Maria Horsford

Maria has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, Montessori American Montessori Society credentials for children ages 0-3 and 3-6 and a New York State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education (birth-2nd grade).

Before joining Battery Park Montessori, Maria was a longstanding member of one of NYC's most respected Montessori schools – West Side Montessori.

Maria has had the privilege of working in various capacities at Battery Park Montessori, each of which has enriched her understanding and commitment to the Montessori philosophy.

With almost two decades of experience in Montessori education, Maria has guided children at both the primary and infant/toddler level. In addition to her work with children and their families in the classroom, she also has supported families and teachers outside of the classroom. These last four years she led and collaborated with teachers in the school’s efforts towards Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism (I-DEA) as a Coordinator. Maria provided training and resources to teachers and facilitated discussions so that our school community continues to be a welcoming and supportive for everyone.

In addition Maria was the Infant / Toddler program coordinator. In this role Maria oversaw the development and implementation of programs for our youngest learners. She collaborated with teachers to ensure that our curriculum met the highest standards of Montessori education and was tailored to the needs of each child. This role also involved supporting families and fostering a sense of community within our school.

Maria is excited to lead our Montessori community with a vision of growth and excellence. Maria’s experiences as a teacher and coordinator have given her a comprehensive understanding of the needs of our students, families, and staff. Maria is committed to maintaining the integrity of the Montessori philosophy while incorporating innovative practices that enhance our educational offerings. Maria’s goal is to create a nurturing environment where every child can reach their full potential and where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.

Maria lives in Brooklyn with her family. In her freetime she loves to read, go to the park, watch movies, travel and visit museums. She also loves to do her most important job- being an Aunt to Myles who attends Pine Street School. Maria is an avid “sneaker head” and her favorite food is oil down, which is the national dish of her homeland, Grenada!