Closing the Opportunity Gap One Student at a Time

School expands its efforts at increasing its socio-economic diversity

Jersey City, NY, May 22, 2018: In 2006 when Hamilton Park Montessori School (HPMS) opened the doors of its two early childhood classrooms, it committed to a whole-child approach to education— one that meets the social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs of each child. 12 years later, and well into its expansion into Middle School, it continues to nurture each child’s love of learning. As part of its ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse student body, HPMS recently changed its status to a 501(c)3 non-profit entity. This will enable the school to expand its efforts at increasing the socio-economic diversity of its student body through a giving program and scholarship fund.

“Dr. Maria Montessori was globally acknowledged for her advocacy toward peace and social justice. Since day one, it’s been our commitment to meet the needs of our diverse student body, and to support every student’s curiosity and passion for learning. And now, with our new non-profit status, we will be able to even more closely mirror the diversity of the larger city and world around us,” commented Samantha Trice, founder of HPMS. “We love watching students learn to work hard and to persevere, to solve problems, and to find joy in learning everyday.”

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Hamilton Park Montessori School educates children from infancy through eighth grade, following the vision of Maria Montessori, who was thrice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of children and her work toward world peace. Built on Montessori’s values and her scientific observation of the nature of learning, HPMS’ curriculum lays a sound foundation in mathematics, language, geography, science and social science, creative arts, physical movement, sensory learning and practical living. HPMS believes this strong foundation is the key to academic success, personal growth and global awareness.

Poet, Activist, Writer. I am in 8th Grade. I am Aparna. I am Hamilton Park Montessori School.

The four eighth grade HPMS students came into the school at different times. Some have been with the school since it was first opened. Others came in when the school had become more developed. No matter when they came in, HPMS helped them discover their passions and grow as people. I am one of the eighth grade students. I have been in HPMS since first grade, and being a part of its community has given me the opportunities to shape who I am now.

When I first joined HPMS, I was instantly welcomed by a group of compassionate, hardworking teachers and warm, embracing students. Even from that age, HPMS was already building confidence and compassion in kids. We had research projects and presentations where we spoke in front of our class. Sometimes the older kids would read us passages from science or other topics and would help us answer questions about them. I feel that this helped to shape who I am because having those memories makes it more personal to me when we do things like that, since we are the older kids now. We have reading buddies and showcases to give the younger kids a sense of mentorship. To this day I love working with kids and others in my community, and these values came from HPMS.

HPMS also offers many hands-on resources for kids to learn practical life skills, learn concepts, and strengthen their creativity. When you are little, you get practical life works that kids learn from and enjoy doing! This happens a lot in HPMS, because the kids here love to learn. When you get a little bit older, you start doing works that help you visualize mathematical and scientific concepts and strengthen your understanding. Upon reaching middle school, you get to show your creativity through art, building, writing, science, math, and humanities based projects. The STEM program is a huge part of this, because the kids can create actual models of the ideas that they create, but each class offers many unique ways to express your individual thoughts.

Speaking of individuality, HPMS has a group of dedicated teachers who support the school’s philosophy of giving the students the independence and freedoms to grow into confident, kind, accepting people. They also support the interests of students and provide a safe, loving community to try other things out. That’s another reason HPMS is wonderful. The community is so closely knit that no one has to be afraid of judgement or ridicule from classmates if they want to try unique things.

My personal experience has consisted of all of these factors and so much more. My friends and teachers have been incredibly supportive of me and my goals, which are to be a writer and an activist. In a nutshell, HPMS is an amazing school, one built on compassion, confidence, independence, and student-driven passion. I feel especially lucky to have had the opportunity to be able to grow and live in this community.

--Aparna Packer will be in the first graduating cohort of 8th Graders at Hamilton Park Montessori School. When asked what she remembers from her early years at the school, she muses: "I remember when I was younger, I really liked the long chain work. That helped me with math facts and I remember it very clearly. I feel like it was more effective than plain memorization. It gave me a clearer visualization to work with. I also remember Ms. Kathy telling stories about farmers during geometry lessons to help explain certain concepts."