Ida Fridmann,

Director of The Wellesley Montessori School is a well-respected and recognized member of the Montessori community. Her dedication to the Montessori teaching method began in Strasbourg, France where she took the Association Montessori International training. Mrs. Fridmann eventually took the American Montessori Society Training and her commitment to the program evolved.

Mrs. Fridmann emigrated to the U.S. in 1962 with her husband and two young sons. Living in Springfield, MA, she joined a playgroup with parents interested in opening a school in the area. As a founding member, Ida opened The Pioneer Valley Montessori School in September 1964. Mrs. Fridmann quickly established herself as a leader of the Montessori teaching method in New England. The Pioneer Valley Montessori School continues to be very successful and now goes up to the eighth grade.

In 1968, Mrs. Fridmann and family moved to the Boston area and Ida took a position as a part-time substitute in the Lexington Montessori School. In 1974, Ida decided to open the Wellesley Montessori School (WMS) in its present location. It was an instant success. The parents embraced her dedication to the Montessori teaching, and the School’s fine reputation spread throughout the community. The school started with one class of twenty children, and by the year of 1979, had expanded to four classrooms – two morning and afternoon sessions. The WMS is committed to providing the highest quality pre-school experience for 2.9-6 year old children. Mrs. Fridmann has the full support of her staff, which embraces the Montessori philosophy and encourage learning at a child’s own pace in a pleasant and familiar environment.