See a real Montessori morning in Hampstead
Tour our 12-acre campus and classrooms. Watch children ages 2 to 12 choose their own work, learn with hands-on materials, and care for gardens, animals, and each other.
- Stepping Stones, ages 2–3
- Primary, ages 3–6
- Elementary, grades 1–6
Pick a day and time that work for you.
What a school day looks like
Each morning starts with a long, uninterrupted work period of about three hours. Children choose purposeful work, teachers give lessons one-on-one and in small groups, and every child moves forward at their own pace.
Twelve acres to explore
Gardens, farm animals, and outdoor classrooms are part of everyday learning here. Children spend real time outside, and they take care of the land and animals themselves.
Why families choose Topsail Montessori
Authentic Montessori
Montessori-trained teachers observe each child closely and prepare lessons that meet them where they are.
Independence and confidence
Children learn to set goals, solve problems, and take care of themselves, their classroom, and each other.
Deep learning, less homework
Real understanding is built during the school day, so evenings can stay with your family.
A peaceful, welcoming community
Festivals, celebrations, and Saturday Markets bring families together all year.
Care that fits your schedule
Extended day, year-round care, and summer camp for working families.
On-site therapy services
Support services are available right on campus, so children don't miss their day.
Programs from age 2 through 6th grade
Stepping Stones
Often a child's first experience beyond home. A calm, caring space where toddlers build independence with loving teachers and friends.
Primary
A three-year classroom that includes kindergarten. Younger children learn by watching older ones, and older children grow by helping.
Elementary
Students work with teachers to plan their own work, go deep on what interests them, and master essential skills at their own pace.
New to the area?
Many of our families found us after a move or a military transfer, or after loving Montessori somewhere else. A tour is the easiest way to see if Topsail is the right fit for your child.
Families drive in from
- Hampstead
- Surf City
- Holly Ridge
- Sneads Ferry
- Burgaw
- Porters Neck
- Ogden
- Castle Hayne
What parents say
Our son is finishing his 3rd year at Topsail Montessori and will be going into 4th grade this fall. The focus on individual learning and hands-on experiences have been so rewarding, and we’ve seen our son thrive in this environment. Our son’s favorite parts of Topsail Montessori are the farm animals (chickens, goats, ducks) and project research. His teachers are amazing, and they really get to know the students’ strengths and areas to grow and improve through the multi-age classrooms. Coming to Topsail Montessori has been the best decision we could have made for our child!
Our daughter has been going to Topsail Montessori for 2 years now, from pre-k, kindergarten, and will be in 1st grade next year. The curriculum, the patience, the caring, the leaps and bounds she’s come since starting that program has been second to none! I cannot give enough praise to the teaching staff and administrators that make our child’s learning a priority.
We started our son halfway through the school year and he is thriving! He comes home excited every day to tell us about what he’s learned and his confidence is through the roof!
Great school! My daughter is doing awesome there and the teachers really care about their growth and learning. Update as of Jan 2026: second daughter joined Topsail Stepping Stones program and is thriving. Thank you to the caring staff!
Book your campus tour
Our classrooms stay full, so many families tour well before their child's start date.
Pick a time
Choose a day and time on the calendar.
Visit campus
See the classrooms, gardens, and animals, and watch children at work.
Ask anything
Programs, schedules, tuition, and how enrollment works.
Prefer to talk first? Call (910) 319-0813.
Questions parents ask
What ages do you serve?
Stepping Stones for ages 2–3, Primary for ages 3–6 (including kindergarten), and Elementary for grades 1–6.
How much is tuition?
Tuition depends on the program and schedule. You can see the 2026–27 tuition schedule and our scholarship opportunities, and we'll walk through options on your tour.
Is there space for my child?
Our classrooms are currently full, and openings come up over time. Touring is the best first step. We'll explain how enrollment and openings work for your child's age.
Do you offer care before and after school?
Yes. We offer extended day, year-round care, and summer camp.
Does my child need Montessori experience?
Not for our youngest programs. Stepping Stones is often a child's first time away from home. For older children, we'll talk through your child's background on the tour.
Come see it for yourself
The best way to understand Montessori is to watch it happen.
Choose a tour time