About The School - Welcome to PVMS!
School History & Community Culture
Over 60 years ago, a group of local parents wanted their children to have a Montessori education. The Pioneer Valley Montessori Society was established in 1964 and a one-classroom building was constructed less than a year later. PVMS grew from a one room to a building to housing 6 classrooms, multiple offices, and multipurpose spaces to serve approximately 100 children 18 months through 6th grade and we are still growing!
Pioneer Valley Montessori School offers many events throughout the year to facilitate friendship and community among our students and families, to showcase our students’ work, and to help others within the greater Springfield area. We encourage our families and staff to actively participate in our cooperative community that works together to enrich the lives of the students and their families.
Mission Statement
Pioneer Valley Montessori School provides a responsive and nurturing environment rooted in Montessori practice. We inspire curiosity, compassion, and kindness by encouraging independence, developing perseverance, and empowering the risk-taking necessary for children to grow into their best selves emotionally, academically and physically.
Our mission is accomplished by:
Fostering a love of learning
Providing a curriculum adhering to rigorous Montessori Standards informed by current thinking Embracing a diverse student body in which students experience and learn to respect ethnic, cultural, economic and other differences
Recognizing that personal growth involves learning responsibility toward others and toward the earth
Facilitating the involvement of parents, teachers, students and the larger community
Our Core Values
Respect
Community
Kindness
Individualism
Creativity
Growth
Accreditations and Licensing
Pioneer Valley Montessori School is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), who ensures that we provide the most authentic Montessori experience and curriculum possible. PVMS has a long history with AMS starting as one of first 6 schools ever accredited and is currently one of the only two Accredited Member Schools in the western Massachusetts/northern Connecticut area.
PVMS is also accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), who also review and evaluate that we are meeting or exceeding best practice standards.
Our Early Childhood program is additionally licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Organizational Structure
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees supports the Head of School and ensures PVMS operates in the best interests of students, staff, and families. The Board “holds the school in trust,” guiding PVMS toward its mission of providing excellent Montessori education. Members serve voluntarily without compensation or tuition benefits. The Board holds an Annual Meeting each fall to elect new members and review the school’s annual report, budget, and long-term plans.
The Board of Trustees meets monthly. The Head of School will report all pertinent items to the staff at the Staff Meeting following the Board Meeting.
Head of School
The Head of School leads the school in alignment with the PVMS mission and values. They oversee all school operations, including academics, student life, admissions, advancement, and business affairs. The Head of School reports directly to the Board of Trustees and serves as the main spokesperson for PVMS within and beyond the school community.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty and staff bring the Montessori mission to life each day through their work with children and families. They create safe, nurturing, and engaging environments that support independence, curiosity, and respect for self and others. Faculty and staff collaborate with one another and administration to ensure a consistent, high-quality Montessori experience across all programs. A current list of PVMS faculty and staff is available at pvms.org and is updated regularly.
Parent Community Organization (PCO)
The PCO builds community among PVMS families through events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising. Annual fundraisers and a $45 per child activity fee support family and student events such as Trunk or Treat, the Winter Event, guest speakers, and field trips. The PCO meeting dates will be posted on the school website and announced in the bi-weekly newsletter. Staff members are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings, if possible. The Admissions and Communication Director will report any pertinent items from these meetings to the staff and families in the bi-weekly newsletters.