Green Hedges begins with Preschool and ends at Grade 8, for good reasons. We begin with Pre-K because the early years encompass some of the most rapid learning and growth any of us ever experiences. It’s an exciting time, and our Montessori program—for Preschool through Kindergarten—fully taps the potential of those years.

Ending with Grade 8 also has many advantages. Our Grade 8 students experience the transition to adolescence in a community where they’re known and loved, and where they feel safe to try new things. Unlike a school that continues into the high- school years, at Green Hedges Grade 8 students are the leaders, at a time when being a leader is an important part of a young person’s development. They lead assemblies and all-school meetings, greet families at morning drop-off, take charge of community service activities, and become role models for the younger students.

And even though they’re entering their early teens, Grade 8 students are still basically kids. So we let them be kids, without the pressure to grow up too fast.