Old Lyme, CT

The Learning Garden is a highly-regarded Montessori-inspired childcare center serving the Old Lyme area from nearby Niantic. They offer a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes individualized learning and development. Their curriculum focuses on hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and academic readiness. The facility features modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center is known for its warm, nurturing environment and strong parent-teacher communication, with regular progress updates and family engagement events.

As an American Montessori Society full-member school, The Children's Tree offers authentic Montessori education serving Old Lyme families. The school provides a carefully prepared environment with specialized Montessori materials that encourage independence, concentration, and love of learning. Their certified Montessori teachers guide children through individualized learning paths, focusing on practical life skills, sensorial development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The campus includes beautiful outdoor learning spaces, gardens, and nature exploration areas. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-student ratios and emphasizes community building and peaceful conflict resolution.

The Little School provides play-based early childhood education with a strong focus on social development and school readiness. Their curriculum balances structured learning with child-directed activities, incorporating literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features secure, age-specific classrooms, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and extensive outdoor play spaces with natural elements. Staff members are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The program emphasizes character development, empathy building, and creating a joyful learning environment where children feel safe to explore and grow.