Montessori Program

Timeline: 

Riverside Montessori PK-6: Opening Fall 2028

Montessori Middle High @ Fountain: Opening Fall 2029

Ridgemoor Park Montessori PK-6: Renovations to occur over two summers; timeline to be determined  

Architect: C2AE

Construction Manager: The Christman Company

Budget: $35 million

Funding Source: Reimagine GRPS with Us! Bond

Montessori FAQs GRPS Montessori Site Plans

Latest Updates

May 8, 2026

Dear Montessori Families and Staff,

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to build a vibrant future for Montessori programming at GRPS.

Over the past two months, we have gathered valuable feedback on the proposed three-site Montessori concept plan through community and staff engagement sessions. Based on that input, we have made several adjustments to the plan, which are outlined below. We have also developed a Frequently Asked Questions document to address additional questions raised by our community.

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the three-site Montessori concept plan at its regular meeting on Monday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. If the plan is approved, there will continue to be opportunities to help shape each school site. We will work closely with our design partners, Montessori consultants, staff, and families in the coming months and years to refine plans for each location.

Below is an overview of key adjustments made in response to your feedback. Updated draft renderings are also attached and will continue to evolve as planning progresses.

Riverside PK–6
A consistent theme in feedback from families and staff was the need for additional parking and improved drop-off and pick-up space. In the updated renderings, the previously identified bus loop has been redesigned as a parent drop-off loop, along with added staff parking. The existing parking lot will now serve families of our youngest scholars who wish to park and walk their children to and from the playground, while bus drop-off will shift to the street.

We are also refining the playground design to reflect your input, including the use of natural play elements, appropriate separation between age groups, and improved access to restrooms.

Additionally, we are prioritizing adequate storage for Montessori materials. Plans include converting space on the garden level for storage, along with adding storage areas near classrooms.

Ridgemoor Park PK–6 
As planning continues for the Ridgemoor Park addition, we heard strong feedback emphasizing the need to expand classroom capacity. This will be a central focus moving forward. We also heard the importance of creating additional breakout spaces and revising storage.

Similar to Riverside, the playground renovation will prioritize natural play elements.

Fountain Middle/High 
At the Fountain site, plans will continue to include a dedicated outdoor learning space, with the potential for scholar-led gardens. As design progresses, we will further evaluate whether a dedicated drop-off lane is needed or if the area should remain as green space.

Updated renderings now clearly identify both middle and high school science spaces. The plan now also creates band and choir rooms in the existing media center area, reflecting staff feedback.

Next Steps 
We received many questions during our engagement sessions and have addressed as many as possible in the attached FAQ document.

If the three-site concept is approved by the Board of Education, detailed design work will resume for the Riverside location, with construction anticipated to begin later this year. Riverside would then be expected to open as a PK–6 Montessori campus for the 2028–29 school year.

Thank you again for your continued engagement and support.

Sincerely,

Leadriane Roby, Ph.D.
Superintendent