SMA Welcomes Families to New Campus in Farmington Hills

Montessori school to serve toddlers and pre-schoolers; will expand through sixth grade

January 31, 2011 — Spurred by community demand, Schoolhouse Montessori Academy (SMA) will open its third campus on the site of the former Echo Park Learning Center in Farmington Hills. Extensive renovations are under way.

The school, located at 29230 W. Twelve Mile Road, will begin by serving toddlers and pre-school-age children this summer and fall. It will add one grade each year, eventually expanding to serve students through sixth grade.

“We inspire children, starting as toddlers, to think for themselves, be self-directed and love the pursuit of knowledge,” said Tyla Wells, founder of Schoolhouse Montessori Academies.  “We are much more than a childcare center, we are a school.”

“Parents have been calling constantly since our sign was posted,” Wells said. “Echo Park was important to the community, and we’re committed to building upon that.”

Renovations include completely refurbished classrooms that will have new cabinets, carpeting and flooring —all designed to reflect the beauty, peace and calm of the Schoolhouse Montessori environment.  The building’s exterior, lobby and office walls will be renovated with warm colors and a stone facade.

“Our parents say Schoolhouse Montessori feels like a peaceful, loving home — and that’s entirely by design,” Wells said.  “We create schools that wrap children in warmth and inspire them to explore and learn.”

Outside of the school, families will find new playground equipment and beautiful landscaping.

SMA offers an authentic Montessori program that helps children acquire:

• strong competencies in reading, writing, math and science;
• knowledge of geography, culture and life skills; and
• talent in technology, foreign language, fine arts and physical fitness.

• positive attitudes toward school and learning;
• respect for all living things;
• inner discipline;
• abiding curiosity, self-initiative and persistence; and
• innate, ultimate potential that comes from high self-expectations.