Question 1

Founder

Accepted Answer

Ms. Gracy Jolly is the founder of Hudson Montessori School. With over 20 years of experience in Jersey City Schools and a Montessori certification (AMS) in Early Childhood, Ms. Jolly brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our various programs. Her heart for the community, local and abroad, is evident as she caters to students, ages 2 to eighth grade, demonstrating her ability to foster a nurturing school environment.  As the founder of Hudson Montessori School, Ms. Jolly’s knowledge, experience, and unwavering dedication continue to benefit our student body, making their learning experience truly exceptional.

Question 2

Head of School

Accepted Answer

Mr. Eric Chapman joined us as our new Head of School in 2026, bringing 30 years of experience in independent school leadership. He comes to us from a leadership role at a nationally recognized Montessori school in Massachusetts, giving him a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy and its transformative impact on children. He values a student-centered philosophy.Throughout his career, he has championed inquiry-based learning, academic excellence, student engagement, and inclusive school communities. He has vast experience in curriculum development, strong leadership qualities, and a warm, curious, collaborative spirit. His vision aligns beautifully with our mission of nurturing curious, compassionate, confident learners who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.An accomplished educational leader, Mr. Eric holds a bachelor's degree from Tufts University and two master's degrees from Pace University: the first in the Science of Teaching and the second in Educational Leadership and Administration.  He is currently completing his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania.

Question 3

Admissions Director

Accepted Answer

Ms. Maki has been an integral part of Hudson Montessori School for 17 years, since its founding in 2009. With her longstanding commitment and dedication, she plays a vital role in guiding prospective families through our admissions process and ensuring the smooth operation of our community’s daily activities. Ms. Maki’s journey at Hudson Montessori began as an Assistant Teacher, providing her with invaluable insights into the Montessori approach and an understanding of our school’s philosophy. Recognizing her exceptional organizational skills, she transitioned to the administrative office in 2011, managing the daily operations and fostering a nurturing environment for students and staff. For the past nine years, Ms. Maki has served as our dedicated Admissions Director. With warmth and expertise, she welcomes new families into our community, guides them through the administrative process, and shares the transformative benefits of a Montessori education. Ms. Maki holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology, enriching her perspective and ability to connect with families. We are grateful for Ms. Maki’s unwavering commitment within our community, and passion for Montessori education. Her dedication continues to shape the success and growth of Hudson Montessori School.

Question 4

School Office Manager

Accepted Answer

Ms. Vicky is an experienced school office manager with a strong background in administration and student programming. This is her second year with Hudson Montessori, joining us in 2025. She worked at a parochial school in Jersey City, where she supported the school’s leadership, staff, and families by managing daily office operations, coordinating communication, and ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. In addition to her administrative role, Ms. Vicky ran an after-school art program that provided students with a creative outlet to explore their artistic talents. She takes pride in creating organized, supportive environments while encouraging creativity and student engagement. Passionate about making a positive impact, Ms. Vicky thrives in school settings where she can support staff, students, and families.

Question 5

Middle School Director

Accepted Answer

Dr. Grace is Hudson Montessori School’s Middle School Director, since its inception four years ago and embarks on her 14th year integrating STEAM into our curriculum as STEAM Co-Director. With a Doctorate in Education from St. Peter's University, she employs a transdisciplinary approach that enriches our Middle School Program. Dr. Grace has over a decade of experience in the Jersey City District Public Schools, where she served as a Technology, Math, and Science teacher for Middle School students. Dr. Grace holds a Master's Degree in Supervision and Administration in Education from Rutgers University. She is also a National STEM certified teacher and National Geographic Educator.Dr. Grace's influence extends beyond the classroom by fostering student participation in Lego Robotics, Future City by Discover, and regional STEM competitions. Dr. Grace nurtures a dynamic and inclusive environment, encouraging students to delve into various subjects and sharpen their critical thinking abilities. Her unwavering commitment to educational excellence positions her as a priceless asset. We are fortunate to have Dr. Grace as an integral part of our team, diligently inspiring and empowering students at Hudson Montessori School.

Question 6

Operations Manager

Accepted Answer

For the past five years, Ms. Krupa has served as Hudson Montessori School’s librarian, a role she continues to embrace alongside her new responsibilities as Operations Manager. Now in her second year as Operations Manager, she brings organizational expertise, professional experience, and a deep understanding of our school community. Ms. Krupa earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai and a master’s degree in Accounting and Taxation from the University of Hartford. Prior to joining Hudson Montessori, she worked in financial services auditing at Deloitte & Touche.As Operations Manager, Ms. Krupa oversees day-to-day operations, from administration and finance to facilities, scheduling, events, and vendor coordination. She works behind the scenes with faculty and leadership to ensure that the school runs smoothly and efficiently.As a mother of two children educated at Hudson Montessori School, Ms. Krupa has a particularly meaningful connection to our community for the past 10 years. Having experience as a parent and a member of the staff, she brings a unique perspective to her work and a genuine commitment to supporting the school, its families, and its students.

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