Mountain Laurel Montessori began as a dream shared by two passionate educators, Alli Bizon and Caitlin Reusche. After spending over a decade teaching in a large urban school district, we felt a deep pull to create something different—something that could bridge the gap between traditional education and the nurturing, holistic approach we knew children needed to thrive.

Our years of experience taught us that children learn best when they feel connected—to their environment, to their peers, and to themselves. The idea for Mountain Laurel Montessori was born out of this belief and our shared vision: a school where children could learn and grow through meaningful interactions with nature, where curiosity and creativity would be at the heart of every day, and where diversity and equity would be celebrated as core values.

Post-pandemic, the importance of connecting children to the outdoors became even more apparent. As we saw families craving open spaces and meaningful educational experiences, we knew it was time to act. With our combined backgrounds in education, a deep respect for the Montessori method, and an unwavering commitment to social justice, we set out to build a school that would meet these needs.

We envisioned Mountain Laurel Montessori as more than just a school—it would be a community. Located in Philadelphia, it would serve as a hub for families, offering children hands-on, nature-based learning experiences while also fostering connections with the broader community through partnerships with local businesses, public schools, and green initiatives.

The road hasn’t been without its challenges. Securing a space that met our needs while staying within budget required persistence and creativity. But with every hurdle, we were buoyed by the support of friends, family, and community members who believed in our vision as much as we did.

Today, Mountain Laurel Montessori is taking root. From its indoor greenhouse wall to its outdoor play spaces designed for exploring the local ecology, every element of the school reflects our mission: to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where children are “Outside Every Day” and learning is an adventure.

We are proud to be building a school that honors the potential of every child while addressing the unique challenges of our urban landscape. As we move forward, we remain committed to creating equitable access to high-quality education and advocating for the expansion of green spaces in Philadelphia.

Mountain Laurel Montessori is not just a school—it’s a movement toward a brighter, more connected future for children, families, and our community. And this is only the beginning.

Giving Tuesday for Mountain Laurel Montessori

Help Ensure that We Can Open Our Doors in Spring 2025

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