New Location opening for the 2025-26 School Year
From left to right: Kate Lipka, Head of School, Brei Stevenson, Founder/Treasurer, Gabby Chasse, Toddler Lead, and Ellen Mangum, Primary Lead
For Immediate Release
Local Non-Profit Montessori School Announces Exciting New Location for 2025-26 School Year
[Richmond, Virginia] — Wild Fern Montessori School is thrilled to announce plans for its new home, set to open in September 2025 for the 2025-26 school year. The school will relocate to a thoughtfully redesigned space at the former Wells Fargo bank in Lakeside. This new space will feature enhanced classroom flows, increased storage, improved administrative spaces, and carefully planned outdoor areas.
"We waited a long time for the right place in Lakeside because we've found a home and community here," shared Brei Stevenson, Founder and Treasurer. Real estate agent Veronica Wiles with Sperity Real Estate Ventures brokered the lease agreement.
Construction kicked off in November, with designs reflecting the school's focus on supporting staff and fostering a thriving community. “We have truly loved our current location and the opportunities it has provided us.” Shared Kate Lipka, Head of School, adding, “It has allowed us to grow and thrive, fostering a strong community. We need a bit more space to continue our growth and meet the needs of the student and family community we serve. We are excited about this next chapter in our school's history.”
A Journey of Growth and Commitment
Wild Fern Montessori School began its journey in June 2018 as the Glen Allen Community Montessori School. Founded by then Executive Director Brei Stevenson, the nonprofit's mission is to provide high-quality Montessori education while fostering an inclusive and supportive community.
After opening in the basement of the United Unitarian Universalist Church of Glen Allen, the school relocated to Lakeside during the pandemic, hosted by Overbrook Presbyterian Church. Shortly after, the school found its current standalone building, which has been home for the past four years. However, as the school and its community's needs have grown, so has the vision for the future.
In 2021, Wild Fern introduced its Sliding Scale Tuition Program, an innovative initiative to subsidize tuition for qualified families. The program evaluates household income and unique financial and socioeconomic circumstances. In the four years since its inception, the program has awarded over $550,000 in subsidized tuition thanks to fundraising, donations, and grants.
Help Us Build a Playground for the Future
Creating a thoughtful outdoor space for students is one of the most exciting opportunities at the new location. Wild Fern Montessori School is seeking donations to fund this project. Donors can sponsor specific items or contribute directly to the playground's development.
To learn more about supporting this initiative and making a lasting impact on the students, please visit https://www.wildfernmont.org/build-our-playground
About Wild Fern Montessori School
We were built on the idea that a community of like-minded parents and community members could support those around us in leveling the playing field for educational opportunities, knowing that we could positively shape the world around us. Wild Fern Montessori School was created to provide affordable educational options to the Richmond community through the Sliding Scale Tuition Program in a safe and affirming environment.
The mission of Wild Fern Montessori School is to provide a learning environment that adheres to Montessori principles, guiding and nurturing each individual child in becoming lifelong learners and citizens of our diverse world community. We will evolve to meet the needs of our community while adhering to the foundations of the Montessori philosophy.
For more information, please contact Brei Stevenson at brei@wildfernmont.org, visit wildfernmont.org, and follow us on Instagram (@wildfernmont).
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