History of Sun Grove Montessori School

Sun Grove Montessori School, Inc. was organized under the laws of corporation of the State of Florida, on June 7, 1978 and the first classes began in the rooms of the First United Methodist Church in Port St. Lucie. The following summer, dedicated parents, board members, and staff worked together to renovated a building on Dame Road in Fort Pierce that would be Sun Grove’s new home. There were 45 primary students and 15 elementary students.  The three original directresses received their Montessori training with Elizabeth Casparri,  who had been personally trained by Maria Montessori.

Seven years later, in 1985, Sun Grove’s administration and Board of Directors had the vision to purchase five acres in White City. Parents, board members and staff came together for the effort. The grounds were landscaped, buildings constructed and playground, gardens and classrooms were carefully designed. One building housed two primary classrooms and an office, the other housed elementary classrooms and a kitchen and multi-purpose room. The doors of the new buildings were opened and classes began at this location on September 10, 1985.

Ten years passed and Sun Grove’s parents, board members and staff observed the need in our community for a Montessori Infant/Toddler Program thus embarking on the first expansion at the school’s current location.  Infant/Toddler classes started in the elementary multi-purpose room and moved into their new environment in September of 1995.

Sun Grove’s administration and board of directors saw a strategic opportunity to invest in 4.78 acres directly across the street on Oleander Avenue in 2004 and in 2006 decided to sell this property to further expand programs.

The dream of adding an authentic Montessori Middle School program became a reality in 2007. While waiting for a permanent home, the first Middle School class utilized the existing elementary multi-purpose room and it was not long before three concrete classrooms were purchased, delivered complete, and set as one building on the original property. One room was furnished and set up as the Middle School classroom. One room was designed to serve as the café and dining room for the Middle School’s business, “Wake Up, Montessori” and the third room was available for multi-purpose use.

Staff and students continue to thrive and benefit from the efforts of all the parents and staff past and present. Sun Grove remains committed to a Montessori education that supports the vision of children who are inspired to:  grow into responsible, empathetic, and peaceful adults; utilize creative, independent, and critical thinking abilities; demonstrate enthusiasm for life and learning; take initiative in endeavouring to fulfill their dreams.