Founded in 1968, Fraser Woods Montessori School is an independent day school serving students from 15 months through 8th grade on a beautiful 8-acre campus in Newtown, CT.
Accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools and affiliated with the American Montessori Society, Fraser Woods draws approximately 200 students from more than 20 surrounding towns.
Our mission - to cultivate compassion, confidence, and a joy of learning - is lived out daily through authentic Montessori practice, multi-age classrooms, hands-on learning, and a close-knit community where every child is known by name.
Specialists in art, music, Spanish, physical education, and a fabrications/makerspace lab round out a program designed to prepare students not just for the next grade, but for a life of purpose.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 210 students
- Yearly Tuition: $13,740
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1968
Summer School Offered
Yes
Campus Size
8 acres
Student Body
Total Students
210 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.:
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$13,740
Tuition Notes
varies by program level
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Alison Kistner
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
1 extracurricular
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Extended Work Day
School Notes
- Fraser Woods Montessori School is an independent, coeducational day school located on a scenic 8-acre campus in Newtown, Connecticut, serving students from 15 months through 8th grade. Founded in 1968 as the Newtown Montessori School, Fraser Woods has grown from a small program of 20 students in a church basement into a thriving community of over 200 students drawn from more than 20 towns across Fairfield County and beyond. In 2000, the school relocated to its current campus on South Main Street and was rededicated as Fraser Woods Montessori School in honor of longtime Head of School Myriam Woods.Accreditation & Affiliations Fraser Woods Montessori School is accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), approved by the State of Connecticut, and affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. These affiliations reflect the school's deep commitment to academic excellence, authentic Montessori practice, and the continuous professional development of its faculty and staff.Our Educational Philosophy The Fraser Woods program is rooted in the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, whose philosophy - often called "Education for Life" - centers on the belief that children learn best when their natural curiosity is honored and their individual pace is respected. Multi-age classrooms allow older students to mentor younger peers while reinforcing their own mastery, and younger students are inspired by the work happening around them. Rather than external rewards or competition, students develop intrinsic motivation, self-direction, and a genuine love of learning that carries with them long after they leave our campus.Our promise is to provide a caring, personalized, and enriched environment that stimulates each child's natural curiosity and prepares them to become independent, self-reliant, and compassionate citizens of the world.Programs & Grade Levels Fraser Woods offers a continuous Montessori experience across all levels:Parent-Child Program - For children 12 to 20 months, facilitated by Montessori-trained infant-toddler teachers in a supported community setting for parents and children togetherToddler Program - Ages 15 months to 3 yearsPrimary Program - Ages 3 to 6 (including Kindergarten), with 2- and 3-day options available for younger childrenLower Elementary - Grades 1 through 3Upper Elementary - Grades 4 through 6Middle School - Grades 7 and 8This continuum ensures that students build on a consistent Montessori foundation from their earliest years through graduation, with no disruption to the philosophy or community they have grown to trust.Campus & Enrichment The Fraser Woods campus spans 8 beautiful acres and includes natural outdoor learning spaces, a playing field, and hiking trails that are woven into the daily life of the school. Students benefit from a rich array of specialist programs including visual art, music, Spanish language instruction, physical education, and a fabrications and makerspace lab that encourages design thinking and hands-on innovation. A robust athletics program offers 14 sports, giving students opportunities to develop teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical confidence in a non-competitive, cooperative spirit.Community & Culture With approximately 200 students and a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Fraser Woods maintains the intimate scale that makes Montessori education work. Students, teachers, and families know one another well, and that sense of belonging is central to everything the school does. The school's Board of Trustees - composed of current and former parents, professionals, and community leaders - ensures strong governance, financial stewardship, and a shared commitment to the school's long-term mission.Fraser Woods graduates consistently report that they left the school ready - academically, socially, and emotionally - to thrive in independent high schools and public schools alike. Many cite their years at Fraser Woods as the foundation of their confidence, their love of learning, and their capacity for empathy.Admissions Fraser Woods Montessori School welcomes families who are curious about Montessori education and seeking a school community where their child will be truly known and supported. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour to observe our classrooms in action. Financial aid is available, and the admissions team is committed to helping families explore options for making a Fraser Woods education accessible.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fraser Woods Montessori School cost?
Fraser Woods Montessori School's tuition is approximately $13,740 for private students.
What sports does Fraser Woods Montessori School offer?
Fraser Woods Montessori School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer and Softball.
When is the application deadline for Fraser Woods Montessori School?
The application deadline for Fraser Woods Montessori School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 9/20/2018
We have one graduate, one incoming student and two current students at Fraser Woods. It is a terrific Montessori school that creates an environment that allows each student to develop at their pace. The inclusive and collaborative environment also promotes social development that I find unique and refreshing. The school caters to the individual and engages parents in the learning journey. It places the educational emphasis on understanding the concept behind an approach, idea or formula. In this way, children learn how to problem solve and learn to appreciate the different ways to do this. While Montessori's roots are now over 100 years old, the educational philosophy is more relevant today than it was then.
5 8/12/2018
Children love to learn at Fraser Woods Montessori School! Visit the school and you'll feel the kids' joy as they're spread out in the classrooms or halls, conferring together or concentrating deeply on their own. In addition to a fine academic program, FWM provides a safe community where children learn compassion, self confidence, and a sense of social responsibility.
5 6/25/2013
Wonderful place! Involved parents and nice environment. Lots of extra things the children get exposed to.
5 10/6/2012
Love this school and the Montessori philosophy! This is a beautiful way to learn and I have been fortunate to have found this for my two children. We''ve been here for 8 years
Endorse Fraser Woods Montessori School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Benefits of Smaller Class Sizes in 草榴社区 Schools
Discover the benefits of smaller class sizes, including personalized learning, stronger outcomes, and improved student engagement in 2026.
Religious 草榴社区 Schools vs Secular Schools Guide
Compare religious private schools vs secular schools, including academics, values, cost, and 2026 trends to help families choose wisely.
How Middle鈥慖ncome Families Are Affording 草榴社区 School in 2026
Discover how middle鈥慽ncome families are affording private school tuition in 2026 with scholarships, budgeting, financial planning, and emerging support strategies.







