At The Play Garden, we believe that the early years of a child’s life are shaped by the connections they make—with their caregivers, peers, and the world around them. These connections lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and independence. The Play Garden was born out of Nina Bartholomew’s journey as both an educator and a mother. As she navigated the early years of parenthood, Nina recognized a gap in spaces that truly supported families during these crucial, formative years. She envisioned a place where young children could explore and grow, and where caregivers could find a sense of community and connection.

Nina’s journey began with the founding of Little Garden Montessori in 2020, a school that blossomed from her deep belief in Montessori principles and her passion for fostering independence and confidence in children. From its earliest days, Little Garden was more than a school—it was a community. Nina’s vision centered on creating a space where children could thrive academically and socially, and where parents could feel included and supported.

As Little Garden grew, so did the idea of expanding its reach to meet the needs of even younger children and their families. Nina saw the transformative impact of Montessori education on her students and realized that the principles of hands-on learning, independence, and connection could extend beyond the classroom to the earliest stages of childhood. This realization sparked the creation of Toddler Time, a program designed to introduce Montessori concepts to children under three alongside their caregivers. Toddler Time became a cornerstone of Nina’s mission to bridge the gap between structured early learning and the nurturing environment of home.

The success of Toddler Time highlighted the need for a dedicated space where children and caregivers could learn, play, and grow together—a space that embodied the Montessori philosophy while also meeting the practical needs of modern families. From this vision, The Play Garden emerged. More than just a place for classes, The Play Garden is a hub for community, discovery, and support. It offers programs like Toddler Time, free play sessions, and more, all designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and meaningful connections.