A Sanctuary For Learning

Welcome to

Hidden Gems Montessori

Jamaica, Queen's Premier Private Preschool for Children Ages 3-5

(Strictly a Preschool... NOT a Daycare)

A Montessori Micro‑School Where Every Child Shines

At Hidden Gems Montessori...

You're Family!

Led by an AMS‑certified Montessori educator, Hidden Gems Montessori offers a high quality, peaceful, nurturing micro‑school environment with ultra‑small class sizes and flexible AM/PM sessions designed for families who want more than childcare.

Morning Session: 8:30–11:20 AM

Afternoon Session: 12:30–3:20 PM

We are one of only 2 American Montessori Society member schools located in Queens.

Hidden Gems Montessori is a micro‑school designed for families who want more than childcare.

We offer a peaceful, developmentally rich learning environment guided by an AMS‑certified Montessori educator, supported by AMS membership standards, and structured around two flexible 2‑hour‑59‑minute sessions that honor both state regulations and family schedules.

Our ultra‑small class sizes allow us to provide:

• Individualized Montessori lessons tailored to each child’s readiness

• A calm, respectful classroom culture rooted in grace & courtesy

• Hands‑on learning that builds independence, confidence, and curiosity

• A safe, predictable environment with rigorous background checks and clear policies

• Flexible scheduling for families who prefer part‑time, high‑quality education

We are not a daycare. We are not a traditional preschool.

We are a Montessori micro‑school.

Intentionally small, deeply personal, and academically meaningful.

AMS‑Certified Leadership. Our director is formally trained in Montessori pedagogy, ensuring authenticity and expertise.

Two‑Session Flexibility AM or PM options.

AMS Member School We follow nationally recognized Montessori standards.

High Safety Standards Comprehensive background checks, strict supervision, and clear policies.

Micro‑School Model Ultra‑small ratios, individualized attention, and a peaceful learning environment.

Meet Your Director:

Qrenzina Francis-Kendrick, MEd./AMS Certified

Hi! I'm Miss Q, Director of Hidden Gems Montessori. I look forward to our educational journey together!

I am an AMS certified Montessori guide with a Master Degree in Early Childhood Education. Our curriculum is Montessori based, child centered and focuses on respect and love for education. We are passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment for our young learners.

I also offer workshops for parents to introduce and share the Montessori philosophy.

Welcome to our community, A Sanctuary for Learning!

Reasons You'll Love Us

Check Out Our Premier Program!

AMS‑Certified Leadership

Your child learns under the guidance of an educator formally trained in Montessori philosophy and practice.

True Montessori Environment

Hands‑on materials, child‑led exploration, and a calm, respectful classroom culture rooted in grace & courtesy.

Micro‑School Model

Ultra‑small groups mean individualized attention, deeper relationships, and a peaceful learning rhythm.

Flexible Two‑Session Schedule

Choose AM or PM

2 days, 3 days or 5 days a week

High Safety Standards

All staff complete:

• National background check

• Sex‑offender registry search

• Identity verification

Your child will love our preschool!

I'll help your child come out of his/her shell, gain self confidence, and grow in all areas of development. I'm excited to help your child grow and learn!

Our Montessori Approach

Children learn best when they feel respected, capable, and free to explore.

Our classroom supports:

• Independence

• Concentration

• Confidence

• Social‑emotional growth

• Hands‑on discovery

Our learning garden teaches sustainable practices

Each year, our community garden supplies our children with ample opportunities to learn about growing sustainably and supporting our local ecosystem.

Montessori Workshops for families

We follow Montessori principles while honoring each child’s unique pace and interests.

Parent workshops available throughout the year to help support

your child at home.

Choose Your Preschool Class:

You can choose from a variety of our preschool classes to better accommodate your family’s schedule. Whether you want your child to attend 2, 3, or 5 days/week at preschool, (or even AM or PM) we have a class for you!

2 DAYS PER WEEK:
T_TH

Tuition: $450/month

Reg. Fee: $100

Choose Your Class:

Tu/ Th
8:30-11:30 a.m.

Tu/Th
12-3 p.m.

3 DAYS PER WEEK:
MWF

Tuition: $650/month

Reg. Fee: $100

Choose Your Class:

M/W/F
8:30-11:30 a.m.

M/W/F
12-3 p.m.

5 DAYS PER WEEK:
M-F

Tuition: $1,100/month

Reg. Fee: $100

Choose Your Class:

M-F
8:30-11:30 a.m.

M-F
12-3 p.m.

When should I call to register my child?

It’s never too early to call, so call as soon as you even think about registering, because our classes fill up ridiculously fast!

When does preschool start? Can I enroll mid-year?

We have a 10-month school year (Aug.-May) and a 2-month summer camp (June-July). If we have spots available, you can enroll mid-year. Please call us to see if we have any spots available.

How old does my child need to be to attend?

Preschool classes are for children who are ages 3-5 (and "independent almost-3-year-olds") by Sep. 1. Summer camp is for children who are ages 3-8 by June 1.

Does my child have to be potty trained?

Yes. If you have any questions about whether or not your child is ready, feel free to give us a call. We even have a “How To Potty Train” your child handout we can give you. It’s helped many preschool moms quickly potty train their kids. We’re here to help!

What is your teaching philosophy?

We follow a “whole child” philosophy where we work with you to improve your child’s Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Language, and Physical skills. Our curriculum is Montessori and based on the NAEYC guidelines and features a balance of child-initiated and teacher guided hands-on activities to accomplish these goals. We also incorporate Fundamentals Preschool Curriculum. Your child will learn practical life skills and to socialize, make friends, develop social and emotional skills, and be more than ready for Kindergarten!

Are there additional fees during the year?

No. Your registration fee covers all your child’s supplies and reserves a spot in our program. Your child won’t pay anything to attend our field trips and activities. And your family can come for free too! Your child will also receive at no extra cost: a preschool shirt to wear on Spirit Day and a graduation portfolio!

What if my child has food restrictions?

No worries. Several of our students have food intolerances or severe allergies. We ask these families to bring in their own snacks, and we create nut-free classrooms any time a child’s allergy is severe enough to require an epi pen.