Humble Beginnings
As my husband and I were discussing future school and education plans for our then very young children (3 year old twin daughters and a 1 year old son) and my husband said, “Open your own school”! I laughed and thought, “You must be crazy”! Within 10 months of the “Open your own school” seed was planted, Creekside Christian Montessori came to life and we opened our doors in June of 2000!
We started CCM with just two preschool classrooms and one Kindergarten classroom. We have continued to grow by word-of-mouth and by our history of outstanding teachers. With the continuing support of our Creekside Christian Montessori students, families, and community; we have been able to grow and prosper successfully. Our heart is to have quality enriched programs rather than quantity.
Facility
In 1912, located in the centermost part of East De Pere, Creekside Christian Montessori’s building was originally occupied by the nuns of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The parish ultimately relocated in 1998, and the building became site to a K-5th grade Catholic school and daycare.
The school and daycare eventually expanded to a larger location in 2000, and Creekside Christian Montessori moved in. Our school has since been a prominent staple in the community dedicated to the fundamental foundation and growth of each of our students.
Our Faculty
We have lead teachers who also have assistants helping them in the classroom. Along with the lead teacher and assistants we also have supporting staff members, all who are dedicated to the care and education of each and every child. Collectively, we have over 80 years of teaching experience which contributes to the enrichment of our program and promotes successful students. Combined, our teachers and staff members hold a variety of early childhood degrees, licenses, and certifications; in addition to on-going continuing education courses.
Our faculty is complete with Christ-Centered Christians who offer backgrounds and knowledge of diversity and acceptance. Our nurturing staff is consisted of a generous mixture of life-long friends, family, and loyal employees all of whom have large families and/or children of their own. Family value is essential in our teachings, respecting the dynamics of each household.
With a strong need to guide our children into the world they participate in, Creekside Christian Montessori is blessed to have two teachers from foreign countries. This allows our students to tangibly experience an international influence through learning other customs, traditions, and languages from around the world.
We are certainly blessed to live in a country of freedom which allows us to be active participants in the Montessori traditions while celebrating Christ!
Community Support
We have been blessed to be part of the incredible community of De Pere, WI and the surrounding areas of Brown County. I am forever grateful for the participation of both The Green Bay Commerce and retired Green Bay Packer player, Reggie White, for the initial startup of our dream. Through an entrepreneurship course hosted by The Green Bay Commerce and Reggie, I had the opportunity to create an intricate business plan and portfolio geared for Creekside Christian Montessori. Through my many accomplishments upon completion of the course, my business plan and portfolio was read, judged, and scored by local businesses and peers.
In conclusion, Creekside Montessori won recognition and received a $2500 grant from Reggie White’s entrepreneurship course. We had outpouring support at our grand-opening ceremony with Reggie White, board members of The Green Bay Commerce, local business owners, and community peers cheering us on!