🔒Children’s House Montessori School buys Rockport building to add outdoor learning

Children’s House Montessori School has signed an option agreement to purchase 3 Cross St. in Rockport, a move that would give the school a permanent home and expand opportunities for outdoor learning. The proposed site is located across from Erickson Fields Preserve, owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and adjacent to new affordable housing developments. The school said the location will allow students to connect more closely with the surrounding environment and growing community while supporting the school's long-term plans. "This is a huge milestone for our school," said Caleb Lincoln, chair of the Children’s House Montessori School board of directors. "The Cross Street property reflects our long-term commitment to early childhood education and creates opportunities for children to learn, grow and connect with both the natural world and their community.” Children’s House serves children ages 18 months to 9 years old in school-year and summer programs. It claimed revenue of $2.87 million in its most recent tax filing, according to the 2025 Mainebiz Giving Guide, which cited GuideStar data.

About the move

The Camden-based school has spent several years exploring options for a permanent location. Children's House will continue operating from its schoolhouse in Camden through next summer and plans to open at the new property for the 2027-28 school year. The new location will allow students to explore trails, participate in community agriculture and build stronger connections with the natural environment. "Montessori education encourages children to learn through direct experience, observation and exploration," said Rachel Nixon, who is the head of school. "Being across from Erickson Fields creates extraordinary opportunities for outdoor learning.