Get face-to-face with all your emotions at the Long Island Children's Museum's new Inside Out exhibit. Photo courtesy of LICM
MLK Weekend 2026 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids
Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Watch ice carving demonstrations and celebrate all things winter along the harborfront at Port Jefferson's annual Ice Festival. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Business Improvement District
Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Have a ball this winter at indoor fun centers on Long Island like Nana’s Wonderland. Photo by Gina Massaro
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Kids will burn off all their energy running, jumping, and sliding through the Jetsetters Kids Club. Photo by Gina Massaro
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
GUIDE
LI Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

9 Montessori Preschools for Long Island Kids

Stimulate your child's learning at West Hills Montessori. Photo courtesy of the school
Stimulate your child's learning at West Hills Montessori. Photo courtesy of the school
2/19/22 - By Toby B

The days are long, but the years are short. Before you know it, it’s time for your little one to spread his or her wings and head off to preschool.

There are many preschool options on Long Island, and choices can be overwhelming. But if you’ve decided a Montessori preschool is a good fit for your child, we’ve put together a list of options to get you started on a search.

For the uninitiated, Montessori is an educational philosophy developed more than a century ago that encourages kids to be independent and learn at their own pace. Typically students are grouped by ability rather than age, classrooms are outfitted with specific learning materials, and specially trained teachers act as observers and facilitators.  

Take advantage of the tours and open houses these schools offer and bring along your child so he or she can get a feel for the school as well. For more learning opportunities for Long Island kids, check out our classes and enrichment guide.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Montessori Preschools in Suffolk County

Montessori Life of Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai
Ages 2-6 years old
At Montessori Life, children are encouraged to explore and discover the world based on their interests and abilities. The school accepts enrollment year-round for its preschool and kindergarten classes and offers a 10-week summer camp program featuring Montessori-based experiences. A bilingual program allows children to learn Spanish naturally while exploring the world around them. Classroom design, materials, and daily routines support individual development. READ MORE

Loving Hands Montessori Preschool

Bay Shore
Ages 18 months to 6 years
Loving Hands Montessori Preschool accepts enrollments all year long for its preschool day care, toddler, and preschool programs. The school has options for families who are looking for full-day or half-day care as well as an accelerated curriculum for pre-kindergarten children. Healthy meals and snacks are provided in addition to the school’s own unique, child-focused curriculum based on Montessori principles. Summer programs are also offered. READ MORE

North Shore Montessori School

Stony Brook
Ages 18 months-5 years
North Shore Montessori welcomes children ages 6 weeks through kindergarten. A Montessori learning environment is like no other. Every child is unique and the faculty is trained and committed to nurturing the unique qualities of each child. The Montessori method focuses on allowing a child to learn in a hands-on setting, which is designed to cater to each child’s individual needs and unique personality. Through the prepared environments of each classroom, the students develop independence, self-discipline, academic skill, and a passion for life-long learning. NSMS is a... READ MORE
Students learn in mixed-age environments at Southampton Montessori School. Photo courtesy of the school
Students learn in mixed-age environments at Southampton Montessori School. Photo courtesy of the school

Montessori Preschools on Long Island's East End

Southampton Montessori School

Southampton
Ages 3-9 years
The curriculum here is based on a three-year cycle of mixed-age groupings so students can take full advantage of the program and learn from and teach each other. Half- and full-day preschool sessions are offered five days a week, and elementary sessions are five days a week from 9am to 2pm. Before- and after-care are available for families who need it. Students have access to the school’s main building, which houses the classrooms, a greenhouse, and a gymnasium. Students can also enjoy the garden, courtyard, and playground area. READ MORE

Montessori Preschools in Nassau County

Countryside Montessori School

Great Neck
Ages 18 months-6 years
Countryside Montessori School has two toddler classes and two primary classes. The toddler class is for children 18 months to 3 years old while primary includes nursery, pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade students. Families are encouraged to keep their children in the primary program for three consecutive years to take advantage of the full curriculum. All curricula follow the Montessori philosophy. The school has an outdoor playground and access to natural surroundings that children are free to explore safely. READ MORE

The Happy Montessori School of Port Washington

Port Washington
Ages 2 years, 8 months-6 years
Founded in 1970, the Happy Montessori School is a community fixture. This New York State-accredited school looks to the Montessori principle that for children to learn they need freedom; a freedom that is best achieved through structure and predictability. Here, children have the opportunity to practice yoga, learn Spanish, and appreciate art and music. The school also offers a summer day camp held at Sands Point Preserve. Interested families are encouraged to call for a tour of the historic campus. Transportation is available for those in Port Washington and parts of... READ MORE

Long Island Montessori School

Westbury
Ages 3-6
Children at Long Island Montessori School learn in a multiage classroom functionally arranged for children to work and move about freely. All items are neatly placed on shelves that children can see and touch, and books are always available. The school offers an extended program in the morning and afternoon for those families who need it. READ MORE

The Montessori Children's School

Massapequa
Ages 2 years, 9 months-5 years
Children are encouraged to learn here through exploration. Programs for children begin as early as toddler and run all the way to kindergarten, taught by lead teachers with Montessori certification. The school offers an extended-hours program for families who need before- and after-care. There is also a summer camp for children. READ MORE

Our Lady of Grace Montessori School

Manhasset
Ages 3-10 years
Our Lady of Grace Montessori School’s "The Wings" program is a multiage community of learners between the ages of 3 and 6. Half-day sessions are offered for either the morning or the afternoon for 3-year olds and full days are available for 4-year olds. The school follows Montessori principles with a Catholic orientation in all areas of learning, including practical life, sensorial, math, and language. Classrooms are carefully prepared with concrete and hands-on materials designed for discovery and understanding. The curriculum adheres to New York State standards. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: