About GTMS:

Building blocks for a purposeful life

GTMS cultivates in children respect, confidence, autonomy and curiosity. A delight for discovery that our students carry with them for their whole lives.

Every choice we make, as parents and educators, is an opportunity to give each of our students the tools to make their own choices for learning and for life.

At Greene Towne, guided by our teaching staff, students discover for themselves a purposeful, active, personal learning journey, with unlimited potential to realize a wonderful future. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared spaces, designed to encourage and grow hands-on self-directed learning. Filled with educational materials that engage and spark thinking, where learning is structured around uninterrupted time, and exploration can take its natural course. Greene Towne students go on to lead fulfilling lives, because they have the skills to constantly build their own learning, and make their choices come to life.

Over 50 Years Growing With Philadelphia

Greene Towne opened in the fall of 1966 at Saint Clement’s Church, founded by parents with the goal to grow a “racially, religiously, and economically integrated school.” Greene Towne Montessori has been an integral part of the fabric of the Center City neighborhood we call home, fostering a carefully considered learning environment for Philadelphia’s children.

1966 September 14

Greene Towne School opens its doors to 25 students on the 3rd floor of St. Clements Church. For a small group of dedicated parents, it is the realization of a dream.Two founding parents, Portia Sperr and Maryanne Hunter, take the Montessori Early Childhood certification course at Ravenhill under Mother Isabel who brought Montessori training to Philadelphia while founding parents Kaki Kriebel and Jane Unkefer run the office.

1976

Portia Sperr and Mary Anne Hunter leave Greene Towne to found The Please Touch Museum, based on the hands-on, experiential learning experience provided by the Montessori classroom environment.

1986

The first fundraising auction, benefitting tuition assistance, is held. Greene Towne still offers financial aid today.

2001

Greene Towne has a new home to call our own at 2121 Arch Street. After two years of fundraising, planning, and construction, the new Greene Towne opens in September, welcoming 3 returning classes and 1 new class for 3 to 6-year-olds.

2007

Greene Towne expands to a neighboring property at 2215 Arch Street, now known as West Campus, establishing the Toddler House with two toddler environments.

2008

Greene Towne receives a first time 10 year accreditation from the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools and the American Montessori Society.

2016

Greene Towne celebrates 50 years!

2023

Greene Towne Montessori School officially opens the doors of their new home at 55 N. 22nd Street, with 11 classrooms – including an elementary classroom – with room to grow, an art room, a music room, 3 movement rooms, and a rooftop play deck.

“Families that come to Greene Towne over time understand how much potential Montessori can unlock.” Patrick Sutch Lead Teacher

Our Community

Current Siblings 50
Alum Siblings 28
Staff of Color 26%
Children of Color 51%
Continents Represented 5
Languages Spoken 28

Celebrating Curiosity in a Diverse Community

Our entire learning environment is thoughtfully prepared to encourage hands-on self-directed learning, structured around uninterrupted time, where exploration can take its natural course, in classrooms designed to prepare the children for the society they will inherit.

We continually celebrate differences in ability, sexual orientation and identity, social background, religious belief, and racial, national, and ethnic origin, because we see a diverse student body, faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees as an essential reflection of the Montessori vision and our place in the city of Philadelphia.

Read the full statement

Our Strategic Plan

Greene Towne is in an ideal position to focus on creating a new strategic plan, to focus our work in the next several years. We are excited to join with as many of our community members as possible to help shape our vision for this important time in the life of Greene Towne. Stay tuned for more information about the many ways to take part in this important process.

Our Accreditations and Affiliations

What’s Happening in Our Community
March 14, 2024

Sarah Shares – Last Call for Food Drive: Meaningful Service in Early Childhood

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March 14, 2024

Parent Education Rewind – Montessori Math: An Introduction and Demonstration

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March 14, 2024

Auction Updates!

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March 14, 2024

Sign Up for Session 4 of After School Enrichment!

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March 12, 2024

February Blog (Desiree McNeill)

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