— from San Juan County Communications —

San Juan County and the Orcas Montessori School are pleased to announce the award of a Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block grant in the amount of $436,000. This grant will fund the expansion project at the Orcas Montessori School. The County and the school worked together to submit a successful application for this competitive grant.

This project will provide expanded classroom space. The grant will enable the school to serve more families by providing a nap space suitable for younger students so they can stay all day if needed, a larger classroom, an additional ADA bathroom, and a small conference/meeting room for parents. The project will take place mostly over the spring and summer and is to be completed by September 2018, in time for start of the 2018-19 school year.

The Orcas Montessori School was founded in 1987 has been in its current location at North Beach Road since 1998. Guided by the principles and spirit of Dr. Maria Montessori, the Orcas Montessori School offers a creative learning community for preschool and kindergarten children and nurtures each child’s unique gifts, love of learning, independence, and compassion for others.

We are so grateful for the generous assistance by members of our community who have helped prepare our application. Watch for more announcements and details as we get underway.

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