The Homestead School

Homestead is truly a one-of-a-kind school. You sense this as soon as you step onto the gorgeous 85-acre property and meet the founders, who are the among the loveliest people I've ever met. When my husband and I first toured, I thought to myself, "Wow, I want to go to school here!" Every time I step on the campus I am amazed by how peaceful and cheerful it is, and how engaged all of the children are. Being a Montessori, the guiding principle at the school is that discovery is at the heart of learning, and Homestead offers the kids there so many incredible opportunities to do this on their own, in nature, with their friends. The teachers know every child's strengths and needs very individually, and help the kids learn to manage their own learning. My daughter is currently finishing first grade and her reading progress this year has been incredible. She is a passionate researcher and loves the natural environment, so Homestead is really the perfect place for her. If you want your child to have more individual attention in a caring, creative, holistic environment, than you can't do any better than Homestead!

Our son has attended Homestead School for almost six years, and we feel as if this is his second home. The directors and staff truly care about him and treat him as an individual, nurturing his strengths and helping him overcome his weaknesses. Rules and policies at the school are based on common sense, with the students’ best interests in mind. From the time children begin their schooling at Homestead, they are instilled with a love and respect for nature. They are outside twice a day on all but the most bitter cold days, sleigh-riding in the winter, hiking, playing in the stream or running freely through the woods in the warmer months. The school’s art, fiber arts and drama programs are incredible, and our son has learned skills and developed interests in these areas that will enrich his life even as an adult. We could not have asked for a better foundation for him, and will always be grateful that he was able to attend Homestead School.

I can't say enough wonderful things about the Homestead School. I have a son in first grade and another little one on their way to preschool next year. The directors are friendly, understanding, and involved. Every one of my boy's teachers have been phenomenal. The Montessori method is such a wonderful way for kids to learn. My son loves to be challenged and I know he is each and every day. Besides the excellent academic environment, the students participate in art, Spanish, fiber arts, and drama. The kids are also encouraged to play outside several times each day even when it is cold. My son comes home with his adventurous sled riding stories and couldn't be happier. He tells people all of the time that "he loves school" and he "goes to the best school in the world". I just can't say enough wonderful things about the Homestead.

A hidden gem. This little school (small only in personalized feel and small student body, but the campus is HUGE) was the tipping point when our family considered moving out of NYC to points farther north. We found NO acceptable options to school our kids in our "zoned" district in Brooklyn, and no private schools that we could afford (none we liked, anyway). We waffled about moving up to the Catskills area for a while, until we found the Comstocks and this perfect school, and that sealed it. The massive grounds have nature trails, streams, woods, fields, farm animals, barns, gardens, playgrounds....and that's just outside. The classrooms are a lovely, rustic Montessori setup; our kids' teachers in the Early Childhood program are dedicated and down-to-earth. The directors are exceptional, the programs are unbelievable (besides the traditional Montessori approach to a thoroughly diverse and global education, they also have the children weave with wool they have helped to shear, spin and dye, and tap/boil their own maple syrup, and plant/harvest gardens, and go sledding in the winter -- just off the top of my head) and the setting is beyond beautiful. I could never dream of anything close to this educational environment had we stayed in Brooklyn. My only complaints are that the school only goes to the 6th grade (which is as far as traditional Montessori goes, I believe)...and that I can't spend my days at the Homestead myself!