Skip Navigation


“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori 

Welcome to Walden!

Thank you for your interest in The Walden School. As you browse through our pages, you will see what our school has to offer your child. Since our founding by Mary LeFever in 1967, The Walden School has taken the responsibility of educating children seriously and passionately. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, students are guided through their educational experiences by dedicated and well-trained teachers who empower the students. Teachers empower students

  • to develop self-motivation through student-centered learning
  • to deeply engage in a subject according to their personal enthusiasm
  • to learn, directly or indirectly, by observing other student’s work
  • to understand that failure is a natural part of learning
  • to know that respect, courtesy, and peaceful conflict resolution are integral to the Montessori educational experience
  • to take care of themselves, others, and the environment

The balance of academics and social-emotional learning helps our students understand the connections we all have to each other. We encourage our students and families to bring their uniqueness to the Walden Community, sharing their experiences, culture, talents, identities, and interests. Through these relationships, students learn they are part of a global community, developing an understanding and appreciation of other people and cultures. Students also learn to positively advocate for themselves and others, take appropriate and healthy risks, and seek new challenges.

With the foundation of the Montessori educational philosophy, Walden School students are engaged in an environment where they take ownership of their own education. To make this happen, building trust between the school and family is critical. When the school and family partner together to serve our students, it results in an experience that is unlike others. I invite you to visit our campus and see for yourself!

In friendship,

Bob (Coach) Thomas
Head of School