Practical Life
Independence, concentration, coordination, and care for self and the classroom community.
A warm, thoughtfully prepared community where children build independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning—at their own natural pace.

Beautiful, hands-on materials invite children to explore deeply, practice purposefully, and experience the joy of doing things for themselves.
Independence, concentration, coordination, and care for self and the classroom community.
Refining the senses while building order, observation, comparison, and clear thinking.
Sounds, symbols, writing, reading, and confident expression through spoken language.
Concrete materials make quantity, place value, operations, and patterns visible and meaningful.
Geography, science, art, music, history, botany, and zoology open a window to the world.
Fine and gross motor development, self-expression, and growing confidence in the body.
New Life Montessori began in 2005 as a small home-based program created to give young children a warm, respectful place to learn. As our community grew, the school expanded in Newcastle while preserving the close-knit atmosphere that families value.
We see every child as naturally curious and capable. In a thoughtfully prepared mixed-age classroom, children learn at their own pace, build independence, and experience the quiet confidence that comes from meaningful work.

Our teaching team creates a calm, consistent environment where every child is known, encouraged, and supported.
Director & Montessori Educator
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Mary Lee is the director of New Life Montessori School. Growing up in a family of educators, she was surrounded by people who cared deeply about teaching, so choosing a path in education felt natural to her. Since founding the school in 2005, she has worked to create a warm, welcoming place where children feel known, respected, and excited to learn.
Mary’s studies in education and art therapy have shaped the way she supports children. They help her see each child as a whole person and offer creative ways for children to express themselves, build confidence, and grow. She loves working alongside the teachers, getting to know families, and watching each child discover what they can do.
Outside of school, Mary enjoys Pilates, golf, and playing the piano.
June began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Korea, where she worked for approximately seven years. After moving to the United States, she continued her studies in early childhood and Montessori education and earned her Montessori credential for children ages 3–6. She has since gained valuable experience working in Montessori preschool classrooms and guiding children through a variety of meaningful learning experiences.
June deeply values each child’s unique personality, interests, and individual pace of development. Her goal is to help every child grow in confidence and independence while developing a genuine love of learning. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the children each day and looks forward to creating many joyful and meaningful memories with them at New Life Montessori School.
Born and raised in Hungary in a loving home, Krisztina was fortunate to have a joyful preschool experience and many caring educators who positively shaped her early years. These experiences inspired her lifelong passion for child development, connected parenting, and creating nurturing environments where children can thrive.
For eighteen years, Krisztina homeschooled her four children, thoughtfully seeking curricula, classes, and meaningful challenges that would make learning an engaging and enriching part of everyday life. Through this journey, she developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori method, which she values for its thoughtful, respectful, and child-centered approach to development.
Krisztina is honored to help guide young children during such an important stage of their lives. She is delighted to continue learning, growing, and putting Montessori principles into practice as a member of the New Life Montessori School community.
Ellie brings a creative and expressive perspective to the classroom through her background in drama. Her experience in the performing arts has strengthened her appreciation for imagination, storytelling, communication, and the many unique ways children express themselves.
She is currently completing her Montessori Teacher Preparation certification and fulfilling her practicum at New Life Montessori School. Through this experience, Ellie continues to deepen her understanding of Montessori principles and how thoughtfully prepared environments encourage children’s independence, confidence, curiosity, and natural love of learning.
Ellie believes every child is naturally curious and learns in their own way. She loves bringing creativity, warmth, and joy into the classroom and is grateful to learn and grow alongside the children each day.

Children arrive, connect, and settle into the rhythm of the classroom.
Children choose meaningful work while teachers offer individual and small-group lessons.
Circle, stories, music, cultural study, gardening, and seasonal projects expand our shared world.
Fresh air, friendship, imagination, and joyful movement complete the day.
Tell us a little about your family. Your information will be prepared as an email to New Life Montessori so you can review it before sending.