Counterpane School is one of very few Montessori environments in the country that extends the Montessori philosophy from the 3 year-old through twelfth grade. Students and guides share in this project-based, co-worker, co-learner environment.
Counterpane`s campus is on 14 wooded acres with organic gardens, farm animals, and a profusion of wildflowers. The academic program relies on mixed ages, an interdisciplinary curriculum, and boasts a fully integrated arts program.
Counterpane celebrates a diverse population and 100% acceptance to college since first graduating class in 1991.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 45 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,000
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Year Founded
1974
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
45 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Different for different ages
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,000
Admissions Director
Karen Minvielle
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
3 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Beta Club, Interact Club, Junior Beta Club
Beta Club, Interact Club, Junior Beta Club
School Notes
- The student body from pre-school through high school is divided into three communities of learners: Primary (3 to 6 years); Lower School (6 to 12 years); and Upper School (12 to 18 years). This format ensures an environment in which each student can develop intellectually and emotionally at his or her own rate.
- Geography, creative writing, problem solving, life science, and community service are integral parts of the curriculum at all levels, Primary through high school.
- At the Upper School level (12 to 18 years), the curriculum is exclusively college-preparatory, and the environment closely resembles a workplace with individual contracts, group projects, team meetings, class discussions, and student/teacher appointments. Independent study, joint-enrollment with local colleges, and professional internships are incorporated as achievement, commitment, and maturity permit. Long-term research projects and community service involvement are inherent in the program. Students address political and environmental responsibilities as well as develop in-depth analytical and communication skills. Throughout high school, each student is assisted in evaluating and addressing his or her individual strengths and weaknesses in order to achieve college readiness both academically and emotionally.
- The resulting confidence, self-awareness, and genuine desire for inquiry make college a natural conclusion and confirm life as a continuous learning and growing experience.
- Counterpane students enjoy acceptances from colleges such as Auburn University, Berry College, Boston College, Boston University, Bowdoin College, Brandeis University, Brown University, Caltech, Carnegie Mellon University, Claremont McKenna College, College of Charleston, Colorado State, Columbia University, Cornell University, Digipen, De Paul University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Harvey Mudd College, Haverford College, Johnson & Wales, Macalester, M.I.T., New Mexico School of Mining and Technology, New York University, Penn State Univ0ersity, Savannah College of Art and Design, Sweet Briar College, Tulane University, the University of Georgia, the University of Kentucky, the University of Mississippi, and Virginia Tech.
- To date, all graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges or universities.
- Counterpane evaluates students through written assessments, and students do not receive grades until ninth grade. Dual Enrollment with a local university is encouraged during a student's junior or senior year. A student may also opt for an additional year in High School if personal needs or goals dictate.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Counterpane Montessori School cost?
Counterpane Montessori School's tuition is approximately $14,000 for private students.
When is the application deadline for Counterpane Montessori School?
The application deadline for Counterpane Montessori School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 2/9/2024
Counterpane is like no other school my child has attended. The self-direction fostered by Montessori pedagogy is phenomenal. This place is the platonic ideal of education that all schools strive for and consistently fail to achieve.
5 2/9/2024
Since we moved we searched for a Montessori school and we found Counterpane. We met this lovely woman named Karen and she transmitted her passion for the school and we knew we were in the right place. We are foreign and our son immediately felt in an environment of respect and love. He has grown so fast as a kid and in his skills that we are impressed. He loves to go to schools each day and that makes us very happy.
5 2/9/2024
Very creative learning environment.
5 2/9/2024
A great school for fostering independence and a love for learning.
5 2/9/2024
Excellent school. Good education. Good decision for kids.
5 2/9/2024
Kaylia has learned a lot in various aspects of life. Thank you!
5 2/9/2024
I am grateful for this school. It is a wonderful supportive environment.
5 2/9/2024
My daughter is dyslexic and we had lots of issues trying to get a 504 in the traditional public school system. I felt like I was failing my child until I learned about the Montessori curriculum. My child started matriculating in the 4th grade and I panicked because most Montessori schools stop after middle school. I found Counterpane just before the panic of returning to a failing school system started.My child is thriving and is part of community. They come home excited and no longer feel defeated.If your child needs a different environment, try Counterpane. It may be one of the best decisions of your life!
5 2/9/2024
My child switched two years ago to Counterpane due to social anxiety at the old school. The difference has been unbelievable
5 2/9/2024
My son has participated in Counterpane's Primary classroom for less than a year and has excelled academically thus far. He truly enjoys the school atmosphere, which I would describe as a true community that is supportive, nurturing, and engaging. Academically and socially he has grown so much in such a short time. I would highly recommend Counterpane because as a parent of a now four-year-old I love consistent, honest, and open communication. To see my son so excited to go to school just warms my heart. If you're thinking about taking a tour, do it! The staff is phenomenal.
5 2/24/2016
Counterpane Montessori School fosters an environment that is child-centered and develops the unique abilities and independence of its students. Our oldest daughter attends Primary and our youngest daughter participates in SOUNS. Best decision for our family.
5 10/20/2015
Love the school! I've been A parent of an arrow child for two years now. I was unhappy with the public schools and this has been a great experience for both my children who are very different both academically and socially.
5 10/20/2015
My son has attended this school since he was 2.5 years old (he is now 13, in the 8th grade). He has learned how to be independent, how to study, how to manage his time, and how to love learning. The teachers are wonderful, wise, patient and kind. We are blessed to have our son here!
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