Now Enrolling — Fall 2026

An Authentic Montessori school in Haverhill, MA

Ages 2.9–6 years old.
A Wildflower micro-school where diverse children and families grow stronger together.

Our Story

Where every child
blooms differently

Marigold Montessori seeks to strengthen the community by providing Montessori education for children and families that reflect Haverhill's rich diversity. We are a community of learners that includes students ages 2.9 to 6 years old.

We chose Marigold as our flower name because of its role in "companion planting." Marigolds help very different plants grow more successfully — paralleling our philosophy of bringing together diverse children and families so everyone benefits and becomes stronger.

Get in Touch →
10+
Years Serving Haverhill
2.9–6
Ages We Serve
Children working in the Marigold classroom
Part of
Wildflower
Network of
Micro-Schools
Location
Trinity Church
26 White St
Haverhill, MA
An organic, real-world approach — diverse roots, stronger together.
Curriculum

Our Primary
Program

Enroll Your Child →
Primary program — children at work
Ages 2.9 – 6 Years

The Primary Curriculum

Designed with the understanding that children learn best through real-life activities that support independence, concrete experiences that engage the senses, and open-ended exploration. Through guided discovery, they develop independence, concentration, and curiosity — following their own interests through Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural activities.

Core Hours
Mon – Fri
8:45am – 3:30pm
Before Care
Mon – Fri
7:30 – 8:45am
After Care
Mon – Fri
3:30 – 5:30pm
Meals
2 healthy snacks provided. Send a healthy lunch.
Apply for This Program →

"The child who has felt a strong love for his surroundings and for all living creatures, who has discovered joy and enthusiasm in work, gives us reason to hope that humanity can develop in a new direction."

— Dr. Maria Montessori
Wildflower Network

Nine principles
that guide us

As a member of the Wildflower network, we are committed to the liberation of every human being and community, so that we may all live in harmony with our individual purpose — free from oppression, able to follow life's unfolding journey.

🌿
Network
An ecosystem of independent schools — every school a node with substantial freedom and shared resources, protecting teacher-leader autonomy.
🔬
Innovation
A laboratory for continuous improvement — rigorously evaluating efforts and using modern technology to extend teachers' observation capacity.
🏠
Home
A seamless learning community where school, home, and community offer consistent perspectives — parents as active partners, not customers.
⚖️
Equity
Schools that celebrate diversity and foster inclusivity — committed to giving each student what they need to find their purpose and fulfill their potential.
Beauty
Aesthetically engulfing environments with fine art and mindfulness — cultivating beauty in inner landscapes and relationships.
🌱
Nature
Cultivating each child's direct relationship with the natural world — sustainable materials, earth-conscious nutrition, and abundant plant life indoors.
📖
Montessori
Authentic environments where naturally good, curious children follow their interests to create rich learning, form peaceful communities, and support one another.
👩‍🏫
Teacher-Led
Small, non-hierarchical 1–2 room schools where teacher-leaders are partners and social entrepreneurs, responsible for every aspect of school life.
🏘️
Shopfront
Neighborhood-nested in street-facing spaces — increasing children's presence in the community and relying on public parks and civic spaces.
Find Us

Location & Daily Schedule

School Hours
Monday through Friday
Core Day 8:45am – 3:30pm
Before Care 7:30 – 8:45am
After Care 3:30 – 5:30pm
Snacks 2 healthy snacks provided
Lunch Sent from home
Marigold Montessori at Trinity Church
Entrance on William Street
26 White Street, Haverhill, MA 01830
Sample Daily Routine
7:30 – 8:45am Arrival & Before Care
8:15 – 11:15am Morning Work Cycle
11:15 – 11:30am Circle / Prep to Go Out
11:30am – 12:15pm Outside / Lunch Prep
12:15 – 1:00pm Lunch
1:00 – 3:00pm Nap / Afternoon Work Cycle
3:00 – 3:30pm Circle / Prep to Go Out
3:20 – 3:30pm Full Day Pick Up
3:30 – 5:30pm Extended Care
The People

Our Teacher Leaders

Maria Labanca, Teacher Leader
Maria Labanca
Teacher Leader
AMI primary certified from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Co-founder of Fundación Argentina María Montessori. Native Spanish speaker. 10+ years in early education, joining Marigold in 2019. BS Economics, MS Finance.
Janet Begin, Teacher Leader and Founder
Janet Begin
Teacher Leader & Founder
20+ years in education. Founded Marigold in 2015. AMS Early Childhood Credential, MA licensed teacher & principal. Member of Haverhill's Early Learning Leadership Team. BS Computer Science, MS Computer Engineering, M.Ed.
Jennifer Khalsa Shimmel, Afternoon Lead Teacher
Jennifer Khalsa Shimmel
Afternoon Lead Teacher
Internationally trained opera singer and interdisciplinary arts specialist. Certified early education teacher. Master's in Music from Longy School of Music of Bard. Championed low-income communities through arts education and performance.
Board of Trustees
Community-Rooted Leadership
Janet Begin — President Maria Labanca — VP Mary Howard — Treasurer Gabriela Twaalfhoven — Clerk Hannah Bessette — Trustee Lymichelle Rivera-Negron — Trustee
Join Us

Start Your
Child's
Journey

We're now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2026. We believe educational opportunities should be available to all families — we offer need-based scholarships and accept state childcare tuition vouchers.

Or email info@marigoldmontessori.org — we'd love to meet your family!

1
Attend an Info Session or Open House Learn about Marigold Montessori and the Wildflower Network. Sessions held throughout the year.
2
Complete an Application Fill out our online application to begin the enrollment process for your child.
3
Meet Our Teacher Leaders Sit down one-on-one with our teachers. We look forward to getting to know your family!