Meet the Director

Dear Parents,       

It is with great enthusiasm and pleasure that I write this letter of introduction to you as the new Owner and Director of Serenity Montessori Academy, formerly known as Robin’s Nest Two. During these past several months, I have had many interactions and conversations with the former owner and her family. From these conversations, it was clear of the dedication and love they have put into creating their school for the past ten years. The strong ties among the staff, families and their children is an admirable and important component of success of their school for these years. Along with my staff, I will continue to carry out the legacy of success by building strong relationships with parents, students, and community partners.

I have lived in Verona, NJ most of my childhood and attended elementary, middle and high school in the Verona School District. My educational experiences in this town inspired me to be a part of the teaching profession.  I graduated from VHS and continued my education at Seton Hall University where I earned a BA in Psychology and Early Education. I began my teaching journey with an excellent opportunity at The Montessori School of Millburn in 1991 where I was trained in the Montessori pedagogy by an exceptional mentor and owner. In 1997, I became the School Director/Administrator with intentions to make a positive impact on the entire school community. I had a very distinct mission to personally see that each child evolved into an independent thinker; cognitively stimulated from their experiences at their Montessori school. At the end of their journey with us, we celebrate their respect for humanity and nature and can foresee the children becoming an integral part of their community.

For 25 years as a Montessori educator, I concentrated on perfecting my deliverance and daily application of the Montessori Philosophy in the classroom and extending my knowledge to the teaching staff. I developed a curriculum that complimented the existing Montessori philosophy which became a holistic method of education, allowing each child to experience abstract and concrete lessons throughout the day in areas of language, mathematics, geography, science, art and music integration and peace education. Our integrated educational approach coupled with the Montessori philosophy creates balance between self-directed activities, multi- age group participation and small classroom structured activities where a child can easily transition from a Montessori school to any elementary or private school in the area.

It has always been evident to me that this small suburban town of Verona has such strong family values, everlasting friendships and a rich tradition of community camaraderie. It is a town that the value of education is paramount in a child’s formative years of education. I am elated to bring my skills as an educational leader specializing in individualizing curriculum to suit each child’s learning style, to Serenity Montessori Academy and to work with you as a partner in education to ensure your child’s success. Every child that enters Serenity Montessori Academy will embark on their individual educational experience, days filled with curiosity, wonder and personal satisfaction from “doing for themselves”.

“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.”

Maria Montessori

By the age of three, a Montessori child will begin to foster trust, independence, security, language, self-awareness, self-confidence, memory and coordination. As the philosophy continues in preschool and kindergarten years, the children will further develop self-discipline, patience, obedience, perseverance, concentration, logical thinking and emotional wellness.

As your new Director, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors; teachers, students and parents are excited and want to be here. This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of social, emotional and academic excellence in a positive, fun and nurturing environment. I believe a strong bond between the home and school is essential for your child’s success. We strongly suggest that parents are involved in the school community, at their convenience, volunteering their time and visiting their child’s classroom. Participation can include reading a book to the class, create a craft, speak about your cultural celebrations, or plan something special for the class. Working together, we can achieve our common goals and assist your child to reach their fullest potential.

Once again, I would like to welcome you and your family to Serenity Montessori Academy. I look forward in providing an exceptional primary school experience for your child and building fond memories with your family for many years to come.

Warm Regards,

Sarah Colucci
Owner/Director