More than one new middle school is starting up in Walton County this year. In Point Washington, South Walton Montessori Academy is expanding to add seventh grade for the 2011-2012 school year, and will add eighth grade the following year.
The Montessori School was founded in 2004 by Director Catherine Beall and a dedicated group of parents seeking an alternative to traditional education. The school has experienced steady growth since its founding. A feasibility study was recently conducted, and the results showed it was time to move forward with the expansion.
Finding an experienced, Montessori-trained middle school teacher was the most important piece of the puzzle for the added grades. After a nationwide search, the school's parents and staff recently welcomed Paula Pilgrim, an accredited Montessorian from Houston.
“We are thrilled to have found Paula,” says School Administrator Beth Brock. “She's a highly trained and talented Montessori middle school teacher with a proven record of success.”
