From its inception in 1968, Martin Luther King Montessori School has been dedicated to providing quality care and education to low-income preschool children in the Fort Wayne community.
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.
Jamkia Gates-Smith, MLKMS Head of School
jgates-smith@mlkdreamschool.org
Kia joined MLK Montessori in 2022 as a co-teacher and quickly advanced through key leadership roles, including License and Accreditation Manager and Assistant Head of School. During her time at MLK Montessori, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening classroom practices, supporting staff development, and enhancing student success.
Kia’s journey into early childhood education was inspired by her experience as a mother, which deepened her appreciation for the importance of a nurturing and supportive learning environment. She went on to earn an associate degree in early childhood education, followed by a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, which she completed in 2020.
Under Kia’s leadership, MLK Montessori School remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering students and honoring Dr. King’s vision of equal education for all.
Myrna Cruz, MLKMS Assistant Head of School
mcruz@mlkdreamschool.org
Since joining MLK Montessori in 2022, Myrna has served as both a Lead Teacher and Executive Assistant, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the school community. Her leadership, warmth, and ability to lead with compassion and strength made her a natural choice for this expanded role.
In her position, Myrna supports the school’s educational operations, helps oversee licensing and accreditation processes, and continue to strengthen student and family engagement. She will also work closely with faculty and staff to ensure a nurturing, high-quality Montessori environment for every child.
Myrna holds an Associate Early Childhood Credential from the Orlando Montessori Teacher Education Institute and has led classrooms at Montessori schools in both Florida and Indiana. Her long-standing belief in the power of child-led learning, combined with her practical experience and strong communication skills, makes her a key asset to the future of MLK Montessori.
Board of Directors
Elka Jackson
Robert Couch
Paul Ricketts
Nanci Murray, President
Marcus Neal, Treasurer
Keisha Files, Secretary
MLK Montessori was established in response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Three Fort Wayne women — Dottie Fitchey, Dorothy Holt, and Mary Hoban — had a vision to transform the tragic event into something positive for our community. Dr. King believed in equal education for all children, regardless of their economic background or skin color, and these women continued Dr. King's dream by opening MLK Montessori.
The school began in a single classroom donated by St. Mary's Catholic Church and served 18 children. After remaining at this location for many years, in October 2003, the Lincoln Foundation donated the Great Beginning Daycare building on Lewis Street to MLK Montessori, where the school operated until the building was sold to make way for Parkview Field.
In August 2007, MLK Montessori moved to leased classrooms at Village Elementary School. Two years later, in August 2009, the school achieved location permanence when it moved to its new home at 6001 South Anthony, which was purchased with funds from the sale of the Lewis Street facility.
Today, MLK Montessori has the capacity to serve 100 children and, over the years, the school has graduated more than 5,000 students. Continuing its commitment to providing quality education and nurturing young learners, MLK Montessori now also offers a toddler program designed specifically for children ages 1–2. The toddler program is entering its second year, providing our youngest learners with a nurturing environment where they can begin their educational journey and develop a strong foundation for future learning.
From our humble beginnings serving 18 children in a single classroom to the thriving Montessori community we are today, MLK Montessori continues to carry forward the vision and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through education, opportunity, and a commitment to serving children and families in our community.
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:
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