Anticipated exterior view of the new Grove Montessori school in Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids area will soon welcome Grove Montessori, a new charter school scheduled to open in the 2025-26 school year. Located at 1575 Jefferson Ave. SE, it aims to address the educational needs of the Garfield Park and Cottage Grove neighborhoods. With significant investment in renovations and a commitment to innovative tuition models, this new school is a promising addition to the local community, expanding access to quality early childhood education.
Grand Rapids, MI is buzzing with excitement as the city gears up for the arrival of a brand-new charter school! The Grand Valley State University’s Board of Trustees has officially given the green light for Grove Montessori: A Wildflower Public School to open its doors starting in the 2025-26 school year.
The school will be nestled right at 1575 Jefferson Ave. SE, ideally situated to serve students from the vibrant Garfield Park and Cottage Grove neighborhoods. With plans to kick off operations by September 2, 2025, the new school is expected to become a vital part of the community, providing much-needed educational opportunities.
The new Grove Montessori school will be taking over the location where the well-loved Everbloom Montessori Cooperative has been providing quality education since its inception amid the pandemic. This cooperative, currently based at 2428 Burton St. SE, is set to relocate and expand its offerings. With this move, Everbloom Montessori plans to increase its capacity for infants through kindergarten to a whopping 135 students.
An astounding $1.2 million was invested to secure the property, with an additional $2 million earmarked for renovations. The renovations will be expertly managed by Willink Construction Inc., a reputable company based out of East Grand Rapids, in partnership with the creative minds from Design Forum Inc. of Belmont. These renovations will allow for a tailored facility that meets the needs of the future students.
As many are aware, Garfield Park has been identified as a child care desert, with a significant gap in access to early childhood education. The demand for quality child care has never been greater! According to the organization Vibrant Futures, Kent County is facing a shortage with just one child care slot available for every 1.6 children. This new school is a direct response to that need, aiming to enhance access to high-quality education in underserved neighborhoods.
Everbloom Montessori operates under a sliding scale tuition model based on household income, making it a more accessible option for families. In addition to extending their early childhood programs, they are partnering with the Wildflower Foundation to create an exciting new elementary program, which will bring in approximately 50 more students into the fold.
This endeavor has not been a quick process. The relocation of Everbloom Montessori has been in the works for over a year, with a focused effort to find a long-term facility that meets community needs. The newly acquired property has been referred to as a “needle in a haystack” due to its perfect shape, layout, and size – an ideal fit for the innovative school model.
As the preparations ramp up, the community is left eagerly anticipating the opening of Grove Montessori. This new school not only represents an expansion of learning opportunities for local children but also embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that Grand Rapids values. With attention placed on enhancing early education and addressing long-standing needs, the future shines bright for students and families in the Garfield Park and Cottage Grove neighborhoods.
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