Montessori School of Pullman Relocates to Pioneer Center

The Montessori School of Pullman has officially moved out of the Gladish Community and Cultural Center, following a lease agreement approved by the Pullman School Board of Directors. This transition allows the private school to occupy approximately 4,500 square feet within the Pullman Public Schools’ Pioneer Center, located at 240 SE Dexter St.

The new facility includes access to two classrooms, two offices, restrooms, and a gymnasium. Crystal Helenske, the Director of Operations, stated that while the Montessori School is not affiliated with the Pullman School District, the new location will help strengthen connections that benefit families in the community.

Established for children aged 2.5 to 6, the Montessori School of Pullman has operated independently for over 50 years. The Montessori educational model, developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning, offering an alternative to traditional educational methods.

The decision to relocate comes after ongoing challenges related to heating, water, and the overall stability of the Gladish facility. Helenske described the move as “bittersweet,” noting that the school had been a part of the Gladish for decades. Recent issues peaked this winter when a boiler failure left the school without heat, forcing it to cancel classes during a cold spell in February. During this period, the Pullman School District generously provided extra space for the Montessori to continue its operations.

Helenske expressed gratitude for the district’s support during the disruptions. She highlighted that the school had been relying on space heaters due to the ongoing boiler issues, which have yet to be resolved.

As the Montessori School of Pullman transitions to its new location, Helenske is optimistic that the move will enhance the school’s visibility. This is particularly important in light of the closure of another institution, the Pullman Community Montessori, which ceased operations in May 2024 after its charter was revoked by the Washington State Charter School Commission. Helenske clarified that the Montessori School of Pullman has no affiliation with the now-closed school and remained unaffected by its circumstances.

Classes at the new Pioneer Center commenced on Wednesday, though they will follow a temporary shortened schedule until all licensing and inspections are finalized. The school currently operates from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays, a significant reduction from its usual hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Despite the school year already beginning, the Montessori School of Pullman remains open for enrollment. Interested families can learn more about the school by visiting the official website at pullmanmontessori.org.

For further inquiries, Helenske can be reached via email at [email protected].