May 5, 2025
Tucked into the scenic hills of Litchfield, Connecticut, Litchfield Montessori School offers a learning environment where nature and education go hand in hand. Grounded in traditional Montessori philosophy, the school serves children from toddler through elementary years, fostering independence, curiosity, and a deep respect for the world around them.
One of the school’s defining features is its commitment to outdoor learning. From their earliest days on campus, students are encouraged to explore the natural world. With classroom doors opening directly into outdoor spaces, children move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor work.
Daily recess and outdoor physical education are core parts of the experience. Toddlers and primary students enjoy time on the playground, while Lower Elementary students gravitate to the woods, building creative, child – led communities in the nearby forest. As they grow, boundaries are expanded allowing Upper Elementary students to venture further into the woods, gaining both freedom and responsibility. These activities encourage leadership, teambuilding, and problem-solving.
The wilderness program is a key part of the curriculum and philosophy of whole child wellness, reflecting Maria Montessori’s belief that children learn best through direct experiences, becoming self-directed, motivated learners. Whether identifying animal tracks, cooking over a fire, or climbing ropes during outdoor challenges, students engage their senses and build practical skills. These experiences help develop confidence, resilience, and a lasting connection to the natural world.
Outdoor learning also supports emotional and cognitive growth. Time in nature fosters creativity, reduces stress, and improves focus, while fostering connection to self by allowing time and space for self-reflection. At Litchfield Montessori, the playground is seen as an extension of the classroom—a place where children practice critical thinking, social negotiation, and physical coordination.
This summer, the school plans to break ground on a brand-new playground designed with input from Montessori-trained faculty. Thanks to generous community support and outside funding, this new space will enhance outdoor learning and play for all age levels. It will be a vibrant, creative area where students continue to grow through movement, exploration, and connection.
As Litchfield Montessori looks to the future, the school remains dedicated to the idea that the best learning happens when children are given the freedom to explore—with guidance, trust, and the beauty of nature all around them.—litchfieldmontessori.org
