Our History
Growing Curious Minds Since 2009
"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."
—Dr. Albert Einstein
Hudson Montessori School began with a vision: Children learn best when they are inspired to explore, ask questions, and discover the world around them.
In September 2009, our school opened with just one toddler classroom and nine students. By the end of the first year, word had spread throughout Jersey City, and enrollment had nearly tripled.
Today, more than 250 students—from toddlers through middle school—learn together on our Liberty Harbor campus in downtown Jersey City, where curiosity, kindness, and joyful discovery continue to define every day.
A Vision Sparked by Montessori
Before founding Hudson Montessori, Ms. Gracy Jolly spent years teaching in public, private, and charter schools throughout Jersey City. While every school offered valuable experiences, she knew something could engage children more…
She found her answer in Montessori education.
By the Numbers
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Founded in 2009
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Began with 9 toddlers
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Today serves 250+ students
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Ages Served: 18 months through Middle School (age 13-14)
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First and only nationally STEM-certified campus in New Jersey
The Montessori philosophy, with its mixed-age classrooms, individualized learning, and respect for every child's unique journey, aligned perfectly with the kind of school she dreamed of creating.
After earning her Montessori certification, founder and teacher Ms. Jolly led the first class with two teachers, Ms. Fumi Kaido-Eck and Ms. Maki Vilomar. Today, Fumi continues to teach incoming toddlers, and Maki is the school’s admissions director. The staff and faculty have grown to more than 60 dedicated educators, many of whom have been at our school for five or more years.
Her vision was for a school where children would be encouraged not only to achieve academically, but also to become thoughtful, compassionate, and independent people.
And that same philosophy continues to guide every classroom.
"When they were little, I would hold their hand to cross the street. Now they offer me a hand to cross the road."
— Gracy Jolly, Founder & Director
Growing One Class at a Time
Hudson Montessori didn't grow because of a business plan. It grew because families believed in the vision as it took root.
Each year, another grade was added so the school's very first students could continue their Montessori journey together. What began as a single toddler classroom has grown into a vibrant school serving children from 18 months through Middle School, while remaining committed to small classes, meaningful relationships, and individualized learning.
Today, our graduates continue their educational journeys at many of the region's most respected schools, including McNair High School, Stuyvesant High School, High Tech High School, St. Peter's Prep, The Franklin School, and many others.
More Than Academics
Rigorous academics matter, but that’s only one of the necessary elements for a holistic education.
At Hudson Montessori, children learn empathy alongside mathematics. They develop confidence while discovering science. They become leaders by serving others. Every lesson is designed to help students grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and ethically.
Ms. Jolly’s vision inspires teachers and families :
"We want our students to become loving, empathetic, and ethically responsible human beings. When children discover who they are and learn to follow their passions, they become truly well-rounded."
Where Montessori Meets STEAM
Innovation has always been part of Hudson Montessori's story.
Long before STEAM became a national movement, our classrooms embraced hands-on learning, creativity, engineering, scientific inquiry, and artistic expression.
By 2013, Ms. Jolly’s vision evolved into a school-wide commitment to integrated STEAM education, with the support of founding parents and scientists, Dr. Grace Sanvictores and Ms. Michelle Velho. Our students explored coding through Hour of Code, celebrated creativity during School Maker Faire events, investigated real-world science, and learned that the best ideas often emerge when art and science work together.
Today, Hudson Montessori is proud to be the first—and still the only—National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) STEM-certified school campus in New Jersey. Our nationally STEM-certified educators and Montessori teachers help lead a transdisciplinary approach where science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics are woven naturally throughout the curriculum. In 2026, Hudson Montessori School celebrated its 10-year anniversary as a School Maker Faire site.
Our school is a reflection of the real world. It isn’t made up of separate silos; it’s networked, connected, and continuously evolving—and so are we.
The Arts Complete the Picture
Science teaches students how the world works. The arts teach them how to express their place within it. For us, the "A" in STEAM isn't an addition. It's essential for innovation.
Our belief in the arts inspires Hudson Montessori's performances, celebrations, and traditions, including our Holiday Cheer performances, Lower Elementary Presents, and Year-End Celebration. Whether performing on stage, creating artwork, or designing engineering projects, students discover confidence, creativity, and the courage to share their ideas with others.
A Home in Liberty Harbor
Hudson Montessori has proudly called Liberty Harbor home since its earliest days.
As both the school and the neighborhood have grown, so has our campus. Nestled in one of Jersey City's most vibrant communities, our location offers families a peaceful setting just steps from Liberty State Park, the Hudson River waterfront, the Light Rail, and PATH transportation.
It's a place where children can grow while remaining connected to the city around them, with Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty well within our sightline.
Our Future Promises New Growth
While much has changed since 2009, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to nurturing curious minds, compassionate hearts, and confident learners.
As Hudson Montessori continues to grow, so does our campus. Following the groundbreaking in 2025, construction is underway on a new Liberty Harbor building adjacent to our current campus. Scheduled to open in the next few years, the new facility will become home to our Elementary and Middle School programs.
We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Hudson Montessori students as our story continues to unfold.
