A Brief Overview

Greene Towne Montessori School is the longest running and only fully accredited Montessori school in Philadelphia. The school opened in the fall of 1966 at Saint Clement’s Church, founded by parents who wanted an early educational alternative 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. 

Over one hundred years ago, Maria Montessori, a pioneering educator and one of the first women in Italy to earn a medical degree, revolutionized education by recognizing that young children are sensorial learners. In the specially prepared environment of the Montessori classroom, children learn by using manipulative materials designed specifically for their young minds and bodies. The Montessori program is designed to encourage and enhance a child’s natural love of learning and discovery and serves the needs of the whole child, emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually. In such an environment, supported by the teacher’s sensitivity to each child’s needs, the child is able to grow in competence, self-esteem and maturity. Greene Towne’s approach emphasizes courtesy towards others and nurtures curiosity about the world around us.

In 2001 after two years of fundraising, planning, and construction, Greene Towne opened the doors of their newly-owned home at 2121 Arch Street. School started in September, welcoming three returning classes and one new class for 3- to 6-year-olds. In 2007, Greene Towne expanded to a neighboring property at 2215 Arch Street, establishing the Toddler House with two toddler environments for children ages 18 months- to 3-year-olds.

Now, in Greene Towne’s 55th year, there is big news to share. After losing the West Campus at 2215 Arch Street last September to flooding from Hurricane Ida, Greene Towne is excited to announce a new home. Plans have been finalized to occupy three floors plus an expansive private roof deck at 2140 Arch Street, across the street from the East Campus at 2121 Arch Street. 

The total space of just under 30,000 square feet will allow Greene Towne to come together as one unified campus within two years. The new location has space for the school’s current nine classrooms, as well as ample space for Movement, Art, Music, a professional kitchen, and meeting and gathering spaces, plus, room to grow. The private rooftop deck is large enough for multiple playscapes, specifically designed for students from toddler through Kindergarten.

Visit www.gtms.org for information about Greene Towne Montessori School and building updates.