Stepping Stones Montessori School & Cushnoc Academy

Stepping Stones Montessori School & Cushnoc Academy Stepping Stones Montessori School was founded in 2001 in Chelsea, Maine by Co-Directors Carrie Gervais and Jennifer Cousins.

There is a place in Central Maine where children love learning; a place where on a daily basis, students are met where they are at, challenge abounds, and childhood is honored. Miss Jen and Miss Carrie had worked together in public school settings, had an interest in Montessori philosophy and methods, and shared a vision of progressive education. The Primary Program (ages 3-6; preschool and kinder

garten) began in 2001 at the Gervais house and moved to the present site in 2003. It offers a wide range of Montessori materials in the traditional Montessori areas of development (sensorial, practical life, mathematics, language arts, cultural studies/science) in addition to other time-honored materials and activities. In 2003, our Lower Elementary Program (grades 1-3) and Upper Elementary Programs were initiated. The programs provides students with challenging work in a supportive environment. Most recently, in 2011, a full Middle School Program was added. The Middle School honors individual interests through a self-chosen Apprenticeship, builds further skill and readies students for high school through Academic Rigor, and encourages respect through honoring Diversity. In 2013-2014, we initiated Cushnoc Academy at Stepping Stones, which encompasses Grades 4-8 in the two separate classrooms of the Upper Elementary Program and the Middle School Program. This distinction was made to better describe the way in which our programs in Grade 4-8 prepare students through a thoughtful, incremental approach to group instruction and traditional grading over time.

Twas the Night Before School ~ not a creature was stirring.
09/08/2026

Twas the Night Before School ~ not a creature was stirring.

A Fun Afternoon Making Fairy Houses
06/05/2026

A Fun Afternoon Making Fairy Houses

Thank you to students from Cony HS for coming to hang out with our students for Cony’s Day of Caring.
05/27/2026

Thank you to students from Cony HS for coming to hang out with our students for Cony’s Day of Caring.

Paying attention to real (non-digital) life and learning. A gift
05/11/2026

Paying attention to real (non-digital) life and learning. A gift

An amazing opportunity for an amazing educator!
04/13/2026

An amazing opportunity for an amazing educator!

Our small Montessori school seeks a lead or co-head teacher for a new multi-aged, 3 to 6 year old classroom, to start in August/September 2026. We prefer two years of college and two years experience with young children, but will consider other experiences. A degree in education is preferred but can...

SAVE THE DATE! Open House is March 28th!
03/19/2026

SAVE THE DATE! Open House is March 28th!

St. Patrick’s Day is always fun at SSMS.
03/17/2026

St. Patrick’s Day is always fun at SSMS.

It’s Montessori Education Week! Come see the reasons Montessori education is renowned as a superior and comprehensive mo...
02/28/2026

It’s Montessori Education Week!
Come see the reasons Montessori education is renowned as a superior and comprehensive model of learning! It all starts with the environment. Children develop in a multi-aged, child-centered, and learning-focused space.
Note, in these pictures, the level of concentration the students have, which is typical at our school. The environment and specialized activities lead to deep concentration.
Maria Montessori said it best—“the child who concentrates is immensely happy.”
At SSMS, we build a “concentration foundation” that is required for success and happiness throughout life.
Visit on our Open House on March 28 from 10am to 1pm. To make an inquiry, email us at [email protected].

Address

195 Hallowell Road
Chelsea, ME
04330

Telephone

+12076265550

Website

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