About us

Hawk Meadow Montessori School (HMMS) is a new school located in the Town of LaGrange, in Dutchess County, New York. The school was opened in September 2008 by Erin Castle and Barbara Katavolos, and is located in the Freedom Executive Park, which also houses the LaGrange Library.

Complemented with a strong background of teaching in the LaGrange area, our teachers and staff have collectively over 70 years’ worth of experience in Montessori instruction. The school offers a large, light-filled space with the full range of Montessori materials for all age levels, and a playground situated outside.

Testimonials

“Our children have been involved with this school for about five years. Right from the start we were impressed with how well the children handled all their tasks individually, yet in a coordinated fashion. We were also amazed that, although the children were free to act on their own, their behavior was so peaceful and orderly. We were attracted to the school because its core values of creating world peace through the children resonated strongly with us. We were very pleasantly surprised to find how strong the program is in the 3 R's. All this takes place in the backdrop of social tolerance, peaceful coexistence and genuine understanding and respect of their fellows.” - Steve Peter

“Montessori has been a true gift to my children and family. It is the only method of education I've seen that truly understands each child's potential based on their individual physical and intellectual development and not generalized standards such as age. Traditional schooling begins reading and writing in kindergarten and first grade, but here, the tools to read and write are given to students beginning as early as the toddler years. As a result, both of my children started to read at three-and-a-half years old and are independent readers at age five-and-a-half. The children thrive on the mathematics materials because it presents seemingly abstract concepts in a concrete and hands-on fashion. The Montessori method has also given my children a strong sense of independence, security, and self-confidence. Lastly, the school has helped me become a better parent. Discipline and love are not independent, both are integral, especially as it naturally lends to a more self-reliant and self-sufficient young being. But not all Montessori schools are alike; what makes Hawk Meadow Montessori special are the teachers. They are committed, truly gifted, and wonderful!” - Kavita Aggarwal

“My daughter was a changed child after just a few weeks at Hawk Meadow Montessori School. She went from a child who exclaimed daily “I can't do it!” to a proudly independent little lady. She is focused, creative, communicative, and it's all due to the nurturing environment and amazing educators. I have no doubt that, no matter where life takes the Hawk Meadow students, the academic and social tools that they learn here will always remain with them.” - Rachel Diamond