A long-running children’s Montessori program in the area has a new name, new leadership and a new location as another school year begins.
Great Lakes Montessori had been most recently located in the Blue Roof Church, off Niles Road in St. Joseph. The church needed its space back for expanding church programs. So, GLM went looking for a new location, under the guidance of board member Hilda Banyon.
Along the way, Banyon helped the school find a new principal and a new administrative director, as well as a new location. All of that change worked together to lead the organization to choose a new name that better describes its mission: Montessori Children’s Center.
Banyon tells us she’s never been more excited about the school’s future than she is today, under the leadership of new Principal Dr. Gillian Joseph and Administrative Director Mary Wardlaw. Banyon says Joseph has extensive experience in elementary school leadership and Wardlaw has successfully managed educational daycare/child development centers for over 20 years.
Montessori Children’s Center is up and running at its new location at 1000 Miners Road, St. Joseph, just East of Scottdale. Director Wardlaw tells MoodyOnTheMarket.com there are several key points she wants to emphasize about the Montessori Children’s Center program:
Consistent Authentic Curriculum: Despite the recent name and location changes, the Montessori Children’s Center continues to offer the same authentic Montessori curriculum, ensuring its students a high standard of education.
Consistent Staff: Key Great Lakes Montessori teaching staff, known for their expertise and dedication, have transitioned to the new facility, providing a stable learning environment for all students.
Faith-Based Continuity: The school continues its commitment to a faith-based educational approach, enriching its students’ spiritual and academic lives.
Broad Age Range Programs: Montessori Children’s Center offers a comprehensive suite of programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners, making it a complete early childhood education center.
Revitalized Leadership and Governance: The center is now under new leadership, and a forward-thinking governing board focused on enriching and expanding the school’s offerings.
Principal Dr. Gillian Joseph: Taking the reins of leadership is Dr. Gillian Joseph, who brings her extensive expertise in elementary school leadership to guide the center’s future.
Planned Expansion to Elementary Grades: Dr. Joseph and the new governing board have announced plans to extend the Montessori program to include grades 1-3, aiming to launch these new grades for the 2024-25 academic year.
Community Partnership: As the center embarks on this exciting new chapter, MCC leadership looks forward to actively engaging with parents and the Berrien County community to ensure the school meets and exceeds family needs and expectations.
Wardlaw suggests that parents with questions about Montessori Children’s Center contact her directly at 269-256-4456 or Mary@MontessoriChildrensCenter.com
