A Superbloom of New Wildflower Schools!

Just as wildflowers grow from seeds for weeks before sprouting and months before blooming, Wildflower school founders spend months developing their vision, finding space, and meeting families, mostly behind the scenes. Then, at the start of a new school year, they bloom all at once, bringing fresh energy to their communities. This fall, we’re excited to welcome 12 new Wildflower schools—the largest group of startups ever—each reflecting the passions and dreams of their founding leaders. In the months ahead, we expect to open another 3-5 schools which will make 2024-25 a year of record growth. 

We invite you to read more about these beautiful schools – each of which grew from Teacher Leaders’ passions, life experiences and identities and understanding of the kinds of innovative, creative learning environments that could best meet local families’ needs.

New Schools in Puerto Rico

The Girasol School (Dorado, PR)

The Girasol School is a bilingual Montessori school serving children ages 2.5-10.

The Girasol School founders Patricia Raevis and Sammie McGue first crossed paths in Colorado many years before fate brought them together again in Puerto Rico. They reconnected when Sammie was scouting locations for a bilingual, intentionally diverse and financially accessible new Wildflower school in Puerto Rico, and was introduced to a local school where Patricia was a teacher. Patricia Raevis was inspired by Sammie’s vision for a teacher-led school that might unite the Dorado community and offer all families access to child-centered learning and chose to join the journey as her partner. As they embarked on creating The Girasol School together, an opportunity arose to take over an existing school facility and invite teachers Marian Schwarz, Ricky Feliciano and Marinet Oquendo to join their founding team.

The Girasol School is proud to be the 8th Wildflower School in Puerto Rico! Dorado families have enthusiastically embraced the new school, ensuring they have met or surpassed every goal for their first year of operations, from fundraising and enrollment to ensuring their school body reflects the diversity of their community.  The school is opening with a Primary class of 24 students and a Lower Elementary class of 14 students, with nearly half of their families utilizing Flexible Tuition options.

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The Girasol School es una escuela Montessori bilingüe que atiende a niños de 2.5 a 10 años.

Las fundadoras de Girasol, Patricia Raevis y Sammie McGue, cruzaron caminos en múltiples ocasiones en Colorado, varios años antes de finalmente conocerse en Puerto Rico. Conectaron cuando Sammie estaba buscando ubicaciones para una nueva escuela Wildflower en Puerto Rico y descubrió una escuela donde Patricia era Guía. Al embarcarse en la creación de The Girasol School juntas, tuvieron la suerte de tener la oportunidad de hacerse cargo de un edificio escolar existente y de integrar a algunos miembros del equipo que ya estaban en esa escuela. Así fue como Marian Schwarz y Ricky Feliciano se unieron al equipo de Girasol.

¡The Girasol School está orgullosa de ser la 8ª escuela Wildflower en Puerto Rico! Se han cumplido o superado todas las metas, incluidas las de recaudación de fondos, matrícula y diversidad. La escuela abre con una clase de Casa de Niños de 22 estudiantes y una clase de Taller I de 11 estudiantes, con casi la mitad de las familias utilizando opciones de Matrícula Flexible.

Cantuta Montessori (Ponce, PR)

Led by Karla Jessica Rodríguez Ore, Cantuta is a toddler program serving children from 16 months to approximately 36 months. The program opened with fiscal sponsorship from Flor de Loto Montessori, a Wildflower school serving primary and elementary students, located in Ponce.  Working in close partnership with Flor de Loto, Cantuta aims to fill a strong need for toddler programming in Ponce, while expanding local families’ access to a seamless, child-centered learning environment from 1 to 9 years old. 

The support of the Ponce community – including Flor de Loto, Wildflower Puerto Rico, their Board of Directors, as well as the Black Wildflowers Fund – was instrumental in Cantuta’s successful launch. Built on the foundation of the Montessori Method and Wildflower’s 9 Principles, Cantuta’s mission is to empower their young children to achieve their cosmic plan and grow into responsible, whole adults. 

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Dirigida por Karla Jessica Rodríguez Ore, Cantuta es un programa que atiende a niños de 16 a aproximadamente 36 meses de edad. El programa funciona bajo el auspicio fiscal de Flor de Loto Montessori, una escuela hermana de Wildflower que atiende a estudiantes de primaria y elemental, también ubicada en Ponce.

El apoyo de nuestra comunidad—incluyendo Flor de Loto, Wildflower Puerto Rico, la Junta Directiva y el Black Wildflowers Fund—fue fundamental para el exitoso lanzamiento de Cantuta. Basada en los principios del Método Montessori y los 9 Principios de Wildflower, la misión de Cantuta es empoderar a los niños pequeños para que logren su plan cósmico y se conviertan en adultos responsables e íntegros.

Public Charter Micro-schools

Meadow Rue Montessori (Aurora, CO)

Meadow Rue Montessori is the first lower elementary site of Wildflower Montessori Public Schools of Colorado, Wildflower’s expanding network of microschool charter sites. Situated within the same complex as the first charter site, Mountain Juniper Montessori ensures a seamless transition for students moving from PreK-K to the elementary grades and easy access for families with multiple children. Located in Aurora’s Utah Park neighborhood, Meadow Rue is led by Founding Teacher Leaders Megan Smith and Dayana Sanchez, who are deeply committed to providing authentic, child-focused Montessori education for all.

Despite their love for children, both Megan and Dayana had considered leaving the teaching profession due to the challenges of balancing work-life demands. However, the concept of Teacher Leadership at Wildflower, which enables teachers to have a stronger role in making decisions that best serve families – without sacrificing classroom teaching – reignited their passion. Together Megan and Dayana have created a welcoming, child-centered, tuition-free program for children in Aurora, one of the most culturally and racially diverse cities in Colorado. Meadow Rue not only reflects the diversity of Aurora but it is also designed to be an inclusive classroom that accommodates a wide range of neurodiversity.

Cactus Bloom Community School (Grand Valley, CO)

Cactus Bloom Community School is the first micro-school site of Wildflower Montessori Public Schools of Colorado in the Grand Valley and the first rural charter program within the Wildflower network. Currently serving children from Preschool through 3rd grade, Cactus Bloom launched with two classrooms and plans to expand to three classrooms by 2026, adding an Upper Elementary environment for students in 4th-6th grades. This growth will make Cactus Bloom the only public, tuition-free Montessori school serving PreK-6th grade within a 70-mile radius of Grand Junction, Colorado.

Led by founding Teacher Leaders Georgie Reigel, Emma Reicks, and Megan Gil, Cactus Bloom has cultivated strong relationships in the community and formed a local Community Design Team comprised of active parents and community members in support of the school’s opening. These families have spearheaded the outdoor learning space design and coordinated the Grand Opening, and they will continue to advise the Teacher Leaders on critical components of the school’s operation. The school’s unique program, which bridges academic achievement with social-emotional development, has generated significant interest from local families. After their inaugural lottery, Cactus Bloom is fully enrolled, with over 30 children on the waitlist— highlighting the high demand for this intimate, inclusive learning community rooted in equity and belonging.

blue montessori (Washington, D.C.)

blue montessori is the second site of DC Wildflower Public Charter School, serving children ages 3-6 in Ward 8’s Anacostia neighborhood. The name “blue montessori” is inspired by the Anacostia River and the idea that water, while fluid and adaptable, remains a constant source of life. blue also reflects the elements of water, fire, wind, and earth, representing the school’s commitment to nurturing children who will grow into new forms, set ablaze innovative ideas, shift narratives, and give back to the world around them. blue montessori is led by founders Cliff Bussie – a longtime early childhood to middle school educator who brings a background in music and mindfulness to the school, and Jordan Kerstetter – who has taught for 20 years in early childhood and elementary environments, having spent the past four years focused on special education.

Cliff and Jordan are committed to cutting through the noise to focus on the unique needs of each child. Simplicity serves as the foundation of the school, as evidenced by a thoughtfully designed environment that promotes calm and clarity, the use of recycled materials, and a deep connection with the natural resources of Anacostia. blue montessori looks forward to supporting the growth and well-being of every adult and child member of its school community through its Montessori approach to education.

Afrocentric Schools

The School of Harvest (Washington, D.C.)

The School of Harvest is Wildflower's first independent middle school program, serving 6-8th grade students, is located in the heart of Ward 7, Washington, D.C. Founded by Tova Wilson and Cierra Littlejohn, two passionate Black Montessori practitioners, the school is committed to nurturing adolescents within a supportive, community-focused village.  

Tova and Cierra set out to blend Montessori principles with land-based learning in order to offer local students access to a holistic educational experience. Through the school’s partnership with Washington Parks and People, students attend classes at the Marvin Gaye Greening Center. On this urban farm, students are able to engage in purposeful work that deepens their connection to the land and their community.

With a focus on integrating head, heart, and hand, The School of Harvest celebrates Black American culture and provides an environment where adolescents can thrive academically and personally.  Tova and Cierra seek to support students’ ability to bear fruit in their own unique ways, make meaningful contributions to their world and grow within a vibrant, interconnected community.

Poinciana Montessori (Philadelphia, PA)

Poinciana Montessori is an Afrocentric Montessori elementary school in the heart of Germantown, Philadelphia. Founded by seasoned educator, Imani Jackson, Poinciana Montessori was inspired by Imani’s first-hand experience seeing the impact of Montessori-style learning for her own daughter. This personal experience fueled her determination to bring this approach to more members of her local community. 

Poinciana Montessori is deeply rooted in African-centered values such as communalism, reciprocity, creativity, balance, and justice. The school strives to support students in developing a strong sense of personal history and self-concept. The curriculum includes unique elements like Swahili lessons, a capstone trip to East Africa and enrichment programs in French, music, golf, Capoeira and African drumming. Poincianal also emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to participate in a gardening and food preparation program where they will grow, source, and cook their own African-inspired meals, connecting academics with real-life skills.

Poinciana Montessori offers a sliding-scale tuition model to ensure accessibility for families from all backgrounds, particularly for Germantown’s predominantly Black community.

New Regions: First School in Arkansas, Southern California, and Western New York

Hollyhock Montessori (Fort Smith, Arkansas)

Hollyhock Montessori School is the first Wildflower School in Arkansas, located in Fort Smith, and is committed to nurturing the natural development of each child within a supportive and inclusive community. 

The unique partnership of Founding Teacher Leaders Erin McCarroll and Ariana Bray is a cornerstone of Hollyhock Montessori's identity. Despite their differences in age, race, experience, and background, they have developed a deep partnership built on mutual respect, common values, and a passion for working with children and families. Erin, with her decade of experience in Montessori education, and Ariana, a Fort Smith native with strong community ties and a background in early childhood education and care, are excited to offer a school environment that feels like home for local children. 

Hollyhock’s journey to opening has been deeply enriched by community support. The board played a crucial role in securing their beautiful school space and engaging the community through events like a neighborhood block party. Thanks to the Black Wildflowers Fund, Hollyhock was able to welcome all children, regardless of economic means, from day one. Ariana and Erin say they are delighted to see their classroom community reflecting the rich diversity of Fort Smith.

Lilac Montessori (Escondido, California)

Lilac Montessori is the first Wildflower school in Southern California. Inclusivity and diversity are core values at Lilac, which serves children ages 18 months to 6 years. The extended school hours were designed with working families in mind and Lilac offers a sliding-scale tuition program and support accessing child care assistance programs to ensure that all families can access high-quality, whole-child education.  

The partnership between co-founders Brittany Keegan and Heather Zolzer brings to the school a powerful blend of shared values and complementary strengths. Throughout the challenges of the school startup phase, they have cultivated a relationship based on trust and respect, celebrating each other’s leadership. When the school encountered unexpected delays and roadblocks with permitting and building renovation, the community of prospective parents, local government leaders, business owners and volunteers rallied around Lilac, helping with everything from overhauling the playground to painting and assembling furniture. This collaboration and community support have laid a strong foundation for Lilac Montessori, enabling the school to fulfill its commitment to the well-being of every child and family it serves.

Bergamot Montessori (Gasport, New York)

Bergamot Montessori is the first Wildflower school in Western New York and only the second authentic Montessori program in Niagara County. Bergamot Montessori will provide access to preschool and kindergarten programming to multiple small, rural communities in the surrounding area.

Founded by Brandi Silsby and Rachel Struckmann, the school offers a nurturing, child-centered environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and individualized learning. Both school founders bring extensive education experience: Rachel has taught in various Montessori programs throughout Western New York and Brandi has worked in Medina schools and serves on the Royalton-Hartland school board.

At Bergamot Montessori, children will have the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace, with guidance from educators who observe their interests and thoughtfully introduce new activities, supporting a lifelong love of learning.

Neurodiversity-centered School

Orchid Montessori (West Warwick, Rhode Island)

Orchid Montessori School is an inclusive lab school serving children from 1.5 to 9 years old, with a focus on nurturing each child's individual strengths and addressing their unique needs. 

As the parent of an autistic child and a neurotypical child and a longtime educator, Katie was inspired to design an inclusive and affirming Montessori school that embraces diversity of all kinds and upholds the humanity of all children, regardless of neurotype. Katie and her partners, Teacher Leader Jo’Nella Queen Gueye and Inclusion Coordinator Stephanie Izzi, have worked to create a home-away-from-home atmosphere where children can grow holistically and at their own pace. 

Together, the Orchid team strives to embrace and meet each child where they are. While one child may excel in reading, math, or music, they might require additional guidance in areas such as fine motor skills, spatial awareness, or social development. Orchid Montessori offers on-site speech and occupational therapy services in collaboration with Access Speech and Allied Therapy Group, which has a satellite office at the school.

 Orchid Montessori School operates on a flexible sliding-scale tuition model and accepts CCAP vouchers to make high-quality Montessori education accessible to all families.

Adolescent Schools

Montessori EARTH (Columbus, Ohio)

The Montessori Environmental Action through Research and Technology (EARTH) High School, located alongside the campus of Ohio Dominican University, launched its inaugural year this fall, serving students in grades nine and ten. Montessori EARTH School emphasizes hands-on, individualized learning, allowing students to explore pressing ecological and social issues, both locally and globally. The school is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, offering sliding-scale tuition and participation in Ohio’s state voucher program to ensure affordability for all families.

Under the leadership of Founding Teacher Leader Jenn Jordan, the school will foster a community of belonging for students from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and neurodiverse backgrounds. With extensive experience in founding and leading Montessori programs at both the middle and high school levels, Jenn brings her passion for accessible education and her own identity as autistic to the forefront of her work. Key tenets of Montessori EARTH’s mission and values are to support students in developing authentic social connections and committing to care for their community, social and economic justice, democracy and nonviolence. 

The School of Harvest (Washington, D.C.)

The School of Harvest is Wildflower's first independent middle school program, serving 6-8th grade students, is located in the heart of Ward 7, Washington, D.C. Founded by Tova Wilson and Cierra Littlejohn, two passionate Black Montessori practitioners, the school is committed to nurturing adolescents within a supportive, community-focused village.  

Tova and Cierra set out to blend Montessori principles with land-based learning in order to offer local students access to a holistic educational experience. Through the school’s partnership with Washington Parks and People, students attend classes at the Marvin Gaye Greening Center. On this urban farm, students are able to engage in purposeful work that deepens their connection to the land and their community.

With a focus on integrating head, heart, and hand, The School of Harvest celebrates Black American culture and provides an environment where adolescents can thrive academically and personally.  Tova and Cierra seek to support students’ ability to bear fruit in their own unique ways, make meaningful contributions to their world and grow within a vibrant, interconnected community.