Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury

Guidepost Montessori develops a fundamental love of learning and equips each child with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to reach their highest potential as they grow into independent adults.

View of Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury that shows the gray block building, bushes and shrubs line the walkway to the entrance where a "Now Enrolling" Guidepost Montessori A-Frame sign stands.
Cranbury
2557 Route 130 South Suite 1, Cranbury, NJ 08512 US

Phone: 609-655-7780
Email: cranbury@guidepostmontessori.com
Monday-Friday | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Programs For:

Nido (6 weeks to 18 months)

Toddler (18 months to 3 years)

Children's House (3 years to 6 years)

Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury is now enrolling children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. We are dedicated to educating the whole child, providing much more than traditional childcare, preschool, and kindergarten education. Learn more about the Guidepost difference and schedule a tour of our school today!

Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury is located in Cranbury, NJ,  and serves surrounding communities, including Jamesburg, Monroe, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, East Windsor, and Plainsboro. Our school is conveniently located on Campus 130, directly off Route 130.

Rose Barnshaw, Head of School, Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury

A Letter from the Head of School

Thank you for your interest in Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury. I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community of educators and families! I have worked in private school education for over 42 years as both an educator and school director, but it was when I discovered Guidepost Montessori that I found my home.

I am passionate about our method of teaching, which fully aligns with my beliefs as an educator. Our high-fidelity program and Montessori-certified teachers provide children with a great start.

In my many years in education, I learned firsthand how important it is to start kids off on the right foot by encouraging their sense of agency and instilling in them a love of learning. Starting from nursery-aged infants of just six weeks to preschool and kindergarten children, each age offers its own unique set of developmental milestones which the Montessori method addresses. Infants get opportunities to work on their gross motor skills, while older children start exploring materials designed to help them learn to read, write, and do math problems - frequently before the age of four! All of this learning goes on in our “prepared environment:” spaces that are clean, bright, calm, and warm, where children truly thrive, with our guides (teachers) ready to give a loving hand.

Montessori education is more than just for preschool-aged children: older children also benefit from our methodology, and our Children's House provides amazing benefits for learning that set them up for lifelong success. You can learn more about the difference between Children's House and elementary school education here.

Of course, the best way to understand just how different we are from other childcare, preschool, and kindergarten options around Cranbury is to tour our school and see for yourself. I hope to see you soon!

- Rose Barnshaw, Head of School, Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury

Take a peek inside our school

Our toddler room is for preschoolers.

Our toddler room is for preschoolers.

Preschoolers can play freely in the toddler room.

Preschoolers can play freely in the toddler room.

Our Children's House room is full of activities for kindergarten-aged children.

Our Children's House room is full of activities for kindergarten-aged children.

Our "prepared environment" for kids is clean and organized.

Our "prepared environment" for kids is clean and organized.

Explore Our Programs

What are the Montessori equivalent names for daycare, preschool, and kindergarten? Daycare corresponds to our Nido program, preschool years correspond to our Toddler program, and the kindergarten years correspond to our Children's House program. Click each image below to read a program overview and discover what your child will learn when they join our school.

Hear what parents have to say about Guidepost Montessori

Changing the world, one student at a time

We are a school where children find the joy in learning — and thus make it possible for them to continue learning for the rest of their lives.

To think mathematically.
To solve problems.
To create things.
To encounter great literature that inspires their character development.
To build themselves as capable, efficacious beings.
To place themselves in history and in society.
To spark meaningful friendships and deep personal values that last a lifetime.

Our goal at Guidepost Montessori is to serve each individual child, to help them realize their limitless potential, and the opportunities they will have to create real and lasting change throughout their lifetime.

young girl sitting at a table in a Guidepost Montessori kindergarten classroom cutting a banana

"One of the best decisions I made!"

"Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury is one of the best decisions i made to put both my daughters for their early education. The whole facility is so clean and hygienic, the staff are very professional and at the same time my daughter loves going to the Guidepost with high energy and enthusiasm which gives lots of peace to the parents." - Chandra R., Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury Parent.

Three kindergarten-aged school girls enjoy a conversation over glasses of milk, while two other students complete activities behind them in the well-organized Montessori classroom.

"A great sense of community!"

"We enrolled two children here, and are very happy with our experience. Coming from a pandemic-ridden infancy spent entirely at home, our toddler, in particular, faced an abrupt transition to full-day care. But she is thriving under Ms. Lisa's expert, purposeful, and individualized care. We can't recommend her enough! My older child loves the flexibility provided by the Montessori method and has profited from being able to choose materials in light of seeing her peers' work. We also appreciate the great efforts administrators make to create a sense of community school-wide: special holiday treats, beginning- and end-of-year parties, etc. Our kids have made connections with friends, and such events give us an opportunity to meet those friends' parents as well." - Rachel D., Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury Parent!

Children in a well-organized mixed-age Montessori classroom ponder over an activity using blocks of different sizes, classic Montessori classroom materials

"Loving and affectionate caregivers"

"Great school. Well-maintained loving and affectionate caregivers. What you expect from a Montessori and more..I am very happy that I switched my baby to their care." Maya J., Guidepost Montessori at Cranbury Parent

Meet our School Team

Head of School

Tanya Bryant

Assistant Head of School

MaryAnn Birchler

Toddler Lead Guide

Lisa Lickliter

 GIF of stills from the Transparent Classroom app which allows you to stay on top of your kids' daily activities in real-time.

Stay connected to your child's learning

Thanks to our app Transparent Classroom, you get a window into your child’s experience of school daily.

Your child’s Lead Guide will share what your child is learning and what their real-time assessments are - this way you can very closely follow your child’s development throughout the day, months, and years you stay within the Guidepost network. If you transfer from one of our locations to the next, your child’s progress and continuity will be tracked in the app and readily accessible. Read more about Transparent Classroom here.

In this app you will see important notes and milestones such as:

  • Daily toileting, eating (bottle feeding for infants), and sleeping habits
  • Curriculum introduction, progress, and completion
  • End of day summary of all activities
  • Notes such as bringing in more diapers or a new set of clothes
  • Reminders for upcoming classroom events like birthdays, holidays, or special occasions

Interested in becoming a room parent? Let your child's Lead guide know!

Take a peek at our school

@guidepostcranbury
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Start your journey with us

What sets us apart from traditional schools

As the largest network of Montessori schools in the U.S., Guidepost Montessori is recognized for its outstanding academic standards, its steadfast commitment to Montessori education, and its deep respect for the potential in every child. At Guidepost, it is our mission to empower and equip your child with the knowledge, confidence and agency needed to reach their highest potential.

Two preschool aged children completing different in-class Montessori activities.

Education for life

Our education provides the freedom and guidance needed to construct a sense of self and purpose through joyful, meaningful work. We support your child in all areas of their development – social, emotional, physical, academic, and beyond.

Three kindergarten-aged school girls and one kindergarten school boy enjoy some laughs while completing a school activity.

Deeply individualized learning

Lessons are carefully structured and designed to appeal to each student's level of development and needs. Our proprietary curriculum gives students increasing responsibility over their learning as they grow.

One guide watches as two preschool aged students complete a Montessori classroom activity.

Dedicated teachers supported by industry experts

Our programming has been designed by leading education experts, and is implemented by passionate, qualified teachers. All of our Lead Guides are required to be AMI, AMS, or PMI Montessori certified and receive ongoing training and professional development.

Shelves are stacked with colorful paper and organized with classroom tools like scissors, pens, paintbrushes and glue. Students complete work in the background.

Carefully prepared environment

At the heart of our school is our belief that children thrive when given freedom and responsibility in environments prepared for them. Guidepost Montessori classrooms are light, airy, calming, aesthetically beautiful spaces. Each material is carefully chosen and carefully displayed — to inspire and entice your child to explore.

 Students gather around a guide on a reading rug as they intake a laptop PowerPoint presentation on metamorphic rocks.

Year-round programming

We think the education of our students is stronger when we can serve the whole family, which is why we are committed to very few closures throughout the school year, and offer extended day options for families.

A teacher helps students learn how to read in a classroom setting, with sticky notes, open laptops and a student on a barstool in the background.

Continuity and mobility

Our schools offer a continuing Montessori education for children as young as 10 weeks through to 18 years old. With a growing network of 100+ schools across the U.S., China and Europe - combined with our virtual and homeschool options - we can support continuity and consistency in your child's education to meet your family's changing needs.

Preschool student enjoying blocks in a prepared environment.
Toddler playing on the playground.
Kindergarten children work on puzzles independently.
We provide more than just childcare: we provide a place to explore.
Exploring materials with furniture that is the right size for kids.
The Montessori method provides a place for children to explore and make choices.
Kindergarten children having a meal together.
Toddler having fun in a tube!
Children's House student preparing roses.
Kindergarten student loving outdoor play.
Preschooler learning words
Our classrooms have right-sized furniture for preschoolers.

Giving your child the keys to life

Guidepost Montessori offers a unique and holistic approach to education for children of all ages with over 120 brick & mortar schools, virtual and homeschool, and Spanish and Mandarin language immersion options.

Our curriculum fosters independence, creativity, and a love of learning. Book a school tour today and take the first step in giving your child the gift of a Montessori education.

Learn more about our:

Get Started.
Fill out the form to get in touch with school leadership and to learn about immediate availability, tuition, or to schedule a school tour.