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Welcome to Grand Rapids Montessori Academy (PK-6)

Welcome and thank you for choosing GRPS and Grand Rapids Montessori Academy. It is my honor and privilege to serve as the principal of Grand Rapids Montessori (GRM). We serve students in preschool through grade 12, embracing the Montessori philosophy at all grade levels. The mission of GRM is to provide an exceptional education through a nurturing and inspiring environment that strengthens each child's intellectual and emotional gifts, leading to responsible, compassionate lifelong learners. 

At GRM, we value a thoughtful and well-prepared learning environment that is both purposeful and peaceful. Your scholar will be given the tools to learn, grow, and thrive within the classroom and in our community. If you would like more information about Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, please call us at 616-819-2405.

Kerri Reed
Principal

School Apps

Grand Rapids Montessori Academy

159 College Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-819-2405 Fax: 616-819-2406
Kerri Reed
Principal
Rachel Wellman
Assistant Principal
Theron Brown
Scholar Success Coordinator
Randi Butkus
Head Secretary

School Hours

Breakfast 8:50 a.m.
Start Time 9:10 a.m.
Dismissal 4:08 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 12:20 p.m. 

At Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, we embrace the motto of G.R.A.C.E.: Growth, Responsibility, Acceptance, Courtesy, Empathy

Dr. Maria Montessori, the Italian pediatrician who founded the Montessori method, believed self-motivation was the key to learning. The Montessori teacher acts as a facilitator of that learning, stimulating interest in all facets of a child-centered learning environment. Montessori education recognizes the importance of all developmental areas, including social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs. At Grand Rapids Montessori, we work hard to support scholars’ development in each of those areas. 


The Montessori Classroom

The Montessori method uses hands-on lessons and experiences to help scholars learn by doing. Scholars learn in cohorts of three age levels. Typically, scholars will have the same teacher for multiple years. The multi-age classroom allows the scholars to become part of a learning community that fosters respect, understanding, and tolerance where your child will:

  • receive lessons as he/she/they are ready for them
  • learn how to focus and concentrate
  • become a self-directed learner
  • achieve independence
  • learn order
  • be treated with respect and dignity
     

Our Children’s House is a multi-age classroom that aims to help children gain independence, confidence, curiosity, and problem solving abilities. The Montessori lessons and hands-on materials provide children with activities that help them grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Elementary 1 scholars engage in a wide range of tasks, including learning to read, studying spelling patterns and word derivations, exploring advanced math concepts, and discerning number and spatial relationships with hands-on materials. They also learn to use a daily/weekly work plan, which outlines assignments, academic goals, and work choices. Elementary 1 scholars are inspired by their older classmates’ more challenging work. 

Elementary 2 is a safe place where scholars find their voice and become more independent in asking questions and meeting their needs. They continue to learn to use a daily/weekly work plan, and they participate in rigorous lessons and activities that develop their literacy and mathematical skills. 

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