History

Columbus Montessori has a rich and storied history.  Over the years we have been proud of the caliber of our faculty and the education our children receive. We have, and continue to, make a difference in the lives of children from all backgrounds all over Central Ohio.

The year was 1984, and three women saw a need for an early childhood center of the east side of Columbus. Their dream saw a comprehensive program, addressing both early education and childcare needs for 3 to 6 year olds. They saw a nurturing environment, one that was developmental in its approach so that each child would be taught and cared for at his or her individual level and ability. They saw a school that was available to a diverse socio-economic population, had an aggressive fundraising program in order to offer a significant amount of financial aid to its students and a school that made a partnership with parents.

In August of 1984, the doors opened at the South portion or Redeemer Lutheran Church as Columbus Montessori School with 51 children in two classrooms. By the next school year, the program expanded to 77 children by adding a third classroom. In the third year, 1986, the program expanded to 110 children by adding a fourth class, the maximum size it could maintain in its church location.

From 1991 through 2005, Columbus Montessori was chosen by the Franklin County Department of Education to be a site that would serve children ages 3-6 with developmental disabilities so that would experience an integrated learning environment. Since school districts now offer this service, Columbus Montessori phased out this program. Since January of 1992, Columbus Montessori has offered a part-time toddler program. In 1993, a collaborative Head Start program was begun with Child Development Center of Franklin County, Inc which evolved into the current program called Early Learning Initiative (ELI).

In October of 1992, Columbus Montessori purchased a permanent facility just a mile north of its original location. The 27,000 square foot building located on 7 acres of land was originally built and used as a Columbus Public elementary school. Columbus Montessori’s new home offers greatly expanded and improved services for it’s 3 to 6 years olds and the Jessica Kass Center, the first Montessori infant/toddler program in Central Ohio.

The new facility expands parent, teacher and community education programs and includes the unique and innovative Huntington Playground, which has been designed to improve community recreation for all children, including those who are physically challenged. The McElroy-Minister Tot Lot was designed specifically for the developmental needs of young children. The program was again expanded, in 1993 to include Elementary and in 1999 to include Middle School. Currently, we have children ages 6 weeks through 6th grade.