History

Building On A Proven Tradition

Wading River Montessori School, Mansfield MA, is one of approximately 5,000 private Montessori Schools & 400 public Montessori Schools in the United States that carry on the “follow the child” vision. This philosophy was set forth by Dr. Maria Montessori when she established the first Montessori School in 1907.


Founded in 2003 by Head of School, Emily Miller, and located at 12 Creeden Street in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the school provides an authentic quality Montessori Education to children ages 18 months to 12 years. The school draws families and students from over 26 surrounding communities, including Mansfield, Foxborough, North Attleborough, Norton, Easton, Sharon and parts of Rhode Island. The school is owned and operated Emily Miller.

A row of pink and brown wooden montessori blocks stacked on top of each other.

Wading River Montessori School began by offering a typical Montessori mixed-age primary program for 3-6 year olds, and has expanded to offer a toddler, full day preschool enrichment, extended day kindergarten, and an elementary program. With the help and support of a dedicated faculty and staff of state licensed and Montessori trained/certified teachers, the school continues to fulfill its mission to “inspire and nurture the development of each student’s independence, self-confidence, self respect and creativity enabling each child to reach his/her full potential as a global citizen and lifelong learner.

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An Important and Joyful Next Chapter for Our School Community

Dear Families,


As this school year begins to draw to a close, I have found myself reflecting deeply on the extraordinary journey our school community has taken together over the past twenty-three years.


What began in 2003 as a small Montessori program built around a simple but powerful belief that children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences rooted in respect, independence, curiosity, and wonder, has grown into a vibrant and deeply connected community of children, families, and educators.


Hands-On Montessori School has been home to thousands of childhood memories, friendships, discoveries, celebrations, and moments of growth. Together, we have built something far greater than a school. We have built a community rooted in trust, joy, purpose, and care for children.


As many of you know, our school is now preparing for an exciting new chapter as we continue growing toward our future unified campus. With that growth comes an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on who we are becoming and how we want to carry our mission forward for generations to come.


After much reflection, I am excited to share that Hands-On Montessori School will begin transitioning to a new name:


Wading River Montessori School


This new name reflects both our future and our roots.


The image of a river speaks beautifully to the Montessori journey; growth, movement, discovery, connection, and the natural unfolding of each child over time. It also reflects our deep commitment to peace education, stewardship of the natural world, and creating a school environment where children feel grounded, capable, and connected to something larger than themselves.


While our name will change, the heart of our school remains deeply the same.


Our Montessori philosophy, leadership, guides, traditions, and commitment to children and families will continue forward with the same care and intentionality that have guided HOMS since the very beginning.


Hands-On Montessori School will always remain an important part of our story. In fact, we are excited to continue honoring this legacy through The Hands-On Innovation Lab. This space is already familiar to many of our students and families and reflects the creativity, exploration, engineering, problem-solving, and joyful hands-on learning that have always been central to HOMS. Originally designed as an innovation and STEM learning environment and currently serving as interim Elementary classroom space, the lab will continue evolving as part of our future campus vision.


This transition will happen gradually over the coming year, allowing our community time to celebrate our history while thoughtfully embracing this next chapter together.


In the weeks ahead, we will share:

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Transition timelines
  • Website and communication updates
  • Branding and signage information
  • Opportunities for families and alumni to help celebrate and preserve the legacy of HOMS


More than anything, I want to thank you.


Thank you for your trust.

Thank you for your partnership.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your children’s lives.


It is one of the greatest honors of my life to continue building this school community alongside all of you.


With deep gratitude and excitement for all that lies ahead, 💙Em.


Emily Miller

Founder & Head of School


Hands-On Montessori School

Beginning our next chapter as

Wading River Montessori School

Transition Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is Hands-On Montessori School changing its name?

    Due to the high interest in our program, tours are held in the mornings by appointment. We are happy to answer general questions on the phone or by email. You may also schedule a tour online.

  • Is the school being sold or changing ownership?

    No. Hands-On Montessori School remains founder-led under the leadership of Emily Miller. This transition is a name and branding evolution only. Ownership, leadership, and the school’s mission remain unchanged.

  • Is Montessori changing?

    No. Our Montessori philosophy and approach to education remain at the center of everything we do.


    Our commitment to:

    • multi-age classrooms,
    • independence,
    • hands-on learning,
    • peace education,
    • respect for the child,
    • and joyful discovery

    will continue forward exactly as they always have.

  • Will teachers or leadership change?

    Parents are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

  • Why “Wading River Montessori School”?

    Yes, you may request a specific teacher or classroom. Although we try to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee placement.

  • What happens to Hands-On Montessori School?

     Depending on the openings that are available, our goal is to balance the classrooms by age and gender of the children.

  • What is The Hands-On Innovation Lab?

    The Hands-On Innovation Lab is a learning space that reflects the creativity, engineering, exploration, science, and joyful hands-on discovery that have always been central to HOMS.


    Originally designed as an innovation and STEM learning environment and currently serving as interim Elementary classroom space, the lab will continue evolving as part of our future campus vision and will help preserve the legacy and spirit of Hands-On Montessori School for years to come.

  • When will the new name officially take effect?

    The transition will happen gradually over the coming year.


    This phased approach allows time for thoughtful updates to:

    • signage,
    • websites,
    • school materials,
    • communications,
    • enrollment documents,
    • and campus spaces.

  • Will the school’s website or email addresses change?

    Eventually, yes.


    New website and email information will be shared well in advance. Existing HOMS email addresses and website links will continue functioning during the transition period.

  • Will student records, contracts, and enrollment agreements remain valid?

    Yes. All existing records, agreements, and enrollment documents remain fully valid throughout the transition.


    Updated materials will gradually reflect the new school name as they are revised.

  • Will school traditions and events change?

    No. The traditions, celebrations, community events, and classroom experiences families know and love will continue.


    Our goal is to thoughtfully carry the spirit of HOMS forward while embracing this next chapter together.

  • Will alumni still be connected to the school?

    Absolutely.


    Our alumni community is an important part of our history and identity. We look forward to honoring and celebrating the legacy of HOMS and the many children and families who have helped shape our school over the past twenty-three years.

  • Will tuition or programs change because of the new name?

    Families are welcome to continue using “HOMS” during the transition period.


    Over time, we will gradually begin using: Wading River Montessori School


    as our primary school name across communications and materials.

  • What should families call the school during the transition?

    Families are welcome to continue using “HOMS” during the transition period.


    Over time, we will gradually begin using: Wading River Montessori School


    as our primary school name across communications and materials.

  • How can families support the transition?

    The greatest support families can offer is simply continuing to be part of our community.


    In the months ahead, we will also invite families and alumni to participate in celebrating and preserving the history and legacy of Hands-On Montessori School as we begin this exciting new chapter together.