Rooted in Jesus
Children here learn about Jesus through Bible stories, a weekly verse, and the way we treat one another. Faith is part of ordinary days, present in how we work, play, and forgive.
Who we are
About Southbridge
A small school with a big heart, started by two families who would not settle.
How we began
Our Story
We did not plan to start a school. Our children attended a Christian Montessori school we loved, until its campus closed abruptly, just four months before the school year was set to begin. The nearest option was 40 miles away. That drive was not going to work for our families, and we knew we were not alone.
So we built the school we wished still existed. Cathy King, the lead Lower Elementary teacher at that school and a public school teacher for 17 years before that, wanted to keep teaching the children she loved. Kirsten Hancock wanted those families, and new ones, to have a place close to home.
Together we founded Southbridge Christian Montessori. We felt called to serve the families in our own community, and that calling still shapes every decision we make. Small classrooms. Real relationships. Faith at the center. Children who love coming to school.
Proposed mission statement
We provide an authentic Montessori education, rooted in Jesus, where every child is known, met where they are, and loves coming to school.
For review: 9 alternative mission statements are in the copy deck awaiting a final pick.
Where we are headed
Our Vision
We are building a school where a strong foundation of faith, friendship, and independence lasts a lifetime. Today that means kindergarten through sixth grade. In time, we hope to grow with our students into the middle school years. Whatever we add, we will stay small enough that every child is known.
Core values
What We Stand On
Built on Montessori
Our classrooms use authentic Montessori materials and follow the child. Students are invited into new work, return to the shelf to practice, and grow into harder extensions as they master each skill.
Prepared for the child
The environment is ready before the child arrives: child-sized, beautiful, and ordered. Whether a student is ahead, behind, or somewhere in between, the classroom meets them exactly where they are.
A note on faith
Do we need to be a Christian family?
No. You do not need to be a Christian family to attend Southbridge. Your child will absolutely learn about Jesus and Christianity here, and families who are still exploring faith are warmly welcome. Our full statement of faith is available on request.