The Beginning of a Dream: The Story of Nova Montessori
It all began with a spark of inspiration that struck Jess in the early hours of a quiet morning in June 2022. Awoken from a vivid dream, she felt a surge of energy, as if cold water had splashed onto her face. The message was clear and unmistakable: "Start a school today."
Despite the financial uncertainties that lay ahead, Jess felt an unwavering determination to bring her vision to life. With a heart full of passion for education and the Montessori philosophy, she knew that inspiration alone was not enough; she needed a community. So, she turned to social media, sharing her aspirations with her network on Facebook: “Hello, friends! I am a Montessori teacher, and I am looking for four students to embark on this incredible journey of learning together.”
This simple post marked the inception of Nova Montessori. To her delight, responses began to pour in. Families resonated with her vision of fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children, and soon four eager students expressed their desire to join her.
With this initial group in place, Jess set out to transform her dream into reality. She rolled up her sleeves and passionately designed a curriculum centered on the principles of Montessori education, emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, and respect for each child's unique journey.
While the early days were challenging, Jess surprised herself with what a seemed as an unwavering persistence and determination to keep going no matter what she faced.. As word spread, Nova Montessori quickly began to increase the number of families in the school.
When Jess visited the potential location for her school—a concrete basement with small windows—she found hope in the family’s plans for renovation. Within three weeks, the basement was transformed with beautiful wood floors, ready to welcome students.
Excitement fueled her next steps as she launched a GoFundMe campaign to gather funds for essential Montessori materials. The generous response from friends and family overwhelmed her, leading to the inaugural day of "school" that September, which welcomed two children from the family she was renting from and two others from her current nannying role.
In those early days, Jess balanced the challenges of teaching full-time, handling office tasks, and operating in multiple roles—everything from handyman to janitor—all while fostering a nurturing environment for her students. As the community learned about her efforts, more families became interested in joining, further contributing to the school’s growth.
A key moment in her journey was when Jess's husband suggested the name "Nova Montessori," a beautiful moniker embodying new beginnings and the bright future they envisioned for every child. This name would come to symbolize the warmth, care, and nurturing spirit foundational to their educational approach.
Jess is immensely grateful for her family's unwavering support throughout this journey. Their belief in her vision played a crucial role in establishing the essential groundwork, reinforcing the importance of community and love in education.
With the community's encouragement, Jess hired her first teacher, Angel Davys, to assist as the school expanded. As they outgrew the basement, they moved to the Corner Hub in Frenchtown, starting with eight students. The community rallied around them, with parents providing meals and eager assistance at every turn.
As the student body continued to grow, Jess welcomed three more talented teachers who genuinely care for each child and share her passion for a nurturing learning environment. Together, they have created a space where children can truly flourish.
Jess uses her journey as a powerful lesson for her students, often telling them, "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! I started a school all by myself!" She inspires her students to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
Looking toward the future, Jess hopes that Nova Montessori will serve as a lasting legacy, shaping individuals who love and believe in themselves. She envisions a world where educators thrive and break the stereotype of financial struggle. Driven by this conviction, Jess is committed to transforming the narrative in Montana, creating an environment where teachers feel supported, compensated, and deeply connected to their communities. Her dream is to foster a culture of longevity among faculty members, one where turnover becomes a thing of the past as dedicated educators flourish.
Now, as Nova Montessori expands to include infants and transitions into a space twice as large, it stands as a powerful testament to the impact of dreams, gratitude, and community. What began as a vision inspired by a dream has blossomed into a thriving school filled with love and support, with many of the families who joined in 2022 still active members of the close-knit community devoted to nurturing children’s growth.
Jess's journey is a heartwarming reminder of what can be achieved when one pursues a dream with passion, resilience, and the backing of a supportive community. Nova Montessori is more than just a school; it is a nurturing environment where children thrive, families connect, and a legacy of compassion and empowerment is lovingly built for years to come.
Our Mission
At Nova Montessori, we strive to create a warm, loving, and nurturing environment for families and children alike. We want families to feel the loving energy the moment the walk into the school. We believe that a supportive atmosphere is essential for development and well-being, so we equip our teachers with the resources they need to stay energized and focused. This enables them to fully dedicate themselves to each child’s growth.
We model kindness and respect in all interactions, fostering an environment of empathy where every child feels safe, loved, and empowered to build positive relationships. Our goal is to inspire confidence and cultivate the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
While the values we uphold may be timeless, they are often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world. At Nova Montessori, we prioritize respect, kindness, and love, recognizing their profound impact on children and families.
We carefully select families and teachers who share our vision, believing that a close-knit, family-oriented community enhances the educational experience. Each person's energy contributes to a positive atmosphere, and we ask everyone to consistently model our core values for a harmonious environment.
Understanding that children learn by observing our actions, we emphasize the importance of modeling compassion and love. Our approach is inspired by Maria Montessori's belief that “the child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” We recognize the critical nature of the first six years of life, where children absorb their surroundings and the behaviors they witness.
By nurturing emotional intelligence and self-worth, we aim to break the cycle of generational trauma and lay the groundwork for a more compassionate future.
At Nova Montessori, we celebrate each child's unique strengths and potential, helping them shine with confidence. Our attentive observation allows us to tailor our teaching to each child's needs, fostering their growth and positive self-image.
We believe that when children express their true selves, they create a ripple effect of positivity, enriching not only their lives but also the lives of those around them. Through this approach, we guide them toward a future where they can contribute to a better, more compassionate world.