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 Partners
Our partners 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. All Lead Teachers have college degrees and the majority of the assistants have as well. Each Classroom Lead Teacher is Montessori trained at the preschool age level. All faculty participate regularly in professional development.
Teachers
I am Mrs. Lexi, the lead teacher in room 101. I received a bachelor's degree from Purdue Fort Wayne in 2021 in general studies, with over two years worth of education credits. I have been teaching since 2017. I graduated Trine University in May 2024 with my Masters of Montessori Education and certification. As for my hobbies, I love to read books and spend time with my family. I am a huge animal lover, with five of my own pets.
I am Mrs. Kim, the co-teacher in room 101. I was born and raised here in Fort Wayne and have been working at MLK since June 2024. I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and have over a decade of experience working with children. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, reading, and crafting.
I am Ms. Teresa, the lead teacher in room 102. I received my bachelors of arts degree in English from Talladega College. I have been teaching children between the ages of 2-6 years old since September of 2020, and have been with MLK since August of 2021. In my free time, I dance/choreograph at the Fort Wayne Dance Collective, and run a small business. When I am not working, I am a loving mother of two boys.
I am Miss Ariana. the co-teacher in room 103. I have about a year experience in teaching kids ages 3-5. 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/ friends I love going out and exploring new places.
I am Mr. Johnny, one of the co-teachers in room 104. I graduated from San Francisco State University's education program in Spring 2024, and started using my teaching license at MLK Montessori in October 2024. When I am not at work teaching my students, I am working with my friends at Poplar Village Gardens.
I am Miss Precious, one of the co-teachers in room 104. I have had the pleasure of working with children for the past 5 years. I am excited to be here learning and engaging with the staff and students of MLK Montessori School.
I am Miss Maddie, one of the co-teachers in room 105. I graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. I taught second grade in Logansport, IN for a year and now I'm so excited to be at MLK! I started my Montessori training over the summer and will be completing it over the next two years. In my free time I love to read, watch movies, listen to music, and I love theatre. I also have two crazy kittens at home.
I am Ms. Celina, one of the co-teachers in 105, Kindergarten-First grade classroom. I graduated from Ball State University in 2019 with a BA in Elementary Education and a concentration in primary. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones. I’m passionate about art & often find myself drawing or painting. I hold strong values in creativity and curiosity. I hope to incorporate these into my teachings as students have a natural inclination for discovery.
Want to join our team? Apply on Indeed today!
Administration
Greta McKinney, Director, Head of School
Kia Gates-Smith Assistant Head of School
Myrna Cruz Executive Assistant
Robin Clemons Head Teacher Support
Mr. Banks, Director of Transportation and Maintenance.
Frederick Treadwell, Kitchen Supervisor
Staff
Bus Driver, Miss Reva
Bus Driver/Kitchen, Ms. Nicole
Maintenance, Miss Rachel
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?
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.