In 2020, Crowley ISD announced the big news, shifting its attention to meet the increasing demand for Montessori education, laying the groundwork for what is now a cutting-edge, $33.3 million campus set to open its doors in fall 2024. Welcoming students from kindergarten through fifth grade, this state-of-the-art facility is open to all Crowley ISD district students via application.
In fact, this is the only public Montessori school within the district and one of fewer than 50 statewide. In the DFW area, there are less than 20 public Montessori campuses, making this a truly distinctive offering for families within our close-knit community.
With its amazing facilities and Montessori curriculum, Crowley Montessori Academy is poised to lay the groundwork for success for every student. From collaborative learning spaces to specialized Montessori-certified teachers, every aspect of the academy is meticulously designed to nurture students to reach their fullest potential.
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The opening of this new campus within the city of Crowley is also unique. Anthony Kirchner, Chief Communications Officer at Crowley ISD, expressed his enthusiasm for the new campus's location within Karis' new home community. "We are a fast-growing school district with more families choosing Crowley ISD because of specialized learning opportunities like Montessori education,” Kirchner said. “Moving this in-demand program to a new school building in the beautiful Karis community is making it possible for more students to thrive.”
The academy is central to the Karis master plan and benefits from the community's thoughtfully designed network of sidewalks and trails, ensuring convenient access for students who choose to walk or bike to school.
Founding Principal Veronica Delgado and her dedicated team conducted a comprehensive year-long process to meticulously craft the school’s architectural design proposal, showcasing their unwavering commitment to securing approval from the Texas Education Agency.
This involved thorough research and collaboration with the district's architect conducting multiple field trips to various Montessori campuses to gain insights into the unique design requirements. Additionally, close coordination with the Karis development team ensured that the school seamlessly integrated into the neighborhood's community plan.
“What I love about Montessori is that a teacher can see each individual child uniquely and really bring about their own special gifts and strengths,” said Principal Veronica Delgado. “Really, Montessori is preparing a child for life and not just thinking about this one year.”
Facilities at the school will be anything but ordinary. Featuring 22 classrooms with plenty of open space and tables, the school is designed to cater to a maximum of 484 children, spanning from age 3 through fifth grade. A second phase has been incorporated into the design, allowing for the addition of 10 to 12 more classrooms to accommodate another 220 to 260 students.
The journey began in 2020 when Crowley ISD Montessori classes first launched in the district. By August 2022, the academy started enrolling students, initially housed within a wing at Mary Harris Elementary School, with 163 students enrolled for the 2022 - 2023 school year.
Fast forward to 2024, and the academy will reach a significant milestone with the grand opening of a brand-new campus in Karis. Photos of the new campus will be available soon.
Principal Delgado invites families interested in enrolling their child to attend informational evenings and tours, where they can explore the classrooms firsthand before submitting an application for enrollment. For more information, visit the Crowley ISD website.
Young Karis residents are not zoned to Crowley Montessori Academy by default; however, parents in Karis interested in Montessori education for their child at a short walk or bike ride from home can apply for enrollment.
The Montessori Method originated from the pioneering work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 20th century. Dr. Montessori developed her approach while working with children with special needs in Rome. Through her observations and experiments, she formulated a unique educational philosophy centered on the belief that children possess an innate desire to learn and explore their environment.
Dr. Montessori emphasized the importance of creating a prepared environment that fosters independence, freedom of choice, and hands-on learning experiences. Her method emphasizes self-directed activity, collaborative learning, and the use of specially designed educational materials.
The Montessori Method has since evolved and expanded worldwide, influencing educational practices in diverse settings, from preschools to high schools. Today, Montessori schools adhere to Dr. Montessori's principles while adapting to the needs of contemporary society and integrating modern technology.
