Wildflower in the News
Learn more about how Wildflower comes to life in communities across the country by following the press release, articles, and stories about Wildflower’s work and impact. For media features that focus on specific schools and Teacher Leaders, check out the School Spotlight page.
Press Release
Press Release: The Wildflower Foundation Becomes First Montessori Network to Receive Department of Education Grant for the Replication of and Expansion of High Quality Charter Schools
[Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 17, 2024] - The Wildflower Foundation is the first Montessori network to receive the United States Federal Charter Management Organization (CMO) replication grant for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Wildflower's first recipient of the Federal CSP award--Wildflower Montessori Public Schools of Colorado–is finishing its first year of school, with plans to open two new microschool sites in Fall 2024. This significant milestone marks a historic moment in the advancement of public Montessori education, as Wildflower continues to expand access and enrich communities through its community-embedded not-for-profit Montessori charter schools.
Awarded for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and set to fund school replication for five years, the Federal Charter Management Organization grant underscores Wildflower's commitment to fostering inclusive, child-centered learning environments rooted in Montessori philosophy. With this grant, Wildflower Schools is poised to amplify its impact, driving forward its mission to empower children to realize their fullest potential.
Maia Blankenship, Head of Charter Pathways & Replication, expressed her enthusiasm for this achievement, stating, "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and vision of Teacher Leaders in Minnesota, New York and Washington, D.C. along with our entire Wildflower community. This grant not only validates the efficacy of Montessori education but also enables us to serve more children and families that otherwise would not have access to authentic Montessori schools led in a culturally responsive environment that is adaptive to needs of students and families."
Matt Kramer, The Wildflower Foundation’s CEO, echoed Blankenship's sentiments, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to educational equity and excellence. "It’s an honor to be the first network of Montessori schools to receive the federal Charter School Program’s Charter Management Organization replication grant. All children deserve access to schools that see them as individuals, respect the choices they make, and affirm their identities," Kramer remarked. "This grant will allow us to create more intimate learning communities where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."
With plans to grow into twenty-eight charter schools and expand into a minimum of one high school site over the next five years, Wildflower is poised to make a lasting impact on education. The Foundation anticipates granting planning funds to four charter schools in the upcoming fiscal year, further accelerating its growth trajectory and ensuring the success of its pioneering educational model.
For more information about Wildflower Schools here and its charter initiatives here.
About The Wildflower Foundation:
The Wildflower Foundation is a pioneering network of Montessori charter schools dedicated to transforming education and empowering communities. Grounded in the principles of equity, belonging, and individualized learning, Wildflower Schools provide children with the tools and support they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Media Contact:
Lindsey Barnes
Head of Marketing and Public Relations
marketing-pr@wildflowerschools.org
Direct: (415) 516 - 9703
Wildflower Schools are small, teacher-led, community-embedded authentic Montessori schools designed for growth and connection. There are now over 60 Wildflower schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and counting.
Montessori education, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, fosters a child-centric approach that embraces individuality and self-directed learning. It's a method designed to ignite a lifelong love for learning while nurturing a child's natural curiosity and independence.