OverviewStudent BodyAcademics and FacultyTuition and Acceptance RateExtracurricularsSchool NotesFrequently Asked QuestionsRelated SchoolsSchool ReviewsEdit School Profile
Now accepting Preschool through Grade 6 applications for 2026-2027!
The Ocean State Montessori School offers Montessori programs for children in preschool through sixth grade.
Founded in 1973, it is the oldest Montessori school in Rhode Island. Our Mission Statement: The Ocean State Montessori School fosters independence, self-esteem, and a life-long love of learning by providing an academically excellent and nurturing Montessori environment for children in preschool through sixth grade.
"Once they learned it was part of a global art installation focused on sustainability, their interest grew," she said. "As a Montessori school, we encourage students to follow their interests ...moreand ask big questions-so when they began researching Dambo's work and discussing its meaning, the idea of visiting the troll naturally emerged." hide
- 10/08/2025
In this episode of the Discover Rhode Island Podcast, you'll hear from Amy Andrews, who shares how a 50-year-old Montessori school keeps reinventing education-whether that means turning library trips into ...morelife lessons or transforming a pandemic into a hands-on learning revolution. hide
School Motto: 'Fostering independence, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of learning.'
The Ocean State Montessori School is the oldest Montessori
school in Rhode Island. It was founded in 1973 by a group of
parents interested in the Montessori Method. They secured a grant
to purchase Montessori materials and hired a teacher and two
assistants to teach 30 students in a church in Barrington. Over the
years the school has expanded, adding additional Montessori
classrooms and programs.
The Ocean State Montessori School currently provides Montessori
programs for children ages 3 through 12 (preschool through sixth
grade). The Ocean State Montessori School is licensed by the Rhode
Island Department of Education and the Rhode Island Department of
Children, Youth and Families.We arean affiliate member
of the American Montessori Society (AMS). Our teachers all hold
bachelor`s or master`s degrees and have received, or are in the
process of earning, their AMSteaching credential.
Ocean State Montessori School is committed to serving the needs
of all children and families supporting and celebrating diversity
in the community we serve. Our classrooms provide this "prepared
environment" in which children are free to explore and learn at
their own pace. Each classroom has a full component of Montessori
materials. The teacher acts as a guide to the classroom,
recognizing periods of readiness, introducing new materials and
demonstrating how to use them.
Our Programs:
Wee Threes Program (for children who turn 3 between
September 1 and December 31)Our Wee Threes program
addresses the unique needs of the younger three year old child and
provides a wonderful introduction to a Montessori education.
Primary Program (ages 3 - 6, preschool - kindergarten)The
3-year Primary program creates an atmosphere conducive to the young
child's natural inclination to learn and explore.
Lower Elementary (grades 1 - 3)Our integrated curriculum
supports the Elementary student's understanding of abstract ideas
and the development of their social and moral selves.
Upper Elementary (grades 4 - 6)The Upper Elementary
classroom gives students the opportunity to take on larger issues
and greater responsibilities for academic advancement.
At every level, our curriculum also includes art, music,
language, and physical education.
401 Elmgrove Ave Providence, RI 02906 (401) 861-8800
1.9 miles
Gr: PK-K | 52 students
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(7 reviews)
511/14/2025
I love OSMS! My child has been in the primary classroom for a year and a half, and is absolutely thriving. The teachers are wonderful, and the school community is small enough and caring enough that everyone knew my kid's name within a week. The Montessori philosophy is executed flawlessly here, and it's beautiful to see the individual attention that each child receives, as well as how their independence is encouraged and nurtured. I'm so grateful for this school!
- Posted by Parent - RRKing
511/14/2025
We've had an excellent experience at Ocean State Montessori. The teachers are nurturing and dedicated, the Montessori philosophy is thoughtfully applied, and both of our children have flourished in this environment. Highly recommend this wonderful school.
- Posted by Parent - Andrea
511/7/2025
Our family has been involved with the Ocean State Montessori School community for 2 years now, and we love it! As parents, we knew we wanted our child to get a Montessori education, and the fact that OSMS goes until 6th grade was a huge draw for us. So far our child has been loving their experience, and we can already see the ways the routines in the classroom, the care for the other students, and the dedication the teachers have to our child's growth are showing up at home. Our child's teacher is always available to check in and gives us updates that are more than just "good or bad." Since the format is that students stay with the teacher for three years, she has really taken the time to get to know our child and sees genuine moments of growth and development. We are excited to watch our child flourish throughout their years there.
- Posted by Parent - Anthony Febo
511/7/2025
Parent of a child that attended from age 3 to sixth grade. Our child found OSMS to be a perfect fit for his social & emotional growth needs. OSMS helped him develop independence and self-awareness in a supportive environment surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him.
- Posted by Parent - John C
510/29/2025
You could not ask for a better educational foundation for the preschool and elementary school years. The teachers are fully invested in their students and the Montessori approach to education has given each of my children confidence in their abilities while motivating them to achieve even more because they love learning. After graduating from OSMS, my older child had a smooth transition to 7th grade (in a traditional public school) and has excelled in high school. The community provides a welcoming and nurturing experience to the students and their family.
- Posted by Parent - MontessoriMom
54/22/2021
Our 2 children have been part of the OSMS learning community for the past 13yrs. Each and every year we are happy and excited for our children to continue their love of learning with the OSMS faculty and staff. We have a choice of where to send our kids, we choose the Ocean State Montessori School.
- Posted by Parent - Scott
511/2/2018
Over the least 7 years, we've watched as our son grow creatively, socially and academically in the nurturing OSMS community. The faculty and staff are caring, intelligent individuals that support, challenge and grow the kids in every way. I'm looking forward to what the next three-year cycle will bring in Upper Elementary.In short, we love it!
- Posted by Parent - cheryl e
Endorse Ocean State 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
The average private school tuition in Providence County, RI is $19,199 for elementary schools and $25,476 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
