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Montessori‑inspired Bridgton Schoolhouse to open this fall; tuition set at $16,000
Summary
Developer Justin and school lead David said the new Bridgton Schoolhouse — described as a Montessori‑inspired, net‑zero building — is due to open this fall with two classrooms, roughly 27 students in year one, and tuition set at $16,000; organizers said financial aid will be available and the school will align with the SAD 61 calendar.
Justin and school lead David Kirsty presented details on the Bridgton Schoolhouse, a Montessori‑inspired, child‑centered school located in a nearly completed, net‑zero energy building.
David described the classroom model, saying Montessori practice will guide instruction, that classrooms will be intentionally sized and that the school will keep class sizes small to limit distractions. “Montessori takes time to build… it’s culturally based, not just educationally,” David said, describing a two‑teacher model in which one teacher instructs and the other observes and supports project work.
The presenters said they are enrolling now for the first school year this fall and expect around 27 students initially, organized into two classrooms (primary: ages 3–6; lower elementary: ages 6–9). David said the school will staff four teachers across the two rooms and described the space as designed for children with low distractions and abundant natural light.
When asked about cost, organizers said tuition for the first year will be $16,000; they also said a financial aid program is being developed to expand access. “Tuition 16,000,” a meeting participant confirmed during the Q&A and the presenters said financial assistance will be made available though specifics are still being finalized.
School organizers said the building is almost complete (about three to four weeks from the time of the meeting), that it is designed as an all‑electric, net‑zero facility that produces as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis, and that they plan to align the school calendar with SAD 61 to ease scheduling for families with children in both systems. They said the school intends to offer preschool care and after‑school care, and is planning bus transportation for students.
Presenters noted that the school is part of a broader community strategy to provide more education options, retain families and strengthen downtown life. They invited families to open houses and to visit the school website for information (bridgenschoolhouse.org).
