History and Expansion

Harbour Oaks Montessori school was formed in 1996 by a family of Montessorians who felt a deep commitment to the true methods of Dr. Maria Montessori. The owners attended a Montessori school through elementary. Their parents are both retired Montessori teachers who started the first Montessori school in Maine. The school opened on Scenic Highway in a transformed house with one primary and one toddler class.

In 1997, a group of dedicated parents formed a non-profit PTO. The primary purpose was to support Harbour Oaks in its goal to create an optimal Montessori environment for its children and to assist the school's academic and social objectives.  In 1999, a second primary class was opened on Lenora Church Road while plans for a custom built building were underway. The owners sought out land to build a school large enough to continue through sixth grade.  In August 2000, the building on Athens Hwy. was completed and opened with 2 toddler classes, 3 primary classes and a lower elementary class.  In the summer of 2004, a new elementary building opened that includes 2 lower elementary classes (6-9 yrs), 1 upper elementary class (9-12 yrs.), an art room, resource room, and a multipurpose room/gym.

At capacity, Harbour Oaks will enjoy the enrollment of approximately 200 children.