director and primary teacher
A child-centered education, genuine and progressive.
A Montessori school in Ridgewood, founded and led by Chizuru Fukuda since 1998.
How we see children
The Montessori method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago. It is a child-centered approach to education that leans on the natural absorbent mind of young children. Our approach encourages children to explore their interests at their own pace, and to foster a love for learning that lasts.
Practical Life is the keystone of the Montessori method and the building block for all other areas: Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural. It consists of simple daily activities using objects and tools that are familiar to the child. Children build their attention span by engaging in work they have chosen for themselves, and the purpose is to develop coordination, concentration, independence, order, and fine and gross motor skills.
Little Crane Montessori School was established in 1998 and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society. The school offers a genuine and progressive Montessori education in a warm and vibrant learning environment where children can explore, discover, and develop as creative, confident, and compassionate individuals. Our dedicated teachers and positive atmosphere make the school feel like an extended family.
What you notice in practice
Teachers work at eye level with children, following the child rather than leading from the front. A lesson may be given to one child or to a small group, and children return to work they have chosen. This builds attention span and independence over time.
Rooms are arranged so that materials are visible and reachable, with practical life activities using familiar objects and tools. The day is paced so children can stay with their work, moving between Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural areas as they are ready.
How we work with families
At pickup, parents hear about the work their child chose that day and how they went about it. Teachers share small moments — a new practical life task mastered, a first sentence written. Questions get answered in conversation, and families can ask about anything they need to know.
A new child settles in at their own pace, with teachers nearby. The first weeks are about familiarity: the room, the materials, the rhythm of the day. Families can ask the school directly about hours, programs, and how a particular child's transition is going.
The people here every day
consultant and staff trainer
Mary Brennan
teacher
Hillarie Daly
assistant teacher
Emily Tomori
Public Relation Representative and Spanish teacher
Ivel Quintana
music teacher
Harue Tojima-Gresh
teacher