Guidepost Montessori Closings - Dublin, Powell, Muirfield Village
Guidepost Montessori started opening up schools in 2016. Within 8 years, they have opened up 130 schools around the US! Within just the past 3 years, Guidepost opened up four locations around Columbus.
And the problems have recently started - financial challenges, low enrollment, and sudden closures impacting families around Columbus and in other parts of the US.
Recent Closures Nationwide
Some notable closures from gleaning online news articles:
Colorado: Five locations in the Denver area announced closures due to financial challenges, leaving approximately 300 families scrambling to find alternative educational arrangements.
denver7.comMinnesota: The two Minnesota locations are set to close by the end of March 2025, with plans for new locations in the state being canceled.
kstp.comOklahoma: Guidepost Montessori at Ridge Point announced its closure on January 31, 2025, prompting parents to seek new schools for their children.
kjrh.comWisconsin: Families in Menomonee Falls were notified that their local Guidepost Montessori would close at the end of March 2025, causing concern and the need for alternative childcare solutions.
tmj4.com
It has hit the Columbus area as well with three closures slated for March 2025.
Local Closures: Muirfield Village, Dublin, and Powell
In our local area, three Guidepost Montessori schools have recently closed:
Guidepost Montessori at Muirfield Village: Located at 6000 Memorial Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, this campus offered programs for infants, toddlers, and children up to six years old.
Guidepost Montessori at Dublin: Situated at 5675 Avery Rd, Dublin, OH 43016, this school provided Montessori education for children aged six weeks to six years, including Nido, Toddler, and Children's House programs.
Guidepost Montessori at Powell: Located at 7474 Sawmill Pkwy, Powell, OH 43065, this campus offered programs for infants as young as 12 weeks, toddlers, and children up to six years old.
The only location that remains open in Columbus is the Worthington location - the oldest Guidepost Montessori in the region - opened in 2021.
The sudden closures of these schools have left many families in the area seeking alternative educational options that align with the Montessori philosophy.
For families seeking to continue Montessori-based education for their children, alternatives such as Acton Academy Columbus, integrate Montessori principles with other educational philosophies.
The Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizes child-centered education, fostering independence, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Key principles include:
Mixed-Age Classrooms: Encouraging peer learning and social development.
Prepared Environment: Classrooms designed to facilitate independent learning and exploration.
Auto-Education: Belief that children are capable of educating themselves through interaction with their environment.
Acton Academy Columbus: A Montessori-Inspired Alternative
Acton Academy Columbus offers a learner-driven environment that embraces Montessori ideals, along with elements from the Reggio Emilia approach and Waldorf education. This integration provides a holistic and dynamic learning experience for students.
Core Principles of Acton Academy Columbus
Acton Academy Columbus operates on foundational principles that resonate with the Montessori philosophy:
Learn to Learn: Students acquire new knowledge, pursue and persist in learning, and organize their own learning through time and information management.
Learn to Do: Hands-on quests for science, entrepreneurship, and the arts prepare children for real-world challenges.
Learn to Be: Emphasis on developing character habits such as hard work, integrity, courage, persistence, and grit.
Learner-Driven Environments: Empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey, fostering independence and critical thinking skills.
Focus on Fundamentals: Ensuring a strong academic foundation in reading, writing, and math.
The 4 Cs of Education: Critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity are essential for a 21st-century education.
Pursuit of Individual Interests: Encouraging students to explore their own interests, promoting creativity and personal growth.
Growth Mindset: Nurturing the belief that abilities can improve with effort, encouraging resilience and a love for learning.
Embracing Failure: Recognizing that failure is a key to success, students learn from mistakes and develop perseverance.
Intrinsic Motivation: Viewing learning as a reward in itself, with no grades, tests, or homework to hinder the joy of discovery.
Integration of Reggio Emilia and Waldorf Educational Philosophies
Beyond its Montessori foundation, Acton Academy Columbus incorporates elements from the Reggio Emilia approach and Waldorf education, creating a rich and diverse learning environment.
Reggio Emilia (Project-Based Learning)
The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes project-based learning, where education is student-centered and constructivist, utilizing self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. At Acton Academy Columbus, this translates into:
Emergent Curriculum: Curriculum topics emerge based on students' interests, making learning relevant and engaging.
In-Depth Projects: Students undertake comprehensive projects that allow for exploration and expression, fostering deep understanding and critical thinking skills.
Collaborative Learning: Encouraging collaboration among students, teachers, and the community, enhancing social and communication skills.
Waldorf Education (Outdoor Education)
Waldorf education emphasizes holistic learning, integrating intellectual, practical, and artistic development, with a strong focus on nature and outdoor activities. At Acton Academy Columbus, Waldorf principles manifest through:
Nature Integration: Regular outdoor activities and nature exploration are integral parts of the curriculum, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation.
Experiential Learning: Hands-on experiences in gardening, animal care, and ecological projects connect students with the natural world.
Artistic Expression: Incorporating arts, music, and movement into daily routines supports creative expression and emotional development.