet music on a clipboard, with handwritten notes and additional paper nearby.
A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a gray hoodie and plaid pants kneeling in a garden, touching a rosemary bush with other green plants and a wooden border around the garden bed.

WHAT OUR FAMILIES SAY

  • "Without hesitation we would have our kids participate in the Primary program if asked to do it again. Listening to the kids' experiences throughout the Primary years had us jokingly wishing we could attend as well as adults. 10/10 would highly recommend Cornerstone."

    Adam and Meg Croteau - Current Lower Elementary Parents

  • “The Primary program at Cornerstone has been an incredible introduction to education for our children. Our daughter thrived over the three years, benefiting greatly from the consistency and the deep sense of trust built with the teachers and the classroom. She developed confidence in navigating social relationships with both older and younger peers, which has been invaluable. The teachers were exceptionally supportive, meeting her where she was developmentally and tailoring their guidance to her individual learning pace and style. We also love the light-filled classrooms and connection to the school’s beautiful campus that add to the nurturing and inspiring learning environment.”

    Emily Chadwick, Primary Parent

  • "The Junior Class is the perfect culmination of the Cornerstone experience and Montessori education. The students practice real life skills through management of the farm and micro-economies curriculum. They apply a 'loving heart and care for the community' through regular service at a local soup kitchen. Their classroom lessons are brought to life through not only their world class educators, but also trips to Washington, DC and London, England. The Junior Class as well as the entire Cornerstone experience has prepared our child to be not only her best advocate but also a confident, kind, and curious individual."

    JoAnna Jaskolka, Current Parent

  • “As special as the Cornerstone experience was for my child and her life journey, I found Cornerstone to be an important community for me too.  Some of my closest friends to this day are people I met while volunteering at Cornerstone events, on the PVG or on the Board of Directors. I love that the parents of Cornerstone come from all walks of life, all working together toward a common goal of creating an experience not only for our own children, but for their peers and even the future children of Cornerstone. The Cornerstone community really is magical for all who engage in it.”

    Rob Pruyne, father of a recent graduate, PVG Chair, Board Member

  • "Summer Fun is an absolute hidden gem for our family. It’s really hard to find summer camps for kids younger than kindergarten, and the Summer Fun program fills that need for us. More importantly, for our children, Summer Fun offers an enjoyable, educational, and safe experience in an environment that they already know and love. It’s also enabled a smooth transition back into the Primary Program and typical school routine in the fall."

    Noah and Helen Fisher - Current Primary and Lower Elementary Parents

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QUICK FACTS

  • 168 students toddler through 8th grade

  • 27 accredited teachers

  • Established in 1985

  • Situated on 11 acres

  • American Montessori Society Member

  • Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE) Member

EXPERIENCE MONTESSORI EDUCATION

“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.” - Maria Montessori

Child wearing white shirt and black pants lying on the floor, working on a math activity with tiles, beads, and counting materials arranged on a blanket.