Montessori Preschool

Where Learning Begins with Wonder

Our Montessori preschool provides excellent preparation for a classical classroom, where children aged 3-4 discover that play is their work and through the work of play, they learn. Materials teach to the intellect of the child, used incrementally as the child matures to support every aspect of development. We focus on Truth—Goodness—Beauty through intentional concentration, independence within a framework of respect, self-regulation, and contribution to the group as a whole.

Montessori Approach

Our Montessori approach recognizes that young children learn best through hands-on exploration and self-directed activity. Through carefully prepared environments, developmentally appropriate guidance, and Catholic formation, we nurture each child’s natural love of learning while preparing them for academic success.

How We Nurture Young Learners

Our Montessori program recognizes that play is children’s work, and through the work of play, they learn most naturally and joyfully. Materials teach to the intellect of the child and are used incrementally as each child matures, supporting every aspect of their development.

We foster self-directed, hands-on, collaborative play that builds intentional concentration—the foundation for all future learning. Children develop independence within a framework of respect, learn self-regulation, and discover how to contribute meaningfully to their group. This approach honors how young minds naturally learn while preparing them for the more structured classical education they’ll encounter in Kindergarten.

Learning Through Exploration and Discovery

Our curriculum is designed around the developmental needs of 3 and 4-year-olds, recognizing that young children learn concretely and are not yet ready for abstract concepts. Children at this age cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy, are often confused about past and present, and absorb language primarily through their ears rather than their eyes.

Writing naturally lags behind speech development, and children are not yet ready for lessons about far-away times and places. Understanding these developmental realities, we encourage children to obey out of love rather than fear, and we structure learning experiences that meet them exactly where they are. Every activity is designed to build the foundational skills and habits they’ll need for success in elementary school.

Building Character from the Beginning

Our formation program integrates the five essential marks of Catholic schools throughout every aspect of the day. We inspire children with a supernatural vision, keeping their eyes fixed on Heaven through age-appropriate prayer, stories, and celebrations. Our approach is founded on Christian anthropology, recognizing education as the formation of the whole human person rather than mere information transfer.

We animate our community through communion and shared faith, creating an environment where children experience belonging and love. Our Catholic worldview permeates the entire curriculum, while our teachers provide vital Gospel witness through their committed example. Character formation begins with cultivating the age-appropriate virtues of obedience, sincerity, and order, creating the foundation for all future virtue development.

Here to serve.

Anne Luna

Montessori Preschool Teacher

Mrs. Luna holds a B.A. in Modern Languages and a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language from Seton Hall University. She is passionate about guiding young children through their first school experiences, helping them grow into confident, courteous, and joyful learners—instilling in them a deep respect for one another and a sense of reverence and awe for God and His creation.

Before pausing her career to raise her three children, Mrs. Luna taught in several preschools across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She later returned to the classroom at the Regina Academy at St. John the Baptist (RASJB), where her own children were students. There, she became a certified Montessori educator for children ages 3–6 and was instrumental in launching RASJB’s Montessori preschool program.

A devoted parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. John the Baptist, Mrs. Luna brings both faith and joy into every aspect of her work. In her free time, she enjoys cultivating her butterfly garden—drawing on the wealth of knowledge she gained from Mrs. Elsner’s beloved nature walks.

Mrs. Luna holds a B.A. in Modern Languages and a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language from Seton Hall University. She is passionate about guiding young children through their first school experiences, helping them grow into confident, courteous, and joyful learners—instilling in them a deep respect for one another and a sense of reverence and awe for God and His creation.Before pausing her career to raise her three children, Mrs. Luna taught in several preschools across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She later returned to the classroom at the Regina Academy at St. John the Baptist (RASJB), where her own children were students. There, she became a certified Montessori educator for children ages 3–6 and was instrumental in launching RASJB’s Montessori preschool program.A devoted parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. John the Baptist, Mrs. Luna brings both faith and joy into every aspect of her work. In her free time, she enjoys cultivating her butterfly garden—drawing on the wealth of knowledge she gained from Mrs. Elsner’s beloved nature walks.

Erin Eckhard

Montessori Preschool Assistant

Erin Eckhard was raised Catholic in central New Jersey and is an experienced early childhood educator with a strong foundation in both traditional and Montessori education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a minor in Psychology. Over the past decade, she has cultivated a deep passion for supporting young children’s development, particularly through the Montessori approach.

She served as a lead Montessori preschool teacher for six years, where she not only taught but also mentored others in the Montessori philosophy. Most recently, she has worked as an early interventionist, supporting children from birth to age three and their families during the most critical stages of development.

Mrs. Eckhard is a proud mother of three, including two energetic boys and a baby girl. She lives with her husband and children in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking and going on adventures with her family. She is a dedicated advocate for child-led learning and continues to inspire others by sharing the values and practices of Montessori education.

Erin Eckhard was raised Catholic in central New Jersey and is an experienced early childhood educator with a strong foundation in both traditional and Montessori education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a minor in Psychology. Over the past decade, she has cultivated a deep passion for supporting young children’s development, particularly through the Montessori approach.She served as a lead Montessori preschool teacher for six years, where she not only taught but also mentored others in the Montessori philosophy. Most recently, she has worked as an early interventionist, supporting children from birth to age three and their families during the most critical stages of development.Mrs. Eckhard is a proud mother of three, including two energetic boys and a baby girl. She lives with her husband and children in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking and going on adventures with her family. She is a dedicated advocate for child-led learning and continues to inspire others by sharing the values and practices of Montessori education.

Eileen Anger

Montessori Preschool Assistant

Eileen Anger is a retired court stenographer from New Jersey. She and her husband, Douglas, moved to Nevada to explore the West, but after their granddaughter, Aylee, was born, they moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. She started volunteering at lunch and now works part-time in Pre-K. She enjoys being an active participant at Regina Academy to be closer to Aylee and is an avid reader.