Academics

Montessori

Nurturing Independence. Inspiring Discovery.

Toddler (18 months) - Elementary

As you consider your child’s first school experience, you picture the little moments — the way they’ll step into a new space, eyes wide with curiosity, the pride in their voice when they accomplish something on their own, and the comfort of a teacher who understands them.

At Nardin, we understand that confidence, independence, and personalized learning are essential to a child’s growth. Families choose Nardin because they value an environment where each child is seen as an individual, guided with care, and encouraged to explore the world with curiosity.

As the only AMS-accredited private Montessori school in Western New York, we offer thoughtfully prepared classrooms, lead teachers with credentials from the American Montessori Society, and a learning experience rooted in hands-on discovery. Here, children progress at a pace that honors their unique path, building a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Explore Montessori at Nardin Academy.

Learning Environment

Supporting each child’s unique journey.

 

A Time-Tested Approach to Learning

More than a century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori revolutionized education by introducing a simple yet powerful idea: follow the child.

Rather than confining students to rigid structures, she championed an approach that nurtures curiosity, independence, and self-paced learning.

At Nardin, this philosophy is alive in every classroom. Here, exploration is woven into each day. Children aren't rushed through lessons or anchored to a desk — they move freely, guided by a natural rhythm of discovery that honors their individual pace and interests.

A Classroom Environment That Inspires Young Learners

Sunlight spills through the windows, illuminating neatly arranged shelves filled with Montessori materials that invite small hands to explore. A child carefully traces sandpaper letters with their fingertips, forming early connections to language. Another selects a wooden puzzle map, placing each country with careful precision. In the background, a teacher quietly observes, ready to guide but never to interrupt the flow of concentration.

The Montessori classrooms at Nardin are built for movement, choice, and hands-on learning. From tending to raised garden beds to preparing a snack, children engage in meaningful work that develops both academic skills and a deep sense of responsibility.

    • Montessori Classroom #2

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Educators Who Observe, Guide, and Inspire

Great teachers see beyond tests and grades — they shape how a child sees themselves as a learner.

At Nardin Montessori, every lead teacher is credentialed through the American Montessori Society (AMS), ensuring they bring not only expertise but also a profound respect for each child’s natural development. AMS-credentialed educators are trained to observe with intention, guiding children with insight and care. They notice the small things: a moment of hesitation before choosing a material, the spark of curiosity, and the quiet confidence that emerges when understanding takes root.

With years of experience and an unwavering commitment to Montessori principles, our teachers create an environment where each child is inspired to explore, grow, and thrive

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Academic Program

Hands-on learning, lifelong growth.

At Nardin Montessori, each stage of your child’s journey is intentionally designed to support both academic and personal development. Early experiences in independence lay the groundwork for a lasting love of learning, as children begin to understand and engage with the world around them. Guided by credentialed Montessori educators, students move with purpose — from foundational Practical Life activities to more complex academic concepts — gaining confidence and joy with each new discovery.

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      43 - Nardin Fall 2024


Toddler Program (18 months – 3 years)

In our Toddler Program, independence takes root through play-based learning, practical life skills, and gentle guidance from our teachers. Our aim at this stage is for your child to gain confidence in their ability to do things for themselves.

  • Preparing their own snack, from peeling a clementine to pouring water into a glass.
  • Learning self-care and responsibility through toilet independence, tidying up, and watering plants.


Early Childhood Program (Ages 3-6, Preschool-Kindergarten)

In Nardin Montessori’s Early Childhood Program, learning comes to life through purposeful, tactile experiences that lay the foundation for language, math, and science. A child traces a sandpaper letter with focus and care, while another builds an understanding of quantity by grouping golden beads into tens. Older students naturally take on leadership roles, gently guiding their younger peers, as every child progresses through lessons at a pace that reflects their individual readiness and growth.

  • Exploring early math concepts with golden beads and number rods, making abstract ideas tangible.
  • Developing language skills through textured letters, storytelling, and phonetic-based reading activities.

    • Montessori Classroom #1

      78 - Nardin Fall 2024


Elementary (Grades 1 – 3, Lower Elementary)

As your child’s world expands, so does their sense of wonder. In Nardin Montessori's Lower Elementary program, learning becomes an exciting journey of discovery, guided by curiosity, collaboration, and deeper intellectual engagement.

Small-group lessons allow teachers to meet each child where they are, challenging and supporting them individually. Our mixed-age classroom fosters mentorship, cooperation, and a strong sense of community.
  • Preparing a class meal, from writing a grocery list to shopping at the local co-op and cooking together.
  • Engaging in the Great Lessons — expansive, story-based narratives that ignite curiosity and wonder. These include The Coming of the Universe and Earth, The History of Writing, and The Story of Numbers — each offering children a big-picture view that inspires deeper exploration in science, history, language, and math.


Expanding Learning Through After School Electives

The school day may end, but the excitement of learning continues. In the afternoons, children step into spaces designed for movement and creativity. Some stretch and breathe through a yoga session, and others build confidence during a dance class. From artistic expression to physical activity and enrichment programs, these electives give your child the chance to explore new interests in a way that feels natural and joyful.

Discover the Nardin Difference — Schedule Your Visit Today.

As you explore the best independent school in Buffalo, NY, for your child, we invite you to see firsthand how Nardin Montessori fosters curiosity and a love of learning in a supportive community.


Nardin Montessori at a Glance

Proven excellence, lasting impact.

60+ years of excellence

As the only accredited Montessori school in Western New York, Nardin has spent more than six decades creating an authentic, child-centered learning experience that fosters independence and confidence.

2 out of 3 valedictorians

In the past three years, many of Nardin’s top graduates began their journey in Montessori, building a foundation that led to academic success and leadership.

170+ years of teaching expertise

With a faculty of certified Montessori educators whose combined experience spans generations, your child is guided by experts who understand how to nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Begin Your Child’s Montessori Journey at Nardin

As you search for the right private Montessori school in Buffalo, NY, you want a place where your child feels supported and inspired. At Nardin, that’s exactly what we provide. We invite you to take the next step —  schedule a visit or apply today!
A private, independent, Catholic school in Buffalo, NY, with coed Montessori, Lower and Middle Schools and a college preparatory High School for young women.

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