Our Mission
Martin Luther King Montessori School’s mission is to provide quality care and education that fosters a child's natural ability to learn while promoting self-confidence, social and cognitive development, and independence.
Our Sponsors
Our sponsors are so important and, together, we accomplish a lot. We are grateful to these organizations for their part in supporting the students at MLK Montessori School.
Meet Our Team
A child's preschool teacher can make a lasting impact on that child's future. All faculty at MLK Montessori School are highly trained and experienced with childhood education. Each classroom has a teacher who is Montessori trained or getting trained at the preschool age level. All faculty participate regularly in professional development.
Teachers
I am Mr. Eric, the co-teacher in room 102 - toddler classroom. I have experience working with children in a variety of settings. Outside of the classroom, I have proudly served in the Indiana Army National Guard since 2018 and enjoy coaching youth sports over the past 11 years.
I am Miss Teresa, the co-teacher in room 102 - toddler classroom. I received my bachelors of arts degree in English from Talladega College. I have been teaching children between the ages of 1-6 years old since September of 2020 and have been with MLK since August of 2021. In my free time, I run a dance company and small business. When I am not working, I am a loving mother of three boys.
I am Miss Amanda, the co-teacher in room 101 - preschool classroom. I have been teaching preschool since 2022. I absolutely love reading and believe that every day is a new adventure to help, grow, and learn alongside my students!
I am Miss Erika, the co-teacher in room 101 - preschool classroom.
I am Miss Arnaya, the co-teacher in room 104 - preschool classroom.
I am Ms. Mary, the co-teacher in room 104 - preschool classroom. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working in my field for almost 20 years. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, traveling and solving puzzle games.
I am Miss Robin, the co-teacher in room 105 - kindergarten classroom. I have taught for thirty years. Twenty of those years were here at MLK Montessori School. In the summer of 2007, I completed my Montessori training and have enjoyed sharing my knowledge with preschool and Kindergarten classes ever since. I also have a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a teaching license. I love ballroom dancing, volunteering at the animal shelter, fostering kittens and their moms, and reading. I enjoy sharing my experiences with the children in my classroom.
I am Miss Ariana, the co-teacher in room 105 - kindergarten classroom. I have experience in teaching kids ages 3-5 since 2024. I do not have any kids but have tons of experience with little ones in the family. In my free time I like to spend time with family and friends. I also love going out and exploring new places.
Administration
Kia Gates-Smith, Head of School
Myrna Cruz, Assistant Head of School
Robin Clemons, Head Teacher Support
Mr. Banks, Director of Transportation and Maintenance.
Frederick Treadwell, Kitchen Supervisor
Staff
Want to join our team? Apply on Indeed today!
Our Impact
The best part of a Montessori education is the results. Children who attend MLK Montessori become students who are confident, responsible, independent, enthusiastic, and respectful.
50+
Years Serving communities
Martin Luther King Montessori School has been offering exceptional preschool education to children in Fort Wayne, IN, since 1968.
5000+
children Impacted
Over the years, MLK Montessori School has graduated more than 5,000 students.
Our Program
At MLK Montessori, our program is designed with the working parent in mind.
Practical Life
To help foster independence, hand and eye coordination, responsibility and concentration skills, our practical life work is geared to engage children in everyday life tasks to promote environmental and self-care.
Language
Our Montessori language curriculum is focused on developing the child’s comprehension skills. This includes phonemic awareness, grammar, advanced vocabulary, and reading and writing abilities.
Cultural Studies
In our cultural areas, we have materials that expose our students to diverse cultures of the world. This curriculum fosters critical thinking, empathy and global awareness which prepares them for the interconnected world.
Sensorial
Our sensorial work engages the child’s 5 senses. These works help develop fine motor, cognitive, and language skills to promote problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Mathematics
The math areas inside our classrooms have materials that are used to help develop the students’ understanding of mathematical terms and concepts.
Science
Our science lessons are geared to encourage students to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the world. The Montessori teaching style and the materials are used to motivate self-directed learning.
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Alisa Thompson
MLK Montessori gave me the foundation to be a life long learner, to be a life long teacher.
Are you a former MLK Montessori student, parent, educator, or volunteer?
Check out our new toddlers program!
Accepting ages 1-2 years of age!
Our mission is to provide a quality Montessori education that inspires children to reach their potential through meaningful work and is accessible to families of all income levels.
Whether you are a family looking for a quality, affordable preschool education for your child, or a prospective donor interested in helping us fund tuition for the next generation, a tour is a great way to introduce you to our programs, philosophy and policies. We'd be happy to meet and answer any questions you have about our school.
Please complete the form below, and we will contact you soon to schedule a weekday tour.
Schedule a Tour
Get Involved
If you would like to help us further our mission to enrich every child’s growth, development and dreams through a Montessori preschool education that is accessible to all children no matter their circumstance, please consider making a donation or volunteering your time at the school.
Volunteer opportunities
Contact us via email or phone for more information on volunteering opportunities and/or how to join our Parent Advisory Committee.
Make a Donation
Click on the button below to make a one time or recurring donation to MLK Montessori School using your credit card, bank account, or Paypal account through our Paypal® Secure Payments System.