Our History

Mount Hope Montessori School was founded in 1961, and consisted of two rooms in the home of Edie Cary on the Mount Hope River. Twelve children were enrolled that first year.  The school grew rapidly, and became a training site for Montessori teachers.  In 1969, the school was officially designated a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation.

In 1974, enrollment grew to 52 children in two sessions, and the school moved to a larger facility, located the Lutheran Church in Storrs.   The following year, it became obvious that the school had grown quickly beyond the capacity of that larger facility!  Through the generosity of a parent, our present school was constructed in 1975, and was designed with 4 classrooms, one of which now serves as our before and after school child care program room.

Over the years devoted, talented teachers have joined the staff and have helped Mount Hope become the excellent school it is today.  Friends, alumni, and parents have generously given their time, and monetary donations, to keep us growing!

Our Director, Avery Lenhart, reports to a Board of Directors who see to the continued “health and wellness” of the school both physically and financially.   The Board is composed of 11 members, 10 of whom are elected to their positions for a two-year term.  We welcome parents, former parents (and grandparents), and community members to our Board.   In addition to the Board members, meetings are attended by the Staff Representative, a non-voting position currently held by Donna Clouette, and the Recording Secretary, also a non-voting position, and currently held by Marlene Aulten.