Welcome to Devereux School
Over 90 years of cultivating academic careers of children with aesthetics, creativity, and ethics with the commitment “Fovete Stirpes” – Foster the Roots
Thanksgiving Recess/Reporting Day
No school 11/27-12/2 inclusive.
Devereux School
Established in 1932, Devereux School has a rich history as one of the North Shore’s oldest academic institutions, providing a solid educational and ethical foundation for over three generations of students.
“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.” – Maria Montesssori
The nursery through third grade campus is located in the heart of Marblehead while the fourth and fifth grade program, Devereux @ Waring, resides on the Waring School campus in Beverly.
Our programs emphasize tradition and a return to a simpler time. The environments provide safe, secure, and family oriented settings where every child is encouraged to develop respect for self, others, and the earth.
Music, appreciation of nature, science, math and the arts are integral parts of the academic program at Devereux.
After over 90 years of cultivating the academic careers of children with aesthetics, creativity, and ethics, Devereux School has evolved by fully embracing cultural diversity while holding fast to its original commitment to the children: “Fovete Stirpes,” foster the roots.
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CHECK OUT OUR D@W 4th/5th grade. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.
Nursery School
We believe that young children learn by doing. As such, the Nursery School curriculum is centered around developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities. Our students are given the opportunity to explore and make choices in a safe and stimulating environment.
We also have a dedicated French
Immersion classroom where all students have the opportunity to spend at least one day a week with two French teachers, mirroring the Nursery class activities, but entirely in French.
Kindergarten
As the children move into the Kindergarten level, the program incorporates more sequenced instruction in basic skill areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics while allowing for enrichment of activities and complexity of ideas. The use of themes provides a framework for integrating material from different subject areas, including the arts.
Elementary
First, Second, and Third Grades
The First and Second/Third Grade classrooms are housed in their own buildings. Both buildings feature a full kitchen and ADA-compliant bathrooms. Additionally, the Second/Third classroom has a breakout room as well as a sunny conservatory style library.
The curriculum includes daily humanities and mathematics in addition to weekly science instruction, French immersion, art, physical education, meditation, trail walks, and weekly music instruction. Third graders also learn to master the recorder and perform in each of our three annual concerts.
The schedule allows for an hour of lunch with recess and at least 30 minutes of free choice at the end of the day.
The classes also enjoys several field trips a year to local sites as well as to the Devereux@Waring campus.
Devereux@Waring
Fourth and Fifth Grades
The Devereux@Waring program resides on the Waring School campus in Beverly, MA and was established to connect our Nursery-Third Grade program in Marblehead to Waring's Sixth Grade-Twelfth Grade program in Beverly.
The Devereux@Waring curriculum ties together an overarching theme cycling between “Revolutions” one year and “Traditions” the following year. Frequent field trips play an integral part in this theme-driven learning experience.
Also included in the curriculum are daily humanities, math, and French lessons in addition to weekly science instruction, French immersion art, physical education, maker space, yoga, meditation, trail walks and weekly instruction in music and theater. The French program is accessible to both the experienced and beginner student.
The schedule allows for an hour of lunch, recess and at least 30 minutes of free choice at the end of each day.
Summer Program
Camp Devereux, is a summer program for children ages 3 to 9. For decades, our young campers have enjoyed our heated swimming pool and the serenity of our large private playground surrounded by trees that offers natural shade.
It is a wonderful summertime environment ideal for traditional summer activities such as designing a sand castle, relaxing on a blanket making gimp and bead jewelry, cooling down with our slip & slide or organizing a basketball or soccer game with old and new friends alike.
Our Mission
Our primary mission is to prepare your child to be a literate, creative and critical thinker, as well as a lifelong learner.
At Devereux School we…
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Believe that all children can succeed.
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Recognize and accommodate the individual differences of all students.
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Encourage each child to develop to his or her maximum potential – physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
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Empower children to become more capable as they are encouraged to pursue new areas of interest.
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Offer a strong academic curriculum tailored to each child’s individual learning style.
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Encourage high achievement and effective participation in the community.
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Develop the child’s awareness and appreciation of the arts.
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Encourage each child to develop respect for self, others, and environment.
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Work in partnership with parents to the benefit of the child’s social and academic growth and enhanced self-esteem.
For parents interested in learning about the Montessori philosophy, there are several books written by and about Maria Montessori available at your local library or online.
Research findings on the benefits of the Montessori teaching method.
Devereux School's teaching methods are inspired by the philosophies developed by Maria Montessori. We have taken the best of Montessori and combined it with the best of our experience. Our strong academic curriculum is centered on music, science, nature, and the arts.
Every child is encouraged to develop respect for self, others, and the environment. The child’s sense of responsibility for the natural and human environment is developed through, for example, participation in animal care and tending to the school grounds.
Our Staff
Elizabeth Laub Administrative Director
Elizabeth has been at the helm of Devereux School since 2011. A lifetime Marblehead resident, wife, mother of two daughters and two grandchildren, Elizabeth has dedicated her life to early-childhood education. The nearly two decades teaching at the Marblehead Children’s Center and Seaside Nursery School were among her most rewarding years. Elizabeth utilizes her wealth of experience in the field of early childhood development and the expertise she gained from serving on Tower School’s Enrichment Committee, Marblehead Public Schools Arts Council, Marblehead Dollars For Scholars as well as several other local committees and organizations. Elizabeth’s history of investing in our community has proved invaluable to Devereux.
Todd Zion
Business Owner
Todd took over the Devereux School in 2011 after having sold his biotechnology company, SmartCells, to Merck and Co. in December of 2010. He made a commitment at that time to protect, preserve, and grow this incredibly special learning environment for his family and the children of Marblehead and the neighboring communities. Today, Todd is the co-founder, President and CEO of Akston Biosciences Corporation, developing novel medicines to treat, prevent and cure diabetes. Todd holds a Ph.D. from MIT and a B.S. from Cornell University, both in Chemical Engineering. Todd donates his time to mentor students at both his alma maters and just recently stepped down after serving four years as President of Marblehead Dollars for Scholars.
Paul Baker
Head of School
Paul joined the Devereux team in July of 2019. He was a nine year member of the MCCPS Board of Trustee's and is also an active participant in the Marblehead School District. Paul graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.A. in Canadian & British History.
A native of England, he has owned his own local businesses and has resided in Marblehead since 2004 with
his wife Julie and two sons. Both Silas and Wendell attended the Devereux Nursery program and Camp Devereux. Wendell also attended 4th & 5th Grade at D@W and Silas is a Camp Devereux councilor. Paul enjoys live music, football, camping and walking his dogs, Ernie & Coco.
Virginie Treilhou
French Director
Madame Virginie hails from Amiens, France and has been our French Program Director since 2003. Educated in France, she has obtained her Montessori licenses for Preschool, Kindergarten, and Lower Elementary in Massachusetts. Madame Virginie has created a stimulating curriculum infused with enthusiasm and passion for the French language and culture. In 2017 Madame instituted our wonderful Nursery French Immersion program. Madame provides daily French instruction to our students in grades 1-5. Madame Virginie also introduced and coordinates the school's very successful annual participation in the Grand Concours National French Competition.
Suzanne Salem
Kindergarten Teacher
Suzanne hails from Cincinnati, Ohio and lived in Florida, Canada and France before settling in Marblehead in 2011. Suzanne holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications Sciences Disorders, and is passionate about early childhood education. She has worked with kindergartners and first graders with speech impediments, helping to develop their language skills, and spent years volunteering in her children's classrooms and on various school committees before reentering the classroom as a paraprofessional. Prior to joining Devereux, Suzanne spent three years at the Coffin School aiding first, second and third graders attain their IEP and behavioral goals.
She is the mother of three children, two of whom attended the Devereux School. Suzanne very much enjoys cooking and traveling.
Katrina Stacey
Second -Third Grade Teacher
Katrina joined our Devereux teaching team at the start of the 2022/23.
Katrina holds a MA grades 1-6 teaching license as well as a Master’s in Education. She has several years of teaching experience, has studied and worked in the music and science fields and has a passion for French language and culture.
Additionally, Katrina has worked as a reading and math tutor in a diverse array of school environments which enables her to quickly identify needs to differentiate instruction and implement confidence building techniques, especially for students who face challenges to their physical, mental, and emotional health. Katrina prides herself on creating a joyful, positive, and safe learning environment where all students can thrive.
Katrina describes herself as positive and energetic, and spends most of her free time hiking, kayaking, and writing songs!
Dee Burgett
First Grade Teacher
Dee has taught art here at Devereux since 2008. In 2020 Dee transitioned from teaching art to become our first grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in art from Middlebury College and a Master’s Degree in Art Conservation from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts. After working as a paintings conservator at museums in New York City, San Francisco, Houston and Norfolk, VA. Dee moved to the North Shore in 2000 and shortly thereafter began teaching art. Dee is passionate about teaching young students and, of course, loves sharing her knowledge of art history. Her hobbies include running and walking her huge and lovable dog, Cooper!
Victoria Carter
Second - Third Grade Teacher
Victoria joined the Devereux team for the 2021/2022 school year. She holds a Master’s Degree from the School of Education at the University of Michigan and two Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Italian from Hofstra University. Victoria began teaching at the fifth grade level in Milan, Michigan. Victoria has worked as a year-long substitute teacher at Ambrit International School in Rome, Italy and was also a private teacher in Melrose for a group of students ages 5 to 10. Her pedagogy highlights issues of social justice and works to recenter marginalized narratives, especially through literature. She is dedicated to holistic forms of assessment, taking into consideration skills that are not only academic but also social and emotional. Originally from Massachusetts, Victoria enjoys biking the North Shore and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
Lydia McGinn
Nursery/French Teacher
Lydia joined our Nursery French immersion classroom for the 2023/24 school year.
She holds a BA in French and Art History from Hamilton College.
Prior to beginning at Devereux School, Lydia worked as an elementary school ESL teacher through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF), in Romans-sur-Isère, France.
In her free time, Lydia enjoys baking, canoeing, hiking, reading, and walking with her dog, Leo.
Marina Gutin
Nursery/Piano Teacher
Marina joined the Devereux School in 2003 as our piano teacher and her two children attended our Nursery program. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Musical Education from the University of St. Petersburg, Russia. Marina believes that exposure to music and the mastery of an instrument helps to improve the overall development of young children as well as instilling a joy and knowledge that will last a lifetime. In her spare time, Marina enjoys outdoor activities with her family and her dog, Bruno.
Shella Demosthene
Nursery/French Teacher
Shella, a native of Haiti, is a Creole and French speaker who has been with Devereux School since 2018. She is an EEC certified teacher and holds an Associate degree in Gerontology from North Shore Community College. Shella is also the Coordinator of the children’s department at her church.
Shella enjoys cooking, listening to classical music, singing, volunteering, and has played violin for the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Holy Trinity in Haiti.
Jeanne Westcott
Nursery Teacher
Jeanne joined the Devereux team in the autumn of 2020. She holds a BS in Education and is a certified Waldorf class teacher. Jeanne has many years of teaching experience and is an avid artist and writer. She enjoys utilizing music, movement and creative processes in her teaching. Jeanne is an active member and co-founder of a local Dress A Girl chapter and enjoys sewing, crafting, theater arts and music. She is married to Bruce and has two beautiful adult daughters, Grace, and Lillian. Two cats, Maryann and Ginger, round out the household Westcott!
Mimi is a native of Lyon, France and has been with us at Devereux School since 2009. Mimi is a certified Montessori educator and also holds a certification from the Department of Education and care. Previously, Mimi has worked at the French Library and Cultural Center in Boston and as a French teacher at the C.A.R.E preschool and the after school program at the Cove School in Beverly.
Mimi, a mother of two, resides in Peabody. She enjoys the beach, reading, writing and, of course, her French culture which she loves sharing with all of the Devereux School children.
Jessica comes to Devereux with a Bachelor of Science in Pathobiology from the University of Connecticut. Jess worked in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry for 12 years in cancer & immunology research. Her relocation to Boston and love of English literature allowed her to enjoy various graduate courses at the Harvard Extension School, until she became a mother. Jess, her husband Chris, and their two children have resided in Marblehead since 2011. She stayed home to care for Lily and Nathaniel, working part-time as a math and literacy tutor for grades K-3 in Marblehead public schools for seven years. Their ruby-red Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maxie, is a source of daily joy and if Jess is not playing a musical instrument or board games with her family, she's outside playing a racket sport, reading at the beach, or hiking. She loves working with elementary students because they are curious, creative, kind & of course, fun! She is continually humbled and grateful to not only be part of a student’s academic growth, but also to be able to help nurture their confidence and resilience.
Amanda holds a B.A. in Political Science & Business from SUNY Stonybrook, a Paralegal Degree from Adelphi University, along with her Early Childhood Director 1 Qualification. Amanda was a Nationally ranked gymnast and Division 1 scholarship athlete before sustaining a serious injury. While raising her family, Amanda held a leadership role in the development of the YMCA Gymnastics Program and the expansion of youth programing as Co-director. The program produced many nationally ranked gymnasts. In addition to her work at the YMCA, Amanda was the Business Manager at the Marblehead Children’s Center for several years. As an administrator and program development leader, Amanda brings a growth mindset and sense of teamwork to our community. Amanda is a USA certified coach, yoga enthusiast, mother of two daughters, Courtney and Megan, and Nana to Devereux students, Gunnar and Rocky.
Mimi Herman
Nursery/French Teacher
Jessica O'Keefe
Kindergarten Teacher
Amanda Mentuck
Assistant Administrative Director
Tina Duquette
Nursery Teacher
Tina joined our Nursery classroom at the tail end of the 2023/24 school year.
She has worked for many years as a nanny in Marblehead as well as in the preschool room at the Children’s Marblehead Center.
Tina is EEC certified and is currently attending Salem State University studying for her Bachelors in Education with a focus on Early Childhood Intervention.
Tina lives in Salem with her husband, 3 children, Ben who attends D@W, Ally who is at Devereux, and Elsie. They all live with 2 cats, Lorelai and Felix, and their newest member, a coonhound puppy named Lady.
Tina loves cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Philip Alexander
Music Teacher
Philip is an alumnus of Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music, Philip performs throughout the Greater Boston area delighting young and old alike with interactive performances featuring voice, guitar, dulcimer, bamboo flute, ocarina and percussion. Drawing from a wide repertoire of both traditional and multicultural music, as well as his own well-loved originals. In 2008, Philip launched Sing, Play Grow, a music education program in the Greater Boston area offering weekly parent/child music classes, as well as enrichment programs and assembly performances in schools, libraries, and summer camps.
Philip lives in Swampscott with his wife and three children. When he’s not busy strumming his ukulele, he’s probably coaching his son’s soccer team, growing kale and tomatoes in his garden or catching waves on his surfboard
Admissions 2025/26
In order to fully benefit from our Montessori inspired school curriculum, it is encouraged that students enter the school with the intention of remaining through fifth grade. No child, however, shall be denied entrance into any of our programs on the basis of this decision.
Our Informational Gathering officially marks the beginning of our admissions process and in the past has been a successful way of introducing many parents to our school. This year our open house is at 10:00am on SATURDAY 12/14/24. In the meantime please take a moment to view our short informational video below.
Those who are inclined to apply for admission into our NURSERY & KINDERGARTEN classrooms are encouraged to submit an APPLICATION as well as email a 3-5 minute video of your child to elizabeth@devereuxschool.org as soon as possible. The video should show your child in their natural "habitat", singing, speaking, cooking, helping, playing with siblings etc.
GRADER applicants will be invited to spend a "shadow morning" in the respective classrooms.
All applications, together with accompanying videos(if applicable) should be submitted no later than January 17th 2025.
Once we have reviewed all applications, parents will be notified if their child has been accepted or wait-listed for our program. Enrollment decisions will be made no later than February 14th 2025.
Once your child has been accepted to Devereux we ask for a non-refundable Tuition Deposit of $1,000, together with a completed "Annual Reservation Agreement" no later than March 7th 2025. After this date, any remaining seats will be offered to our waitlisted applicants.
Tuition
Devereux School prides itself on providing an exceptionally high quality educational experience at an extremely competitive cost. In addition, we do offer a limited number of school scholarships to provide tuition assistance. Please feel free to review our detailed tuition and fee information for the 2025/26 academic year.
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO VIEW OUR INFORMATIONAL VIDEO
CONTACT US
Devereux School
44 Smith Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
P: 781.631.0029