Toad Hill Children’s House

Toad Hill is a Montessori Kindergarten and Preschool environment for children ages 3-6 years old. We are housed in a historic one room schoolhouse and are adjacent to over 45 acres of the beautiful Hiestand Park.

Toad Hill Children’s House is a 5 Star, City of Madison Accredited Program.

Enrollment

Prospective parents/guardians must attend an event first before submitting an application or being added to the waitlist. This is an intentional step — to ensure that our expectations and philosophies align, ensuring a smooth, positive experience for your child(s). Visit our “Enrollment” page for information about our programs, tours, placement availability, or our waitlist. We are so excited to meet you!

Check out our social media platforms to see more of our day-to-day along with event updates.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, December 18th – Final Day of 2025 Programming

  • We will be closing at 3:00pm for our Winter Solstice Celebration.

Saturday, December 20th – Parent Information Session ~ 9:00am (Blooming Grove Montessori location)

Please RSVP to our events by using the following link — RSVP Link

  • Prospective parents (and current families) are invited to join our founder, Miss Beckie for a tour and overview of Montessori education for children ages 12 weeks-12 years. This event will be hosted at our Blooming Grove Montessori location. Parking is available in our upper lot. Please note that a Family Visit during our regular program times will be scheduled once an application has been submitted. All are welcome! Enrolling for January 2026 + beyond.

Saturday, December 27th – Parent Information Session (Toad Hill Children’s House location) ~ 9:00am

Please RSVP to our events by using the following link — RSVP Link

  • Prospective parents (and current families) are invited to join our founder, Miss Beckie for a tour of our gorgeous historic 1-room school house and overview of Montessori education for children ages 2.5 – 6 years old. This event will be hosted at our Toad Hill Children’s House (4418 Milwaukee St.) location. Please note that a Family Visit during our regular program times will be scheduled once an application has been submitted. All are welcome!

Monday, January 5th, 2026 – Programs Resume

Saturday, February 7th — Open House (9:00am-11:00am) ~ 4414 Milwaukee Street, Madison, WI 53714

Prospective parents (and current families) are invited to join our THCH Team for a tour and overview of our nature-based Montessori programs. We are excited for you to see our gorgeous 1-room schoolhouse. This event will be hosted at our Toad Hill Children’s House location. Please note that a Family Visit during our regular program times will be scheduled once an application has been submitted. All are welcome!


Our Locations:

Toad Hill Toddler House (3m-2y): 4500 Rustic Drive, Madison, WI, 53718

Toad Hill Children’s House (2y-6y): 4418 Milwaukee Street, Madison, WI, 53714

Blooming Grove Montessori (2y-12y): 4560 Rustic Drive, Madison, WI, 53718

History

Built in 1915, our building is one of a few remaining one-room school houses in Dane County.
Learn More!

Kindergarten at Toad Hill

Kindergarten is the most important year for Montessori students. They solidify strong leadership skills, and complete their foundation for a lifelong love of learning. During the Kindergarten year our oldest students venture beyond the classroom to gather new information from leaders in our community, and apply the knowledge they already have in new ways.

Outdoor Classroom and Hiestand Park

Our school yard is an Outdoor Classroom utilized year round. Children climb, build, garden, rake, shovel snow, identify plants and wildlife, and explore and experiment with nature in this space everyday. We gather, count, and cook with fruits and vegetables gathered from these gardens and from our apple, cherry, pear, and mulberry trees. Our charming school also backs to Hiestand Woods Conservation Park, allowing easy access to over 45 acres of open space, wooded trails, playgrounds and greenways.

Montessori Work Period

Our carefully prepared environment allows students practice practical life skills, language, mathematics, sensorial activities, and lessons in geography, science, geology and so much more! As they work  they are constantly developing their sense of order, concentration, coordination and independence.

Celebrations

Childhood is a celebration! Our students celebrate customs and traditions from around the world all year long.  Celebrations include preparing and eating foods from other nations, wearing traditional clothing used in cultural festivals and special occasions, and learning games, crafts, dances and songs in a variety of languages.

“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.”

Dr. Maria Montessori