Montessori seeks unique outcomes,
not conforming to a norm!

Our History

Welcome to Young Explorers Montessori Schools

Will and I (Hi! I'm Rita) started Young Explorers when I was pregnant with our second son, who is now driving! We just wanted a warm and loving place for our kids to learn with their friends. Will does all the systems and financials and deals with the bankers (Oy vey), while I focus on how we can develop the best staff, and purchasing (art, furniture, equipment, and of course, toys). I clearly have the better end of the deal! We welcome you to our happy school, and look forward to all the wonderful memories that will be made - from the First Day of School, to Halloween Costume parties, developmental milestones met, Christmas Concerts with beloved family, precious friendships made, and finally, tearfully, Graduation. And all the good things in between. Welcome to the family!

See Our History Timeline
Montessori Schools - Young Explorers
Young Explorers opens with 12 children and 6 staff members in a little house on a hill.
2002

Young Explorers opens with 12 children and 6 staff members in a little house on a hill.

After a year-long battle with the City, our addition opens on May 25th, tripling the size of the original building to include our signature indoor gym and spiral slide.
2005

After a year-long battle with the City, our addition opens on May 25th, tripling the size of the original building to include our signature indoor gym and spiral slide.

Implemented Gentle Instruction™ practices as a cultural foundation.
2006

Implemented Gentle Instruction™ practices as a cultural foundation.

Created a half day preschool program to support the work at home mom’s modern lifestyle.
2007

Created a half day preschool program to support the work at home mom’s modern lifestyle.

Adopted the Montessori philosophy.
2008

Adopted the Montessori philosophy.

Created The Lesson Box
2010

Created The Lesson Box® - online teacher lesson sharing and training system to give staff access to training and lesson materials all with the push of a button. We call it our Private Pinterest.

Grew beyond our small community to open 3 more custom schools.
2016

Grew beyond our small community to open 3 more custom schools.

Established an executive team to support quality operations across all schools.
2017

Established an executive team to support quality operations across all schools.

Shared Young Explorers with the world, allowing all children to benefit from the Young Explorers mission of inspiring individuals and building communities.
2020

We did it! Young Explorers was able to remain open throughout the pandemic. Thank you to all of our staff that helped make that possible!

 
Shared Young Explorers with the world, allowing all children to benefit from the Young Explorers mission of inspiring individuals and building communities.
2022

Our North Ridgeville location opens!


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The Young Explorers Leadership Team

It’s all about having fun doing what you love, learning, and bringing peace to the world through service.

Will Scott

Will Scott
CEO

We started Young Explorers because we wanted the ideal place for our son to learn and grow. And now it’s a community where all of our children grow to find their own confidence and voice. I'm always amazed at the joy in our families faces.

Rita Scott

Rita Scott
President

The everyday moments with our children when they discover something new are truly priceless. We started Young Explorers when I was pregnant with my son, who is now driving! We're still the same loving community where we strive to inspire each child to be their all.

Eileen Osborn

Eileen Osborn
Executive Director of Development

My passion for education started when my children were young. I graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I love working with the staff and the children at Young Explorers Montessori School which allows me to explore my true passion for the educational engagement of children.

Joanna Kelly

Joanna Kelly
Executive Director of Operations

On my first day years ago as a classroom teacher, I fell in love with Young Explorers. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education that has allowed me this awesome opportunity to work with students, teachers, and families every single day. In my free time I love to read, shop online, and explore nature with my own 2 Young Explorers graduates. Young Explorers is an extension of my family and I am so proud to work with wonderful people every day.

 

Industry Leading Credentials

Member of the International Montessori Council
Montessori Council (IMC) is a worldwide, 501(c)(6) professional membership organization of Montessori schools, their leaders, parents, and friends. Members must be screened and approved based on curriculum and teaching style.


Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Success
The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) is given to all kids entering kindergarten in the state of Ohio. Our graduating class of 2018 reported an average score of 278.1 (88th percentile), the state average is 266.8 (50th percentile)


Montessori Schools - Young Explorers

Did You Know?

According to a study published in Science in 2006, five-year-old Montessori students were “significantly better prepared for elementary school in reading and math skills than the non-Montessori children” and they also tested better in their “ability to adapt to changing and more complex problems”.

Our Parent Communication App

A Key to Success is Constant Communication Between Parenting and Education.

Our next-gen app allows our parents to get updates of how their child’s day is going, any accomplishments, and real-time announcements.

 
Daily Summary

Your child’s day at the touch of a button so you can stay informed. Photos of your child sent right to your phone to share, print, and brighten your day.

Direct Messages

Notes to and from the classroom straight to the app to allow you to connect personally with your child’s teacher. You can message the teacher at any point throughout the day for peace of mind.

School Schedule

See the schedule for holidays, special school programs, concerts, summer camp, and more. Sign up directly through the app.

Lesson Plans & Updates

Stay in the know with classroom reminders and lesson plan updates for all the essential info to set your child up for success. Yes, we remind you when it is their turn for Show and Tell!


It's Time to Explore

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Montessori Schools - Young Explorers
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