School History

The Winfield Children’s House is located on the site of an original, small neighborhood schoolhouse, dating back to 1876. It was called the “Dunham School” and operated as such until 1946 before being turned into a private residence. The building was renovated in 1987, and once again turned into a “house for children”. In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, the school was furnished with low, child-sized facilities which foster independence and subtly reflect to the children that they can master their own environment. Winfield began with one Toddler and one Preschool program.

An expansion in 2000 added a second building along with a second Preschool program and a Kindergarten classroom. In May of 2007, the Winfield Toddler House opened its doors and became the first accredited infant/toddler Montessori school in the state of Maine. In 2013, a new space for infants ages 6 months to 16 months opened in the original Dunham school building. Our Bambini classroom is a unique space for our youngest Montessorians, allowing space for free exploration in a warm, nurturing environment. The Winfield Children’s House is one of a very few antique one-room school houses that continue to serve children and families today.

In 2007, the Winfield Children’s House celebrated its 20th anniversary along with the 100 year anniversary of Montessori education.

Winfield is accredited by the Montessori School Accreditation Council and affiliated with the American Montessori Society. We are licensed by the Maine State Department of Health and Human Services and approved as a private Kindergarten by the Maine Department of Education.
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