HistoryThe idea for Pioneer Valley Montessori School was first conceived in 1963 by a group of Springfield area parents interested in Montessori education for their children. The Pioneer Valley Montessori Society was incorporated in June of 1964. The land for the school was donated to the society by Richard and Emma Anderson, former owners and operators of Camp Wilder, which is adjacent to the school facility.
The first classes, with thirty-seven students, were held at American International College in Springfield, until a one-classroom building was constructed in 1966 on the current Parker Street site. In 1971, an additional classroom and office were added to the original building and two more preschool and kindergarten classes began.
In response to requests from parents, a Montessori elementary program was started in 1979 with ten first graders. Each year for the next five years, a grade was added, until 1985 when the first class of 6th grade students graduated.
In 1981, the school undertook a second building addition, adding three classrooms, multipurpose room and kitchen. The school built a third preschool classroom onto the existing building in 1999.
Now that we have acquired the piece of land directly behind the school, we are in the early planning stages of our next addition. This will give us much needed space for our current programs, as well as to house such programs as a toddler class and a middle school.
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