A Small Community With A Big Heart, Guided By A Mission To Serve.

“This school is not only a gem in a world that often feels bleak and broken, but a gift to our community...

... a gift that reminds us that there is still beauty in a world that feels hard and treacherous…this school is a soft place to land for love, acceptance, and family.”

--Cora, Alumni Parent

Primary Classroom

3-5 years old

Montessori classrooms include mixed ages and mixed skill levels, generally divided into three year groups (e.g., 3-6 year olds, 6-9 year olds). Peer learning is encouraged as the little ones learn from observing their older friends and the older children solidify their knowledge and gain valuable leadership skills through giving lessons to the younger children.

Toddler Classroom

18 months-2.5 years old

Our Toddler program offers so much more than childcare. A Montessori-inspired classroom for toddlers safely supports your child’s drive to do things alone, developing confidence and a sense of competence. Activities promote independence, order, coordination, and concentration and support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

What is Montessori?

Child-Led

Children are free to choose their activities within a thoughtfully prepared environment. This fosters independence, confidence, and intrinsic motivation. Teachers act as guides, supporting each child’s unique learning journey at their own pace.

Hands-On

Learning happens through doing, not memorizing. Montessori materials are designed for exploration, problem-solving, and discovery. These tactile tools help children build deep, lasting understanding of concepts.

Mixed Ages

Classrooms include children of varying ages, encouraging collaboration and peer learning. Younger children learn by observing older peers, while older children reinforce their knowledge by helping others. This builds community, empathy, and leadership.

Whole Child Focus

Montessori supports the growth of the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Grace, courtesy, and independence are woven into daily routines. Children leave with strong self-awareness, compassion, and confidence in their abilities.

Meet the Heart of Our Mission

Kate Lipka

Head of School

Ellen Mangum

Primary Lead

Gabby Chassee

Toddler Lead

Brei Stevenson

Founder / Treasurer

Wild Fern Montessori School

7511 Brook Road
Richmond, Virginia 23227

804.299.9162
[email protected]

Hours

Admin Hours
Mon thru Fri
9am-4pm

Program Hours
Mon thru Fri
8am-5pm

Wild Fern Montessori School admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It doesn't discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

© Wild Fern Montessori School. 2025. All Rights Reserved.