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ABOUT CASTLE ISLAND
BILINGUAL MONTESSORI

Committed to Education

On September 17, 2012, Castle Island opened with just six children.

Years later, we are now well-established school where children thrive in their own independence, confidence,

depth of knowledge and skill, and kind empathy for their diverse peers whose individual strengths

are highlighted in their classroom community.

 

Castle Island Bilingual Montessori was founded with one purpose -

to build a space for all students to grow, learn and create with each passing day. Through a unique teaching approach and a truly passionate staff, we help students develop academically and personally to the highest level.

We invite you to explore our site and discover the academics and community Castle Island Bilingual Montessori

provides to each and every student. Get in touch with us today to schedule a tour and

learn more about enrollment and what a Castle Island graduate can do!

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LEADERSHIP

School Founder & Director

Diane M Nickerson, MS Ed

Passionate about creating a school environment with the highest quality of education, Diane founded Castle Island Bilingual Montessori, a Spanish immersion elementary school, for children living in the Capital Region. She sought to establish an independent school that merges optimal learning environments for both bilingual language immersion and the Montessori educational approach. With 30 years of experience as an educator, she has achieved NYS certificates as a teacher of elementary education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish, and as a K-12 Administrator.  Her career has included work as a bilingual teacher trainer and as a Montessori school administrator. Trained in Montessori school management at the Center for Montessori Education | New York, she holds an Administrator Credential from the American Montessori Society. Her degrees include a BA in Anthropology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and a MS in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from SUNY at Albany.

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She leads the school community in a brand new Downtown Albany facility, fostering an optimal intercultural and innovative learning environment, and guiding work toward continual school improvement to meet Castle Island's mission: providing accessibly, world-class education.  Her career has included work as a teacher spanning early childhood through secondary levels, a bilingual teacher trainer, and a Montessori school administrator. Diane is also involved with policy advocacy at the statewide level in her work as an officer of the board of the NYS Montessori Alliance. 

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She is proud that Castle Island, with its mission towards social justice, creates an intentional and inclusive space for learning where each child and their family is honored. When not working on developing the programs and growth of the school, she cooks dinner for her family, practices competitive Irish step dance, enjoys the Adirondacks for hiking and skiing, listens to her four bilingual sons share about their day and about their dreams.

Governance

Board of Trustees

President                   Edward (Ed) A Nickerson, president@castleislandmontessori.org

Vice-President           Sean Nolan

Treasurer                    Ana Gaby Montemayor

Secretary                    Jennifer (Jen) Kareklas

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Ex-officio Member     Diane M Nickerson

Member                      Marcela Gaudín

Member                      Yvette Malave DiazMember                      

Member                      Dr Keara Sease

CREDENTIALS
& MEMBERSHIPS

Nonprofit Organization 

IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt

EIN 45-4816781

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New York State Education Department

Independent (Private) School

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American Montessori Society

Full Member School

Accreditation Candidate 2022

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Bright Side Up

(Capital District Child Care Council)

DSS Daycare Subsidy Site

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New York Capital Region Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

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New York State Montessori Alliance

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National Association of Independent Schools

Montessori Early Childhood
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