Montessori High School in University Circle!

Montessori High School's classroom building at 11025 Magnolia Drive. Designed by Charles F. Schweinfurth, the structure houses classrooms, music practice rooms, an art and design studio, and a multi-media conference area.  It is said to be one of the finest examples of Federalist architecture in Northeast Ohio.

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When a new Montessori High School (MHS) opens in University Circle this August, many of its faculty and staff will be able to coast down the hill from homes in Cleveland Heights. The first high school of its kind in Northeast Ohio, MHS has attracted faculty from Michigan, California, Washington, and Wisconsin, among other places. “I find the short commute, whether by bike, on foot or by car, to be very convenient,” says French teacher Sebastién Thiry.

James Moudry, director of operations and humanities teacher, was one of the first newcomers to call the Heights home. He, his wife Sarah, and their two young sons moved from Seattle last fall. “Cleveland Heights attracted us immediately because of the wonderful mix of homes and natural settings,” Moudry said. “The quality of life extends from the unique neighborhoods to the retail pockets like Coventry Village. Our move from Seattle was made easier by the overall reception we received from neighbors, the city itself and even the businesses.” He adds, “we are not so old that we cannot enjoy the spirit of Coventry Village. And our sons’ enthusiasm for the playground at Peace Park is only exceeded by their enjoyment of dinner at Tommy’s.”

Mansions now School Building and Dormitory

Moudry worked closely with school founder and executive director David Kahn and academic and curriculum director Christopher Kjaer to launch the school, which will open with 45 students in grades nine through eleven this fall. MHS is housed in two historic mansions located on Magnolia Drive. The Federalist style main classroom building was designed by renowned architect Charles F. Schweinfurth, who designed homes on Cleveland’s “Millionaires’ Row,” as well as the Old Stone Church, Trinity Cathedral, the Union Club and the stone bridges along Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

The team has constructed a greenhouse on the property and forged relationships with the cultural institutions in University Circle. “We have had an office in the Cleveland Botanical Gardens since last September,” said Moudry. “I’ve had a chance to meet employees, guests, and visitors, providing me with a window on how the Botanical Gardens functions.”

A renovated carriage house is the science laboratory. Christopher Kjaer, director of research and curriculum design, moved to Cleveland Heights from Grand Rapids. Kjaer worked closely with a team of scientists and architects to remodel the building. “When I see our new high school, I see the vibrancy of this incredible, culturally rich area. In designing curriculum, how many people have the depth of choices that we have?” says Kjaer. “Look around us: a world class setting that the New York Times called singular in depth and diversity. It’s akin to the perfect education opportunity!”

Passionate about Teaching Excited about Location

Julie Reyers and her husband Dan closed on their new Cleveland Heights home over Memorial Day weekend. “We looked at several homes in the Heights,” says Reyers. “We wanted a neighborhood where our daughters had access to the parks, swimming, and of course, we like the idea of walking.” The new Montessori English teacher was excited when realtor Kevin Cahill was able to show them a home that met all their criteria, and was close to the girls’ new school, Holy Rosary Montessori School. “To think that we have this kind of community so close to Montessori High School, and that it fits what we were looking for is really a gift for all of us.”

Kjaer and Mouldry say that they are passionate about their vibrant surroundings. “University Circle is obviously an incredible location for a school," says Kjaer, "and Cleveland Heights is an incredible home to many of our staff!”

FutureHeights will hold a Members-Only Tour of Montessori High School on Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to become a member of FutureHeights, call 320-1423.

Jean Buchanan is director of institutional advancement at the Montessori High School at University Circle and lives in Cleveland Heights.