About Us
Morning Star Montessori School is located on the first floor of a renovated town house in the historic Sage district of downtown Troy. We are dedicated to providing an authentic Montessori education for Preschool and Kindergarten age students. We also offer a caregiver-child program for Toddlers that takes place on weekends and during the Summer. Our goal is to empower children to realize their fullest potential. Our low student-teacher ratio and beautiful, stimulating learning environment allow each child to feel secure, respected and challenged. At Morning Star Montessori School, parents and teachers are partners in their commitment to raising intelligent, compassionate world citizens.
Our Teachers & Staff
With many years of experience working with young children and a dedication to the Montessori method, our teachers bring passion and thoughtfulness to the way they educate. They also bring unique skillsets that provide a diverse range of experiences for the students including art, creative writing, and outdoor education.
Tracy
Snow
Head Teacher
Tracy has over a decade of experience as an educator. As a former high school English teacher, Tracy brings her passion for literacy and creative writing to the classroom. After having spent years caring for her own two children, Tracy started with Morning Star as an assistant teacher. She quickly fell in love with the Montessori method and with working with young children. Tracy feels that being a Montessori teacher enables her to honor her students’ choices and to truly meet their needs. Tracy transitioned to the role of lead teacher at Morning Star in 2024 and is currently completing her Montessori Early Childhood certification with the Northeast Montessori Institute. Beyond learning about all things Montessori, Tracy also enjoys gardening, bird watching, and spending time with her family.
Claire
LeVeque
Director
Claire has been part of the school community since 2021, when her daughter first enrolled, and she now serves as both the school director and an assistant teacher. She deeply values the respect and independence that the Montessori philosophy fosters in children. Prior to her work in education, Claire was an oyster and clam farmer in Washington State, where she led education and outreach programs. She holds a BA in History of Food and Agriculture from The Evergreen State College. Outside the classroom, Claire enjoys gardening and tending to her chickens and ducks.
Sarah Bonesteel
Assistant Teacher
Sarah has been a part of Morning Star since 2018. First as a parent and Board Member, then working as Director of Admissions & Communication, and now as an Assistant Teacher in the classroom. With a BA in Psychology and an MS in School Counseling, Sarah values the Montessori philosophy that children are unique, capable individuals. She enjoys baking and spending time with her family.
Amanda Montgomery
Assistant Teacher
Amanda has been part of the Morning Star community for many years. Her connection to the school began in 2013 when her own children enrolled. In 2014, she began hosting toddler classes for children 18 months to 3 years through Morning Star. Amanda enjoys working with young children and being part of those early stages of development. When Amanda is not in the classroom, you can find her somewhere outside in nature or at her other profession grooming dogs.
Our Board
Our board is made up of dedicated parents and community members who believe in the education and environment that Morning Star Montessori School provides for the children.
Justin
Young
Kyla
Schmidt
Mary Ann Montgomery
Founder and Early Childhood Educator
Sarah
Bonesteel
Governance
Morning Star is completing its 501(c)(3) status. More coming soon.