Montessori Learning Pod
Coming Fall 2026
The Montessori Learning Pod at Pine Hollow provides an educational setting grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and connection. Currently serving children ages 5-12, it is an interdisciplinary program that is built on human tendencies and supports the whole child.
A Relational Approach
Underneath every behavior is a feeling, and underneath every feeling is a need. We view behavior as communication, and undesirable behaviors as the only available option a child had in that moment for lack of a better skill/tool. We do not employ behaviorist or compliance based practice, and instead focus on nervous system regulation and engaging the child in collaborative problem solving (see https://livesinthebalance.org/ to learn more of Dr. Ross Greene’s CPS model) . We use declarative language and model skills we hope students will internalize.
Montessori Teaching Practices
Children are naturally inquisitive and gravitate toward new understanding. Prescribed schedules that move between subjects at arbitrary intervals interrupt the natural flow of a child’s learning. We use authentic Montessori lessons & materials in our practice, adapting to the needs of the child and the environment we work in. An open ended 3-hour work cycle allows children to absorb themselves deeply in their work, and at their own pace. This model allows a more natural flow to learning and provides rich opportunities for peer learning, executive functioning, self agency, and independence.
Multi-Sensory Approach
When we engage the senses, we engage the mind. Copying pages and filling in worksheets don’t cut it for us. Lessons are rich and engaging, involving the senses and designed to draw children in.
Embedded Accommodations
Small group sizes and a flexible learning environment allows for maximum autonomy and attention. Children receive individual lessons and have the ability to learn at their own pace, following their own interests.
Access to Nature
Seamless integration between indoors and outdoors. Students have freedom to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. Nature is full of opportunities to engage the senses. Fresh air, sunshine, rich textures, vibrant colors, smells, and space for large gross motor movement are wholesome for the system and regulating for the soul.
Child-Led Learning
Children are born learners. Our job is to trust them where they are in this moment in their learning process. We practice keen observation and support them with strategically timed lessons and an environment that sparks curiosity, stimulates imagination, and opens opportunities for exploration.
Freedom of Movement
Children are not designed to sit at desks and copy papers all day. Their bodies need to move, touch, wiggle, run, climb, and spin.
Mixed-Age Grouping
Children learn and develop at different paces. Neurodivergent children, in particular, may develop quickly in some areas and take significant more time in others. By grouping mixed ages together, we set up an environment in which children can connect with others by skill level rather than age and engage in peer-based learning. This model greatly enhances confidence, self-mastery, community, ownership, and social skills.
Parent Involvement
We are family-focused and love our parents! We hope to grow a vibrant learning community that supports the family and serves the child. Although we are a drop-off program, we offer parent volunteer opportunities, supplemental community events, and community lunch.
Want to learn more? Add your email to our list & receive updates!
Program Highlights
A flexible, outdoor Montessori homeschool program for children ages 5-12.
Outdoor, nature-filled, sensory rich
Neuro-affirming and trauma informed
Relational approach, focusing on nervous system regulation
Drawing heavily from Ross Greene’s model of Collaborative Problem Solving
Authentic Montessori lessons with flexibility to support student’s individual homeschool curriculum
Seamless integration with your homeschool agenda
End of year portfolio support
Small group sizes
Flexible schedule, choose from 1 or 2 days with family connection events
Schedule
Subject to change
Tuesday, Wednesday (8:30-12:00)
We listen to the pulse of the class and follow a general flow, rather than a strict adherence to the clock. The following is a sample of our daily rhythm:
8:30-8:45 arrival, outdoor free play
8:45-9:00 morning gathering
9:00-11:30 open work cycle, including lessons, freedom of movement between indoors and outdoors
11:30 lunch and outdoor free play
12:00 pickup
Questions you may have…
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Good question! We are currently seeking a host, do you have any connections? We are hoping to land in the southwestern part of the state, between the Upper Valley and Monadnock regions. Fill out the Interest Form if you have any ideas, or want to weigh in on the matter.
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You will need to registered as either a homeschool or EFA student. We can provide guidance on completing these steps, but you will be responsible for notifying your district.
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As both a NH certified public teacher and Montessori-guide-in-training with AMI, Natalie is well versed in multiple approaches to education. She will be the primary guide responsible for lessons & curriculum delivery. We will work together through email and conversations to make sure our work compliments your work at home and meets the needs of your child.
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The learning pod is designed to be what you need it to be. We are prepared to provide a full academic curriculum for children who attend full time, and can also easily adjust to your curriculum if you only need support in a specific area or two. We can help compile end-of-year portfolios, or let you be in charge. There is quite a bit of latitude to make this what your family needs.
Will you be our host?
Pine Hollow Learning is extending a call to others who feel a close alignment to come alongside us in this work. Our most immediate need is to secure a location for a fall startup. Our heart and ties are in the Southern NH and Monadnock regions of NH, although we are able consider any NH location south of Plymouth. Our needs in a space are modest; ideally abundant outdoor access with varied terrain as well as a small, basic indoor space for lessons and materials. It could be as simple as a spare room over a garage, a farm, or a community space looking to expand programming. We are open to purchase, lease, barter, or any other creative arrangement we could work out.
Please reach out, all ideas are received.
