
OUR PROGRAMS
At Chemung Valley Montessori School, we use the highly regarded Montessori approach to educate our students. Our programs are tailored to each individual child, yet it is both rigorous and creative. Our culture is intentionally diverse, and respect, kindness, personal responsibility, problem solving, and a worldview focused on peace are part of the daily life and education we foster. Service to others is an important aspect of our culture.
Using the Montessori approach, we provide a Montessori Beginnings Group, a Toddler Group, and multi-age classes for these levels: Early Childhood (3-6), Lower Elementary (6-9), and Upper Elementary (9-12).
We also offer CVMS+ (a before and after school program), Camp Mustang during school vacations, Summer Camp, and Service Learning. These programs are available for Early Childhood - Upper Elementary students.
At the heart of our educational programs is our exceptional faculty.

MONTESSORI BEGINNINGS GROUP
BIRTH-23 MONTHS
Montessori Beginnings is a 1 hour discovery group for children under age two and their caretakers. Babies and young toddlers explore the Montessori environment designed specifically for them, while parents, grandparents, and nannies engage in discussions built around a variety of parenting topics within the scope of Montessori’s educational practices. The program is offered year-round, with eight weekly meetings per session.
TODDLER GROUP
2 YEARS OLD BY DECEMBER 1ST
Two, three and five day options
8:45 a.m. – 11.05 a.m.
Our toddler program is thoughtfully designed in keeping with the Montessori philosophy to encourage children to explore, learn, and grow in an atmosphere of respect, calm, and fun. We provide a rich array of sequenced materials and activities with plenty of space for children to move. In addition to guiding children to explore and learn, we also help them to develop social skills that demonstrate respect and kindness.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
3 TO 6 YEARS OLD
Half-day 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Full-day 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In keeping with Montessori philosophy, we group students in multi-age classes, and they stay with the same teacher for three years. One teacher and one teaching assistant guide the students in exploring and learning in the Early Childhood program,. They provide sequenced Montessori materials that have been proven exceptionally effective learning tools. Each day, students have some group instruction and some independent work time.
LOWER ELEMENTARY
6 TO 9 YEARS OLD
Hours : 8:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Because Montessori education is individualized, students move to the next level when they have mastered defined cognitive, physical, and social skills and are prepared to succeed in that program.
CVMS has two lower elementary classes, each with a maximum of twenty students and generally fewer. Each class is staffed by one teacher and one assistant.
UPPER ELEMENTARY
9 TO 12 YEARS OLD
Mon & Wed: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tue, Thu & Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 2:10 p.m.
All of our upper elementary students meet together in a uniquely designed, two-story multi-age classroom with a team of one Montessori-certified teacher and two assistants. Each student has a designated teacher-advisor who meets with them daily and tracks their individual progress, but all teachers share joint responsibility for giving lessons in the Montessori curriculum.
CVMS+
CVMS+ covers the before- and after-school care program, enrichments,
Camp Mustang school-year camps, and our Summer Camp program.
PARENT EDUCATION
CVMS offers a variety of educational events for our families with children ages newborn through sixth grade.
SERVICE LEARNING
Our mission is not only to nurture each student’s individual potential and passion for lifelong learning, but also to develop a sense of world community. That sense begins with the culture of our school, in which we embrace diversity and cultivate a climate of respect and kindness.