Gloucester Montessori School is gearing up for back-to-school, with the academic year beginning Tuesday.“I’m very excited to be back,” said Head of School Michelle Colby.

The school is already getting its new toddlers and preschoolers acclimated to a school environment by providing the option of half-days with their teachers before school officially starts.

“We are at capacity and we have a waiting list,” said Colby.

This year, she said that the school is focused on figuring out new ways to expand opportunities to the community, including reinstituting Montessori Beginnings. This program is for children two years and under and their caregivers to interact and discuss child development and rearing. Montessori Beginnings is anticipated to begin in October.“A huge piece of Montessori is giving back to the community,” she said.

Colby is excited for students and staff to regroup after a summer away, though many staff members and enrolled children participated in summer programm...