Stepping Stones Montessori School

Our Upper Elementary students joined peers from across Grand Rapids for the 2026 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 program, thanks to the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation.

This year's selection, 𝘈 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘰'𝘴 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘝𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 by Pablo Cartaya, brought students together to read, discuss, and celebrate a shared story. A highlight of the experience was meeting Pablo Cartaya himself—and our students even enjoyed some special one-on-one time with the bestselling author following the event!

A huge perk of having a beautiful, 110-acre farm setting as a second campus is hosting our Elementary students for a unique outdoor education day!

Our Lower and Upper Elementary students joined the Middle Schoolers for some organized adventures, from learning how to care for our goats and how to fish, to exploring the creek near the Grand River! 🌱

Our Elementary students had the perfect day exploring all the beauty Lake Michigan has to offer — from breathtaking views above to fun in the sun and sand below. What a memorable adventure together! 😎🏖️

🎓✨ Congratulations to Izzy Hoeksema, a proud SSMS alum, on graduating from City High School this past week! 🎉 We are thrilled to see her continuing her journey this fall at the University of Michigan—Go Blue! 💙💛

Izzy reflects on her Montessori experience:
“The Montessori experience as a whole has played a huge role in shaping who I am as both a learner and as a person. The independence that Montessori teaches has been an integral part of how I live my life and how I approach every learning experience. There is always something more that can be learned if you put your mind to it.

Being given the freedom to pursue my interests at such a young age changed my entire outlook on the world and the potential impact I can have on it. Montessori played a foundational role in my upbringing and continues to be incredibly important as I prepare to enter college and the adult world. The opportunities that my teachers and the Montessori experience gave me have shaped me into the person I am today.”

Izzy, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll achieve. Your curiosity, independence, and passion for learning truly reflect the spirit of Montessori. 🌱

Congratulations to Stepping Stones alum Taylor on her upcoming graduation from City High School this past Thursday! 🎓

Taylor plans to begin her journey at Grand Rapids Community College before pursuing a degree in neuroscience on a pre-med track. We are so proud to see her following her passion for science, learning, and helping others.

We can’t wait to see all the amazing things ahead for you, Taylor — congratulations and best wishes on this exciting next chapter! ✨

Congratulations to Stepping Stones alum Cara Pazdernik on her graduation this evening from City High School! 🎓✨

Cara will be headed to the U of M to study art this fall, and we are so excited to see where her creativity and talent take her next.

We are incredibly proud of you, Cara, and can’t wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter. Go Blue! 💙💛

Rockin' out in Hocking Hills! 🪨🥾

Our Middle School students spent a week together exploring the craggy outcroppings and stunning waterfalls of the Ohio state park.

This is their 'residential' experience where they take on the roles of planning, cooking, and clean-up of all the meals in their rental house.

It was a device-free trip, so they bonded over hikes, identifying types of rocks, the hot tub and game room, and the shared playlist on the 6-hour trip there and back!