STEP 1
Submit an Application
Get on the waitlist sooner than later, or check out a virtual tour first.
Fishtown Montessori is Growing!
We are pleased to announce that Fishtown Montessori will be adding another building to our Marlborough St. Campus in the fall of 2026! Families will enter the main gate on Marlborough, and walk the pathway back to drop their child off to the rear of the new toddler house at 1213 Crease St.
Early in 2027, we expect to be adding a small infant classroom at 1211 Crease, enabling us to serve our youngest community members with the same nurtuting warmth and love that all of our students enjoy. Infant enrollment will be limited to the youngest siblings of currently enrolled families.
- Over 8,000 sq.ft. of naturally curated outdoor space
- Excellent teacher: child ratios
- Infants ages 3 months to 18 months old
- Toddlers ages 18 months through 3 years old
- Primary Classes ages 3 – 6 years old
- Warm, loving, and experienced teachers
Enrolling Now
Our Programs
Our programs are designed to provide children the most ideal environment in which to grow and thrive while offering parents extended hours that fit their busy schedules.
Toddler Classroom
Your child will grow more rapidly between birth and age three than any other time in their life. In our joyful and loving Montessori toddler classroom curiosity, creativity and confidence are nurtured and the inner drive for understanding becomes a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
Primary Classrooms
Your child will receive a learning experience designed specifically to help them reach their full potential. Our focus on intellectual, social, and physical development is manifest in this hands-on approach to learning.
The ``Kindergarten`` Year
During the first two years in our primary Montessori classroom children learn enough concentration and coordination to become independent in their actions and thoughts. In their third year, (traditionally referred to as Kindergarten), children apply these skills and take their learning to a level of mastery previously not attained.
Extended Care Programs
The extended care program gives children time to play freely and choose between a multitude of open-ended materials such as dramatic play items, blocks and art materials. They may use the time to work on any of their Montessori projects, spend time in our outdoor play area or may have the opportunity to visit the local park (if pick-up schedules permit).
Admissions
STEP 2
Attend a Virtual Tour
See for yourself why our students are so successful. You can attend before applying.
STEP 3
Visit in Person
Parents attend a small group or private tour, a required part of the admissions process.
STEP 4
Finalize Enrollment
Families are invited to enroll on a rolling basis when space permits. Waitlists are common, so act fast.
About Us
Fishtown Montessori was founded by a lifelong educator who brings a wealth of knowledge about early childhood development, teaching, learning, curriculum and educational administration to our center.
Fishtown Montessori is locally owned and operated and was founded in 2017 to provide children in the neighborhood with the highest quality early learning environment possible. Our research-based Montessori program follows the guiding principles of the American Montessori Society, which we have been a member of since our inception.
Our Mission is to nurture the curiosity and wonder that inspires learning so that children develop a deep understanding of the foundational skills essential to fulfilling their human potential. We are guided by the question, “What is best for the child?” and we’re rooted in the following values: development, integrity, respect, empathy, communication, and teamwork.
Along with providing an incredibly rich learning environment, Fishtown Montessori is geared toward providing consistency to working families and is conveniently located in the heart of Fishtown. We run on a typical school year calendar, with dynamic summer programs offered to provide full year care. Our natural Montessori toddler program serves children 18-36 months old and our two mixed-age primary preschool classrooms are for children ages three through six.
The Curriculum at Fishtown Montessori
Fishtown Montessori offers early childhood education that is a hands-on, child-centered, research-based approach to learning developed by the Italian scientist and physician Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago. The traditional Montessori curriculum includes Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural Studies, encompassing history, geography, science, and the arts.
Outside of the traditional Montessori work period, our curriculum is elevated with methodologies from Reggio-Emilia, International Baccalaureate, and the Virtues Project. Children explore artistic mediums, display their artwork, explore in-depth units of study, and learn about character-building virtues. These methods compliment the Montessori approach and add depth and meaning to the learning.
Our trained Montessori educators carefully prepare an environment filled with hands-on materials that spark each child’s natural curiosity and drive for independence. Children engage in multi-age classrooms with uninterrupted periods of focused activity, allowing them to follow their interests and achieve mastery at their own pace.
COVID-19 Health & Safety
Safety, before everything else, is the most important part of childcare and we take this responsibility very seriously at Fishtown Montessori.
The Fishtown Montessori COVID Policy has become obsolete but, if needed, will return in the future. We are now exclusively following the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) COVID guidance.
More on Montessori
We love the Montessori approach to learning in early childhood because we believe it is the most supportive of a child’s natural drive to fulfill their curiosity through exploring the environment. Children love to challenge themselves. We invite children to find their next challenge and master it at their own pace, based on their own interests and curiosities. Fishtown Montessori values, trusts and cultivates this intrinsic motivation in hopes that our students will bring it well into their future to enjoy a lifetime of joyful learning.
Learn More
Interested in finding out more about Fishtown Montessori?
We’d love to hear from you!
Contact us here with questions about our programs, admissions, inquiries about career opportunities, or for any other reason.
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Administrative Team
Denise Spetrino
Founder, Head of School, Admissions Director
Denise Spetrino is a lifelong learner and educator and has had the pleasure of working with children and their families for over thirty years. She attained a Master’s Degree in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum from Drexel University in 2011, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education From Temple University in 2006, and has completed several Montessori education courses at Chestnut Hill College. Denise is currently enrolled in the Montessori Administrator Credential Program at West Side Montessori School’s Teacher Education Program in New York City. Denise is a certified principal and teacher, gaining certifications in Education Administration, Elementary Teaching K-6 and Early Childhood Teaching N-3 throughout her career.
Guided by the question, “What is best for the child?”, she opened the doors of Fishtown Montessori on E. Girard Ave. in 2017, and on Marlborough St. in 2022 in order to fill a need for high-quality early childhood education in the neighborhood where she lived for over fifteen years. Denise now lives in Wallingford with her supportive husband and two vibrant children.
Jamillah Meekens
Director of Operations
Jamillah Meekins has over 20 years of experience in the field of early education, including more than 8 years in school leadership. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Community College of Philadelphia and is continuing her education at Arizona State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Development.
Outside of educating young learners, Jamillah is a mother of three girls and two fur babies; a dog and a cat. A musician at heart, she sings and plays the viola and is currently learning to play the bass guitar. She also enjoys creating art and gardening in her spare time.
Sasha Feinman
Curriculum Director
Sasha came to Fishtown Montessori in 2022 after managing a start-up social and learning club for families called Cocoon, in Tribeca in the midst of the pandemic. Prior to that she spent 10 years as a bilingual lead teacher in various schools in Maryland and New York receiving her Infant/ Toddler American Montessori Society teaching certification. She has coordinated Twos programs and written curriculum for elite Infant and Toddler Montessori and elementary visual arts programs in New York City including an International Baccalaureate school in the Financial District. Coming from a multicultural family; mom is Peruvian and dads from West Philly, Sasha learned early the value of diversity, education and being surrounded by a warm caring community. Aside from being a passionate educator she is also a visual artist and current home renovator. Born in Philadelphia, Sasha returned to her hometown in 2022 when she bought a house in Manayunk with her partner, Mattias, where they live with their two cats, Koko, Toulouse and spicy chihuahua, Ginger. This year, Sasha’s daughter, Loki, joined the Toddler program.
Lead Primary Teachers
Joann Adams
Lead Primary Teacher
Joann is a lead Montessori teacher in the Primary classroom, currently completing her AMS Montessori training and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a degree in Criminal Justice, bringing a unique perspective on structure, responsibility, and community to her classroom. With three years of Montessori experience, Joann is passionate about guiding children through hands-on learning and fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of exploration. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she incorporates her love of nature, plants, and animals into her teaching, helping children connect with the world around them. Joann believes deeply in the transformative power of education and views each child as a catalyst for positive change in the world. One of her favorite Montessori quotes is, “We must look to the children as a vehicle for bringing change to humanity.“
Matisyn Darby
Lead Primary Teacher
Matisyn Darby brings seven years of experience in education and programming with youth to her role as lead Primary teacher in the Green Class. Matisyn has a Bachelor of Arts in music and philosophy from Furman University and Master’s of Education in Early Education with an Early Childhood American Montessori Society Teaching Credential from Chestnut Hill College.
In the Green room, Matisyn is prepared to nurture a space that embraces the whole child while fostering a genuine love of learning. Now that training is complete, she looks forward to settling into a new casa in Fishtown Montessori while returning home to music. As an instrumentalist and Montessorian, they are itching to build new creative expressions in the Green Classroom. Outside of the classroom, Matisyn tends to her tuxedo cats Shemar and Denzel, and home garden alongside her partner in North Philadelphia.
Reenu Saini
Lead Primary Teacher
Reenu Saini is a certified Montessori teacher with five years of experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is a firm believer in the Montessori method and is passionate about supporting children as they develop confidence in their academic, social, and emotional abilities. Reenu values a happy, calm, and positive classroom environment where every child feels safe, respected, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
She enjoys guiding children in resolving conflicts peacefully, caring for themselves and their environment, and becoming responsible global citizens. With each passing year, her dedication to Montessori education continues to deepen.
Reenu is excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey and looks forward to sharing her knowledge to support their overall development. “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” – Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
Lead Toddler Teachers
Maria DeLuca
Lead Toddler Teacher
years as a lead teacher in a Toddler classroom. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is deeply committed to fostering nurturing, respectful, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.
Maria is known for her warm, engaging, and calming presence in the classroom. As a leader, she promotes consistency, collaboration, and thoughtful structure, helping to maintain the routines and environment that allow toddlers to thrive. Maria is very aligned with the Montessori philosophy, particularly its emphasis on respect, independence, and child-centered learning. Her approach to caregiving reflects these values, as she prioritizes building trusting relationships, modeling empathy, and supporting each child’s growing autonomy.
Olivia Stallings
Lead Toddler Teacher
Ms. Olivia Stallings is the Lead Teacher in Yellow Class. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and is currently enrolled in the Infant/Toddler Certification program at Chestnut Hill College, further deepening her knowledge of early childhood development and best practices in infant and toddler care.
Ms. Olivia brings a thoughtful, nurturing presence to the classroom and is passionate about supporting young children during their earliest stages of growth and discovery. She is dedicated to creating a warm, engaging environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Committed to building strong partnerships with families, Ms. Olivia values open communication and collaboration to support each child’s individual development.
Victoria Butler
Lead Toddler Teacher
Victoria Butler has been teaching in early childhood education and childcare for over 8 years as Lead Toddler Teacher, Lead Infant Teacher and Art Teacher. She incorporates holistic teachings with Reggio Amelia, Nature Based Learning, process-art,and open ended learning along with Montessori education. Ms. Vickie earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Rowan University in Fine Arts and Art History and is currently enrolled in a masters program at Eastern University and expects to earn a teaching certification in Early Childhood Pre K – 4th.
With an art and education background, Vickie loves to teach, learn, and be creative with her environment and students. She finds wonder and truth in allowing children to be the leaders in their learning and embrace creativity. Vickie values developing meaningful relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators alike. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, taking hikes through the Wissahickon Trails, doing yoga, and painting.