As the holidays approach and families across the Somerset Hills reflect on the joy of the season, MKU Chester continues to shine as a place where learning, community and compassion come together.
Founded by Ti Patel in March 2022, MKU Chester was born out of a need Patel experienced firsthand as a working parent. After moving to Far Hills, she struggled to find a full-day Montessori program nearby that combined academic rigor with warmth and practicality.
“I wanted a school that I would feel confident sending my own children to — clean, safe and rooted in real learning,” Patel says.
From those early challenges came an inspired idea: create a full-day Montessori program serving local families who, like her, needed dependable care and meaningful education in one place. Within months, Patel and her team transformed a once-vacant red farmhouse into a bright, thoughtfully designed school that opened its doors to the community in March 2022.
Three years later, MKU Chester has become a trusted choice for parents seeking an approach that emphasizes independence, respect and hands-on learning.
“In a Montessori classroom, we meet children where they are,” Patel says. “If a child is curious about something, we let them explore it — even if it’s meant for an older age group. You never know what they’ll grasp and grow to love.”
That respect for each child’s individuality defines the Montessori difference. Teachers guide rather than lecture, encouraging students to make good decisions and build confidence as they choose work based on interest. MKU students take pride in practical life skills — from setting the dinner table to folding clothes — lessons that foster independence and self-assurance far beyond the classroom.
Cleanliness and organization also play a key role in creating a focused learning environment. “If a space is cluttered, kids don’t know where to go — they get distracted,” Patel says. “Everything here has purpose, and that helps children feel calm and capable.”
As December approaches, the school embraces the festive season with inclusive celebrations that reflect its diverse community. One of the most anticipated events is the annual Friendsgiving, where all classrooms gather to share a meal together in the all-purpose room.
“Everyone dresses up, sits at long tables and we pass the food family style,” Patel says. “Even the teachers sit and eat with the children. It’s about connection and gratitude.”
During the winter season, students also decorate a community tree with handmade ornaments, celebrating creativity and togetherness while keeping the focus on inclusivity. “We make sure every child feels represented,” Patel says. “It’s about the joy of the season — not about one specific holiday.”
Looking ahead, MKU Chester will celebrate its fourth anniversary in March 2026 — a milestone Patel plans to honor by continuing to invest in her staff, facilities and community partnerships. The school regularly supports local organizations, including the Chester Police Department, Fire Department, Susan G. Komen, Lyons VA Medical Center and new volunteer initiatives such as food pantry drives.
“We’re so proud of how far we’ve come,” Patel says. “The first few years were hard work, but now we’re at a place where we can truly enjoy the connections we’ve built with our families and community. That’s what it’s all about.”
Montessori Kids Universe Chester
Address: 395 Route 24, Chester
Phone: (908) 650-1658
Website: montessorikidsuniverse.com/our-schools/mku-chester