The goal of the Montessori School of Madison is to "educate the child for life." The school serves children ages three to six years old, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Along with having pesticide-free grounds, the Montessori School of Madison is certified as an official Monarch Butterfly Waystation, and is certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. The school year runs from mid-September to the beginning of June and there is a summer enrichment program. The school director is Sharon Timek.
The Montessori method is based on the findings of Dr. Maria Montessori, a specialist in psychiatry, education and anthropology. Her beliefs include preparing an environment for children that is both natural and life-supporting, observing the child while he or she works and plays in this environment, and then adapting that environment so that the child fulfills his or her physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual potential.