Damariscotta Montessori School

05/14/2026

Congratulations, DMS alumni Ahlwynn Tabor! Civil Engineering bachelor's degree, with a concentration in Water Resources Engineering, Magna Cum Laude!

05/14/2026

Congratulations, DMS alumna Kayleigh Tolley, on your Masters of Music in Opera Performance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee!

04/17/2026

The Middle School students were engaged and thoughtful on their Black History Walk in Portland, ME! Thank you, Black Travel Maine, for an amazing experience!

04/03/2026

We believe that Dr. Maria Montessori would be happy to see the work she started with our youngest community members extended to our elders. Montessori for all ages...🥰

02/12/2026

Congratulations, Renee Ripley! We aren't surprised, but we are so happy for you!

01/30/2026

Ruby McCormick, one of our 8th graders at DMS, has created a website highlighting different animals that are available for adoption with different organizations as part of her 8th-grade year-long Passion Project. Please check out her impressive and hard work! She has partnered with several shelters and rescues to collect available animals in one easy-to-explore place!

Timon

01/16/2026

Take a peek inside a Montessori classroom! 🥰

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12/15/2025

The Damariscotta Montessori School community in Nobleboro, ME, was happy to welcome an international student on October 20th, 2025. The whole school community is excited to host the thirteen-year-old Guatemalan middle school student for seven weeks, as part of Jump the World, a cultural exchange program. Jump the World places students from Guatemala in many schools around the country.

While in Maine, the visiting student is living with one of the Montessori families. This year, Dr. Melissa Keeport and Dr. Daniel Keeport, and their two sons, Lev and Jude, and their daughter, Pearl, volunteered to open their home to the exchange student. This is such a wonderful opportunity to create friendships that can last a lifetime, connecting two different cultures. “Even though it is just seven weeks, it is still a big deal to add another child, whom you don’t know, into your home. We are all thankful to the Keeports for helping this be possible,” said Shawnaly Tabor, Head of School.

The Middle School classroom prepared for his arrival by brainstorming ways to help him feel comfortable and trying to imagine what he might be experiencing. On the morning of his arrival, they gathered in a circle to welcome him to the classroom. He was met with the gentle smiles of students who were both eager, excited, and a bit nervous. “The students remember our last exchange student, and they did a great job discussing what went well, and what they could do better,” explained Jessica Otterman, Middle School Lead Teacher, “They want our new friend to feel as comfortable as possible. They understand that being so far from home can be scary. They were brushing up on Spanish phrases and found a language app to communicate more efficiently.”

This program allows the host school to learn about the Guatemalan culture and for the visiting student to practice their English skills and learn about our country. As part of the exchange experience, the Guatemalan student will be joining in all of the classes and activities that are part of the Montessori middle school experience. This includes Latin, farming, and even an upcoming field trip to learn about the Wabanaki peoples and colonial Maine. “He is really friendly, good at soccer, and loves math!” said one of the middle school students.

“We are in awe of him, really. For a thirteen-year-old to travel to another country, immerse themselves in not only another culture, but to live in a stranger’s home, and jump right into school with peers that don’t speak his native language…well, that takes a lot of bravery,” said Shawnaly Tabor, Head of School, “We are very excited about the opportunity for our school to provide a welcoming, safe place for him. We can all learn so much from each other!”

The Damariscotta Montessori School serves children from 2.5 years old through 8th grade and is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), and the Dept. of Education. The preschool program has achieved the highest level with Maine Roads to Quality. Damariscotta Montessori School strives to build a foundation for a lifetime of creative learning and living. For more information about the Damariscotta Montessori School, please visit www.damariscottamontessori.org

12/09/2025

One expert said further research is needed to test whether the benefits last beyond kindergarten.

02/25/2025

Way to go, DMS alumni Emma Tolley! You made the Dean's List! 🥳

Emma Tolley, of Waldoboro, has been named to Emmanuel College's Fall 2024 Dean's List in recognition of academic excellence. To earn a spot on the Dean's List, Emmanuel students must achieve a gra...