Montessori School of Pullman Relocates to Pioneer Center

The Montessori School of Pullman has officially relocated from the Gladish Community and Cultural Center to the Pioneer Center, following a lease agreement approved by the Pullman School Board of Directors. This decision, made during a regular meeting on March 15, 2024, allows the private nonprofit school to occupy approximately 4,500 square feet at the new facility located at 240 SE. Dexter St. in Pullman.

The new space will provide the Montessori with access to two classrooms, two offices, restrooms, and a gymnasium. Crystal Helenske, the Director of Operations, indicated in an email that while the Montessori is not affiliated with the Pullman School District, this move enhances connections that will benefit families in the community. Established over 50 years ago, the Montessori School serves children aged 2.5 to 6, employing a unique educational approach developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. This model emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning, distinguishing it from traditional education systems.

The relocation marks a pivotal moment for the school, as it has been based at the Gladish for most of its existence. Helenske described the transition as bittersweet, acknowledging the long history at Gladish but also highlighting significant challenges that prompted the move. Ongoing issues with heating, water, and overall building stability have plagued the school, culminating in a crisis earlier this year when the Gladish’s boiler malfunctioned, leaving students without heat during February’s severe cold spell.

During the closure, the Pullman School District stepped in, providing additional space for the Montessori to continue its classes. Helenske expressed gratitude for this support, noting that the school had been relying on space heaters while waiting for repairs to the boiler, which services the building’s first floor.

As the Montessori School of Pullman settles into its new location, Helenske is optimistic that this change will enhance the school’s visibility. She emphasized that the Montessori is not connected to the recently closed Pullman Community Montessori, which had operated in the Gladish and was shuttered following the revocation of its charter by the Washington State Charter School Commission in May 2024.

Classes began at the new location on March 16, 2024, albeit on a modified schedule while awaiting necessary licensing and inspections. Currently, the school operates from 08:30 to 12:30 on weekdays, a temporary adjustment from its usual hours of 07:30 to 17:30. Despite the changes, Helenske assured that the Montessori School of Pullman remains open for enrollment.

For more information about the Montessori School of Pullman, interested families can visit pullmanmontessori.org.