The Lantern School opens in Fall 2026 serving kindergarten through second grade. We will add one grade per year as our founding cohort grows.

We are intentionally small. Our founding class will have no more than 16 students, with two teachers in the room. Small enough that every child is known, and known well.

We use All About Reading for literacy and Singapore Math for mathematics, two of the most research-backed curricula available for this age group. Afternoons are more integrated, drawing on project-based work across history, science, art, and handiwork.

The Lantern School is a new school opening in Fall 2026. We plan to pursue accreditation and will share updates as that process unfolds. In the meantime, we are happy to speak with any family who has questions about what accreditation means in practice.

We draw on both traditions without belonging strictly to either. From Montessori we take the emphasis on hands-on materials, child-directed work, and mastery before advancement. From Waldorf we take the value of rhythm, handiwork, and protecting the pace of childhood. We pair those influences with structured, systematic instruction in literacy and math, because we believe a rigorous academic foundation and a joyful childhood are not in conflict.

Mostly. We follow the major holidays and breaks on the Darien public school calendar. Our full calendar for 2026-2027 will be shared with enrolled families before the school year begins.