About Us
The mission of Montessori Circle of Friends School is to provide a safe, carefully planned, stimulating Montessori environment which will help children develop within themselves the foundation for a lifetime of learning, thinking, independence, and living. We are a child centered community that honors individuality and encourages respect for one another and oneself. We believe that the deep commitment and dedication of our small community, which is made up of our school's children, parents, and staff members, is vital in the fulfillment of this mission.
What makes us different
Each child is valued as a unique individual. We recognize that children learn in different ways and accommodate all learning styles. Children also learn at their own pace, allowing them to advance through the curriculum when they are ready.
Beginning at an early age, Montessori students develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence. Our classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the individual's emerging "self-regulation" or ability to educate one's self, and to think about what one is learning
Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach. As the child ages they learn to look critically at their work, and become adept at recognizing, correcting and learning from their errors.
Students are part of a close, caring community. The multi-age classroom
re-creates a family structure. Older students enjoy being mentors and role models; younger students feel supported and gain confidence. Teachers model respect, kindness, and belief in peaceful conflict resolution.
Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits.The children work within parameters set by us, children are active participants in deciding what their focus of learning will be. The child's internal satisfaction drives their curiosity and interest which results in their love of learning.
Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century.
Meet The Team
Martha Krane
Director and Head Teacher
Deri-Ann Weiss
Co-teacher
Shaivite Nichols
Assistant and art teacher
I'm Miss Martha, director and head teacher at Circle of Friends. I helped open the school in 2008. I attended Bay Path Jr. College and worked many years as a Medical Assistant. After having my own children, I went back to school for Early Childhood Education and earned my Montessori Certification in 2006. I reside in Westbrook with my husband and have two grown girls in their twenties.
My name is Miss Deri-Ann. My family has lived in East Haddam since 2010. My husband, Ever, and I have four children, two girls and two boys. Their ages are 14,11,8, and 6. Prior to being married and having children, I worked as a lead team teacher at Winfield Children's House; a Montessori school in Falmouth, Maine. I enjoy camping and spending time outdoors with my family.
Raised in an interfaith, international community in Central Florida-by way of Arizona and New York-I left that ashram for Miami, Mexico, and Central America where she trained in a variety of fine arts media as well as jewelry making and silversmithing.
I created an art history-based studio art curriculum for Florida students at a K-8 school and co-founded a parent-accompanied, pre-kindergarten program in art, music, and science. When my younger child graduated from MCOF in 2018, I welcomed the opportunity to join MCOF as an assistant teacher and the art teacher.
Jennifer Hickey
Assistant teacher
I am Miss Jennie. I studied Early Childhood Education at Mitchell College in New London and hold an Associates degree. I grew up in Cheser, and now live in Cromwell with my husband, stepson, and daughter. Together we love hiking, ice skating, trying ice cream spots around the state and baking yummy treats!
Our Community
" Both of my daughters have attended MCOF. It is a wonderful place where children are nurtured and educated in a manner that respects their individual talents and interests. Absolutely recommend."
Sarah H
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