Montessori Program

Estimated Completion: To Be Determined

Architect: C2AE

Construction Manager: The Christman Company

Budget: $32 million

Funding Source: Reimagine GRPS with Us! Bond

Project Scope: To Be Determined

Latest Updates

December 9, 2025

Dear GRPS Montessori Families & Staff,

I am writing to share an update on our work to Reimagine Montessori programming at GRPS, beginning with a brief overview of our journey so far.

Currently, our Montessori program operates across five buildings: Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High, North Park Montessori Academy, North Park Wellerwood, and Ridgemoor Park Montessori. As part of the Reimagine GRPS Facility Plan, we are focused on mirroring programming on different sides of the city, while reducing our overall building footprint in order to improve utilization rates. This allows us to invest more funding in educational programming and staff, rather than maintaining oversized facilities.

The original plan approved by the Board of Education in 2023 consolidated our Montessori programming to two buildings: a PK-12 campus at Riverside and a PK-8 campus at Ridgemoor Park. However, as design work progressed this year, it became clear that the cost to complete the original plan would exceed the initial budget by at least $15 million.

We then explored other alternatives, such as utilizing GRPS University. However, those studies indicated comparable expenses, requiring an additional $15–$20 million beyond the current budget.

In the comments we’ve received this year from staff meetings, messages, and public comments while exploring new options, a few priorities have consistently emerged:

• Dedicated, renovated spaces designed for Montessori education 
• A combined middle and high school campus with distinct, dedicated learning spaces
• Equitable access for families across the city 
• Sufficient space to serve all current Montessori scholars 

Our team has taken a deeper look at a new model that aligns with those priorities and is fiscally aligned with the resources entrusted to the district. This option would include two PK-6 Montessori campuses: one on the north side at Riverside, and one on the south side at Ridgemoor Park. Both of those elementary programs would feed into a renovated Montessori Middle High School located at the Fountain building (current home of Grand Rapids Montessori Academy).

Cost projections show this approach would remain much closer to the initial renovation budget.

Here is a high-level overview of the current proposal. This list should not be considered comprehensive.

• Riverside: Renovations to support Montessori preschool and elementary-aged programming, along with new windows, HVAC systems, lighting, playgrounds, and a bus loop. 
• Ridgemoor Park: Renovations including upgraded HVAC and electrical systems, plus an addition that will create an improved media center, gym, and dedicated cafeteria. 
• Fountain: Renovations to support Montessori middle and high school-aged programming, along with a new cafeteria space, plus an addition to create a safe and secure entrance and new elevator. 

I want to be clear: no final decisions have been made. Our Facilities Team presented this cost analysis to the Board of Education’s Facility Ad Hoc Committee for the first time on Monday. We will provide additional opportunities for families and staff to review and comment in the new year.

We are intentionally taking our time. Before any final decisions are made, we want to ensure that the path forward has support from our Montessori community. A construction timeline will be solidified following the feedback period.

Thank you for your continued partnership with GRPS. Together, we will Reimagine a stronger future for Montessori education.

Sincerely,

Leadriane Roby, Ph.D. 
Superintendent