Crowley ISD to Debut Permanent Campus for Public Montessori Elementary School in Karis This Fall

Families in North Texas benefit from quality public education options for their children, so how do prospective homebuyers measure their new home’s location based on not just the school district but also the zoned school’s offerings?

Studies have shown that quality schools influence the value of the home and a buyer’s decision to move. The National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Generational Trends report shows convenience to schools is a determining factor for more than a quarter of buyers aged 24-57 and quality of the school (district) is important to almost a third of buyers aged 33-42.

While, as an agent, you’re not able to provide school quality information, knowing about unique education offerings that buyers are interested in could allow for sales opportunities.

One such example of unique educational opportunities that familes are seeking is Montessori education. Forbes reported on the comeback of the Montessori Method in the US back in 2019, and the growth of the offerings around the country have continued to rise.

Crowley ISD Brings Montessori School to Karis

South of Fort Worth, Crowley ISD has paid focus to this growing desire for Montessori education and introduced Montessori classes in 2020. Current classes at Mary Harris Elementary serve children ages 3 through fourth grade. There are now 216 children in the program.

The Crowley Montessori Academy will move from a wing in Mary Harris Elementary where it has been housed, to the new $33.3 million campus funded through a bond package passed in 2007. This is the only Montessori school within Crowley Independent School District and one of fewer than 50 in Texas. In the DFW area, there are fewer than 20 public Montessori campuses and only 2 in Fort Worth according to the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector.

Anthony Kirchner, Chief Communications Officer with Crowley ISD, said that besides having a school devoted to the Montessori method, he’s excited for the campus to be located in Karis. 

“We are growing significantly, but currently 70 percent of our schools are in Fort Worth,” he said. “We’re excited that Elementary No. 16 will be in Crowley.”

Since the Montessori method of teaching focuses on individual and small-group learning with teachers as guides, the concept and architecture of this school is different than conventional campuses. This campus has been a labor of love and collaboration on many levels. The meticulous efforts of Montessori Founding Principal, Veronica Delgado, and her dedicated team were evident in the thoughtful design of the school.

A comprehensive year-long process was undertaken to craft the write-up, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring approval from the Texas Education Agency for the school concept. The district’s architect made several field trips to other Montessori campuses to understand design differences a Montessori school requires. In addition, the district also worked closely with the Karis development team to “ensure it fits aesthetically with the neighborhood”, said Kirchner. 

So, what’s different about a Montessori campus?

“What I love about Montessori is that a teacher can see each individual child uniquely and really bring about their own special gifts and strengths,” said Principal Veronica Delgado. “Really, Montessori is preparing a child for life and not just thinking about this one year.”

In terms of facilities, that means classrooms and school common areas are different than a typical elementary. Open space and tables are common in a Montessori classroom instead of individual desks and a presentation area for teachers. Featuring 22 classrooms, the school is designed to cater to a maximum of 484 children, spanning from age 3 through fifth grade. A second phase has been incorporated into the design, allowing for the addition of 10 to 12 more classrooms to accommodate another 220 to 260 students.

Additional features in Crowley ISD’s new Montessori elementary include collaborative learning and study spaces throughout the campus, natural lighting in all classrooms and a fully accessible playground. There will be an indoor amphitheater for collaboration, presentations, and group learning. An outdoor labyrinth will be designed to stimulate creativity and promote social and emotional health.

Classroom materials and curriculums are different as well – using the Montessori Method created over 100 years ago with adjustments to current lifestyle and technology. Teachers will be Montessori-certified, which is a unique credentialing beyond conventional requirements. Some classrooms will also include Spanish dual language programs. In addition to classroom curriculum, students and families are encouraged to participate in service projects. 

Enrollment is open to all students within Crowley ISD, although parents will have to apply for their child to be admitted. Principal Delgado encourages families interested in sending their child to attend informational evenings and tours to see the classrooms. 

In addition to the unique elementary school campus that will be central to the Karis master plan, the communities’ well-connected sidewalks and trail system will make it extremely convenient for students to walk or bike to school. 

Situated between Interstate 35W and Chisholm Trail Parkway, the 565-acre Karis community is a project of The Nehemiah Company. Home sales began there in early 2023 with the first residents moving in last fall. Home prices are from the $279,000s.

For more information on Karis, visit www.karistx.com.