Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy Students in front of their new building
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If you were to hold your hand up to depict a map of Michigan, Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy would be located right at the tip of your pinky.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city you will find one of the most unique schools in the state of Michigan. Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy, located in Lake Leelanau, Michigan, is a positive, nurturing environment for young learners. Authorized by Bay Mills in 2018, the academy focuses on project-based learning and community collaborations, allowing the students an experience like no other. They also believe in multi-age learning, where students from different grades come together and create bonds that will help them grow and prosper. Leelanau Montessori offers a tuition based preschool program, and free tuition for students five and above, as they hope for every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
In January, Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy moved into a new facility that they had been renovating. Arden Wilson, the Lead Primary Guide and Program Director, spoke about the new building:
"Our forever home! The staff worked over their winter break to be ready for the grand opening in January. Our new home will allow us to deliver our Montessori curriculum and uphold a vibrant vision for the future! So very many people, organizations and community advocates have worked incredibly hard to ensure a Montessori choice here in Leelanau County. The staff now can relish in that community support and begin the treasured work of teaching in a brand new environment. The children are settling in and making the space their own as well. We are a resilient and determined group of people! The land that surrounds the school is proving to be a magical opportunity. There is a creek, mature pines and open spaces for play and discovery. A natural playscape will be developed in the coming years."
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy Facilities
The Academy educates students from their toddler years until upper elementary. Apart from their multiple age learning groups, each level of a child's education at Leelanau Montessori is unique. Toddlers begin their intellectual development and discover their sense of independence. After this building foundation, primary education encourages the growth of the whole child and instills in them the joy of learning. Lower elementary years are spent learning core subjects while also discovering, with curiosity, all that the world can teach them. Finally, upper elementary helps to not only impart wisdom on the students but leads them to understand the nature of right and wrong through peaceful conflict mediation and community service.
Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy has a program called The Leelanau Forever Foundation. Its mission is to establish and grow funds that will sustain the future of the Academy. This helps them provide students and their families a well-rounded, authentic education. The Academy is also a Michigan Green School, which means they "achieve environmental goals which include protecting the air, land, water and animals of our state". They were also ranked as the best educators in Leelanau County in 2018 by Niche.
On behalf of Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office, congratulations Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy on your forever home!
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