Quarterly Newsletter 1

Leelanau Montessori Family Tree
My journey at Leelanau Montessori began 23 years ago as a child in Cathy
Wurm’s Toddler classroom. I am grateful for the years I spent in the toddler
and primary rooms and attribute my independence, care of others, and
creativity to their nurturing environments. Some of my dearest and most
profound memories from that age were in those beautiful, bustling
classrooms. I remember the child-sized sink we washed our dishes in, the
Maypole dance held in the spring, the bead cabinet that I admired so
frequently with awe, the school cat, my helper, the hours spent outside on the
playground, and hikes near the creek. Life has come full circle for me as I am
now in the process of completing my Early Childhood training at Seton
Montessori Institute. After graduating from Albion College four years ago I
was given the opportunity to work as an assistant in Cathy’s room which
opened my eyes to the power of a peaceful educational experience on the
spirit of the child. I believe in supporting the development of the whole child
Paige at the Maypole
Dance in 1994
through hands-on, joyful learning and I am thankful to be apart of such a wonderful community!
-Paige Bassett-
What is your “Why” for Choosing Leelanau Montessori?
“Leelanau Montessori is a place that I can feel
good about leaving my son, knowing he will be
taught and led by example to be the best human
being he can be.”
- Parent of a Primary-aged child
“I have chosen to send my children to Leelanau
Montessori because of the public charter aspect
of it. Leelanau Montessori gives ALL children an
amazing educational opportunity, provided by
EXCEPTIONAL guides and an OUTSTANDING
Head of School.”
- Parent of two Upper Elementary
children
“We send our children to Leelanau Montessori to
help them develop autonomy and provide them
the opportunity to learn in a caring and
compassionate environment.”
-Parent of a Lower Elementary and
Primary-aged children
“Coming from an educational background,
with many choices available to my children, we
opted for Leelanau Montessori for reasons such
as focusing on individual children and their
potentials, educating without external rewards,
instilling a love for learning and exploring, and
straightforward (yet profound) educating
techniques like teaching from concrete to
abstract.”
- Parent of a Primary-aged child
“We chose Leelanau Montessori for our
children because we support the Montessori
philosophy. We believe in supporting and
educating the child as a whole, providing
freedom with responsibility, honoring each
child as an individual, and promoting
environmental awareness and responsibility, as
well as world peace.“
-Parent of a Lower Elementary, a Upper
Elementary, and Primary-aged children