Our Story
Our Mission & Philosophy
At Seneca Village Montessori School, our mission is to empower young minds through a unique educational approach that combines the principles of Montessori education with a curriculum deeply rooted in the richness of the African Diaspora. We aim to create an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the diverse cultures of all people of color, placing a strong emphasis on the histories, values, and perspectives of the African community
Our philosophy at Seneca Village Montessori School centers around fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that respects and honors the individuality of each child. We believe in the power of hands-on learning to cultivate independence, curiosity, and self-esteem. By integrating the Montessori method with a curriculum that enriches the physical and emotional growth of our students, we focus on developing their capacities as compassionate, insightful, and resilient individuals. Our culturally inclusive education highlights the contributions and heritage of people of color, particularly those from the African Diaspora, preparing our students to become global citizens who are aware, engaged, and connected to their communities.
Message From Our Founder
Greetings Family,
I am thrilled and honored that you are considering Seneca Village Montessori School as a place for your child to grow and thrive. Choosing a school is a significant decision, and I understand the process can be overwhelming. It is my hope that you will find our school to be a welcoming community where your child will feel valued, loved, and appreciated.
At Seneca Village Montessori, we are dedicated to nurturing the total child. Our program is carefully designed to foster a positive sense of self, self-acceptance, and pride in one’s achievements. We aim to unlock each child’s creative potential and support their social development in a caring environment.
What makes SVMS truly unique is our blend of the Montessori method with an African-centered approach to learning. This combination ensures that our students not only receive a solid foundation in essential academic skills but also develop a deep connection to their cultural heritage, giving them the best of both worlds.
We believe in the adage that “it takes a village to raise a child.” At Seneca Village Montessori, we strive to create a strong, supportive network among parents, teachers, and students. This community helps nurture each child’s potential, benefiting all who join our village.
I look forward to welcoming you to our school and to partnering with you in this educational journey.
Asante sana (Thank you very much),
Sharifa Hodges
Mama Sharifa Hodges, MsEd
Why Seneca Village Montessori ?
By choosing SVMS, you are selecting a school that is dedicated to empowering young minds through a harmonious blend of Montessori principles and a curriculum deeply enriched by the African Diaspora.
Our Unique Approach:
- Montessori Methodology: We employ the time-tested Montessori approach that promotes hands-on, self-directed learning, encouraging independence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
- Culturally Rich Curriculum: Our curriculum goes beyond traditional learning by infusing the rich histories, values, and perspectives of people of color, with a special emphasis on the African Diaspora. This approach not only enriches our students’ learning experience but also strengthens their understanding and appreciation of their own identities.
- Inclusive Environment: We create a learning atmosphere that respects and celebrates diversity. This inclusivity is key to fostering a sense of belonging and community among our students and staff.
The Proud History Behind Seneca Village
Central Park’s landscape near the West 85th Street entrance looks much like the rest of the Park, featuring rolling hills, rock outcrops, and towering trees. However, this area is anything but ordinary. Nearly 200 years ago, this was the site of Seneca Village, the largest community of free African-American property owners in antebellum New York.
The story of Seneca Village begins in 1825, when Andrew Williams and Epiphany Davis became the first African Americans to purchase land in the area, which stretched from West 82nd to West 85th streets between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Within a week of these initial purchases, the Trustees of the AME Zion Church purchased eight lots of nearby land. By 1829, nine relatively substantial houses had been built in the area.
The village was built in a desirable location, with proximity to the Hudson River’s ample fishing opportunities and to a natural source of clean water at a nearby spring. The village’s residences ranged from one-room homes to three-story dwellings made of wood and brick, and there are records of three churches and one school in the village as well. The 1855 census indicated that Seneca Village was home to approximately 250 residents and contained 70 houses. Life in Seneca Village was rural and its distance from the bustling streets of Lower Manhattan offered its residents a peaceful life.
Property ownership in Seneca Village provided an important gateway into democracy for African-American men. In 1821, New York State decreed that African-American men were required to possess $250 in property holdings and prove three years of residency in the state in order to be eligible to vote. Many residents became eligible to vote through land ownership in Seneca Village, including a Cooper (barrel maker) named James Hinson. Census data shows that his property, including two lots of land and a two-story residence with an attached shed, was valued at $550. (Hinson had originally purchased his property for $325.)
Through the 1830s and 1840s, Seneca Village continued to grow and came to include more Irish and German immigrants among its residents. But when the New York State legislature approved the creation of a Central Park in 1853 and designated the land on which it would be built, the future Park’s footprint included the Seneca Village site. Seneca Village residents were not the only people affected by the plan for Central Park, as nearly 1,600 people lived on the tract of land — though Seneca Village was the most densely populated area of the future parkland.
To create Central Park on land that was already occupied, the New York State legislature authorized the use of “eminent domain,” the power of a government to take private land for public use, with compensation paid to the landowner. This was common practice in 19th century urban America, and a similar use of eminent domain had been used to build Manhattan’s grid system decades earlier. This public acquisition of private land began in 1856, and those owners living within the boundaries of the proposed park were compensated for their property. Many protests were filed in New York State Supreme Court, as is often the case with eminent domain when owners contest the amount of settlement. Ultimately though, all of the residents moved from the land and the community never cohesively established itself in another location.
Despite its short history of only thirty-two years, Seneca Village should be remembered as a strong community that served as a stabilizing and empowering force in uncertain times. For example:
In 1855, there were 2,000 African Americans in New York and only 100 were eligible to vote. Of those 100 residents, 10 lived in Seneca Village.
Within Seneca Village, 50% of African-American residents owned their own land; which was five times the average ownership rate for ALL New Yorkers.
Several Seneca Village property owners, including Albro Lyons, Levin Smith and S. Hardenburgh, were prominent in the abolitionist movement.