South Walton Montessori Academy new location

**kurt** · 05-12-2008, 08:57 PM

The closing happened today on a permanent home for the school. Renovations and additions will be taking place over the Summer so the new campus will be ready for students in the Fall. Many people will know the former residence of Peter & Susan Horn (Artisan Builders). It's right at the entrance to Eden State Gardens. Virtual Tour

* Update - groundbreaking onsite with the kids is 4PM Wed. 5/14 - all are invited.

Thanks to Miriam Dillon of Grayton Coast Properties for making this happen.

http://www.southwaltonmontessori.com

We are very excited to be moving into a permanent home in South Walton next to Eden State Gardens in the historic Point Washington community. After closing on May 12th, we’ll be spending the Summer renovating and building an addition to the two existing structures, originally built by Peter Horn of Artisan Builders. It’s a solid and beautiful building on a large piece of property covered in old-growth live oaks and magnolias. - see virtual tour. We’re looking forward with great excitement to be moving closer to the heart of our community.

SWMA gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and companies that have committed their time to making the improvements to our new campus in Point Washington. Each individual listed has or had their children enrolled at SWMA. Thank you!
Frank Watson, PA, Attorney and closing agent
Roger Godwin, DAG Architects
Hamid Joodi, Arkon Group, Inc.
Ron Guernsey, Envision Builders Group
Lewis Jones, Lewis Jones Builder
Craig Baranowski, CJB Construction
Cliff Harbour, Century Construction

Programs include education for chidren from 18 months - age 12.

**NoHall** · 05-12-2008, 09:00 PM

What a creatively beautiful place to learn! And I've heard wonderful things about Peter Horn...

**ckhagen** · 05-12-2008, 09:08 PM

I think that house is probably the most perfect location for a Montessori school... ever. Amazing actually.

I'm very sad that there's no way I could afford to send my littles, it would be such a great experience

**isacksphoto** · 05-12-2008, 09:27 PM

Welcome to the neighborhood! My Studio (Studio Soleil) that I share with Allison Craft (awesome pearl jewlery) and Michelle Vineyard-Smith (wonderful collage artist.) We were thrilled to hear your sweet school was coming down our way! It is the perfect spot by the way, just so special. Many oppurtunities to explore and learn. Can't wait to see the renovations.

By the way, Peter & Susan are our neighbors now in Seagrove! We toured that house years ago when their older son babysat my kids...a lifetime ago! Anyways, it is a great space and they are wonderful folks.

**kurt** · 05-12-2008, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by ckhagen

I think that house is probably the most perfect location for a Montessori school... ever. Amazing actually.

I'm very sad that there's no way I could afford to send my littles, it would be such a great experience

Financial aid is available.

**ckhagen** · 05-12-2008, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Financial aid is available.

Thanks for that note. I should give them a call and see what's possible.

**DuneLaker** · 05-12-2008, 09:44 PM

Sounds like there will be all kinds of new opportunites for little Sowallers in the area. Pt. Washington UMC is also planning some preschool activities. Should complement.

**barefootguy** · 05-12-2008, 10:28 PM

My nephew is enrolled in a montessori school that is part of the Chicago public school system. I doubt that would happen around here anytime soon, but it sure would be nice. For now we've got our daughter in Blended School at the Gulfarium as well as home school.

DD · 05-12-2008, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Yes - if someone has details please post. I see the construction of the new sanctuary has begun. The sanctuary is being built on 395 across from the church, where the Burlison house was. Some may remember the house that was offered for sale that had to be moved:
http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=15641

It was moved down the street and may become a museum.
http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=20671

I missed the thread. I'm so glad the house got moved. I did love that house.

**iomiam** · 05-13-2008, 02:46 AM

We are just thrilled to be a part of the Point Washington community and are feeling so blessed to be the stewards of such an amazingly beautiful and serene home. Wednesday afternoon (5/14) at 4:00pm, the school is going to have a short and sweet ground breaking ceremony for the new addition. The children of the school will put the shovels (sand shovels!) in the ground to kick off the renovation of our new home. Please join us if you would like! And thank you for all the kind, welcoming comments.

**kurt** · 05-13-2008, 06:40 AM

**Teresa** · 05-13-2008, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

Sounds like there will be all kinds of new opportunites for little Sowallers in the area. Pt. Washington UMC is also planning some preschool activities. Should complement.

I also heard something about daily afterschool programs for children at Pt Wash UMC ? anyone know about this?

The new location and site for the montessori school couldn't be better. We are truly blessed and I thank our board and board pres for such outstanding work in making this happen!!!!!

the school is going into its 5th year so we're very young, but it will be great to finally have a permanent education facility. and the incredible natural surroundings are a real plus. Eden State Park in our back yard - truly amazing!

**Miss Kitty** · 05-13-2008, 07:11 AM

That looks like a magical place for a school!

**ShallowsNole** · 05-13-2008, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by Tootsie

I also heard something about daily afterschool programs for children at Pt Wash UMC ? anyone know about this?

The new location and site for the montessori school couldn't be better. We are truly blessed and I thank our board and board pres for such outstanding work in making this happen!!!!!

the school is going into its 5th year so we're very young, but it will be great to finally have a permanent education facility. and the incredible natural surroundings are a real plus. Eden State Park in our back yard - truly amazing!

I am thinking that will be after the Family Life Center at PWUMC (the building under construction now) gets completed. I have to tone out when they start talking about the "new facilities"

so I'm not really sure.

tc · 05-13-2008, 04:45 PM

I can't think of a more perfect location for such an amazing school.

**kurt** · 05-14-2008, 09:42 PM

Thansk TC!

Photos of today's ground breaking event - http://southwaltonmontessori.com/cat...-groundbreakin

Sean Boone was there covering the event for the Sun and I believe Susan Vallee will be doing a story for the Rosemary Thymes.

The school has gotten a few applications for students and teachers from this thread so thanks for that.

Construction and renovations begin tomorrow.

**NoHall** · 05-14-2008, 09:58 PM

Thank you for those pictures! I love seeing some of the faces I miss--little people and big people and even a little baby dude that I haven't got to meet yet.

You did my heart good.

And the school looks like such a wonderful place for little imaginations to work. Good times...

**waterst1** · 05-14-2008, 10:32 PM

I hate they are leaving Rosemary Beach and I trust Susan Valee will cover the fact that Rosemary Beach management, in effect, ran the school away

It is a real shame... but the school board was patient longer than reasonable.

The new facility in Point Washington will be wonderful and I am happy for the school. Its a great program.

**Teresa** · 05-14-2008, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by waterst1

I hate they are leaving Rosemary Beach and I trust Susan Valee will cover the fact that Rosemary Beach management, in effect, ran the school away

It is a real shame... but the school board was patient longer than reasonable.

The new facility in Point Washington will be wonderful and I am happy for the school. Its a great program.

I have to say that although I have enjoyed a lot about the school location in RB, I truly believe that Pt Washington is a much better community for such a family-oriented school. The move is absolutely the best thing that could happen for SWMA! Funny how things just work out differently than planned but oh so wonderfully.

**waterst1** · 05-14-2008, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by Tootsie

I have to say that although I have enjoyed a lot about the school location in RB, I truly believe that Pt Washington is a much better community for such a family-oriented school. The move is absolutely the best thing that could happen for SWMA! Funny how things just work out differently than planned but oh so wonderfully.

Tootsie you are always looking at the bright side and I don't disagree, but I still hate having the school leave. I always enjoyed seeing the little children on their walks holding to the rope...it is the neatest thing...

**Teresa** · 05-14-2008, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by waterst1

Tootsie you are always looking at the bright side and I don't disagree, but I still hate having the school leave. I always enjoyed seeing the little children on their walks holding to the rope...it is the neatest thing...

I completely understand. my 6 year old started out in that little toddler class 4 years ago! I know the kids and teachers will miss the beach being so close at hand. the parks there were great, and many of the children participated in indoor swimming lessons, and tennis lessons after school. It was a great location for sure. Thanks to all the neighbors for being great neighbors to SWMA!

**SoWalSally** · 05-19-2008, 06:45 AM

http://www.waltonsun.com/news/walton...ri_school.html

Montessori school has new home in South Walton
May 15, 2008 - 10:36AM
Sean Boone
The South Walton Montessori Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate the school’s scheduled movement into two new buildings in Point Washington.
Currently the school is located in Rosemary Beach, but will move to its new location at the entrance of Eden State Park next school year after summer renovations.
“The school is moving out of Rosemary Beach simply for economic reasons,” said Montessori Board of Trustees Chairman Miriam Dillon. “We have been in portables for the past four years in Rosemary and the estimates to build are just over $3 million.
“That is just way too big of a number for a small school.”
According to Dillon, the new site, even with proposed renovations, will still cost the academy less than a third of the cost of what a new building would in Rosemary.
The primary school house in Point Washington was built by Peter Horn of Artisan Builders and according to county records, was acquired for $780,000. Combined, the two buildings will hold more than 50 students from toddlers to fifth grade.
Because the new location is nestled in dense vegetation and trees, Dillon said it is perfect for Montessori education.
“Connecting with nature is a big part of a Montessori education,” she said. “How amazing it is to be adjacent to such a magnificent park!
“The motto in classrooms is respect of self, respect of others and respect of the environment. We plan to be very good stewards of this property.”
Montessori education is a theory of child development started by Maria Montessori in the late 19th century that focuses on children learning many things on their own.
The South Walton Montessori Academy focuses on five areas of curriculum: practical life – care for self and environment, sensorial – learning senses through shapes, language – reading and writing and culture – science and physics.
Academy head Catherine Beall said yearly tuition is currently $9,000, but scholarships are available to those who need it.
According to the school’s Web site, its mission is to “awaken and nurture an endless passion for knowledge within our children.”
Dillon said the school is successful in what it strives for because it is surrounded by strong support inside and out, making a great learning environment for the children.
“We are fortunate to have wonderful and supportive parents and an incredible teaching staff,” she said. “As a parent at the school, I truly feel the teachers are my partners in educating and raising my son!
“How cool is that?”