December 16, 2025 

Today marks an important milestone. Higher Ground Education, an organization with which Guidepost Montessori shares history, has emerged from its Chapter 11 process, formally closing a chapter and creating space to reflect on what has been learned, what has been preserved, and how we move forward with clarity and intention.

Guidepost Global Education (GGE) was formed to do exactly that. 

While Guidepost Montessori and Higher Ground Education share history, Guidepost Global Education is a separate and fully independent organization. GGE was intentionally formed to protect the stability of Guidepost Montessori schools and to ensure a focused, sustainable future for the families and educators we serve. Our independence is foundational to how we operate today and how we plan for the years ahead. 

Guidepost Global Education and Higher Ground Education Bankruptcy Clarification

GGE operates under its own ownership structure, governance, leadership team, and financial foundation. Our schools and assets were not part of Higher Ground Education’s bankruptcy proceedings. This separation has allowed us to move forward with discipline and purpose, guided by a single mission: to deliver exceptional Montessori education with long-term stability at the core. 

The past several years have reinforced important lessons about focus and stewardship. Rapid expansion, diversification beyond core strengths, and operational complexity can dilute what matters most if not approached thoughtfully. GGE was built with those lessons in mind. We are deliberately centered on early childhood education, on the health of each individual school, and on building systems that support educators and families over time, not just in moments of growth. 

Guidepost Montessori Today Under Guidepost Global Education

Today, Guidepost Montessori schools under Guidepost Global Education continue to serve thousands of children across the United States. Our classrooms remain consistent, calm, and grounded in authentic Montessori practice. Educators and school leaders continue to guide children with care, intention, and respect, supported by a leadership team focused on stability, quality, and continuous improvement. 

Looking ahead, Guidepost Global Education is focused on strengthening what already works and investing responsibly in the future. This includes deepening support for school leaders and educators, refining the family experience, and ensuring that growth is intentional, measured, and aligned with our mission. We are prioritizing operational excellence, transparent communication, and thoughtful decision-making that keeps children and families at the center. 

Our optimism for the future is grounded, not speculative. It comes from seeing the daily work happening in classrooms, the dedication of our educators, and the trust families place in our schools. It comes from knowing that GGE was built not as a reaction, but as a proactive commitment to doing education well and doing it sustainably. 

As Higher Ground Education closes its Chapter 11 process, Guidepost Global Education moves forward independently, confident in its direction and clear in its purpose. We are focused on long-term impact, on nurturing strong school communities, and on ensuring that Montessori education remains accessible, stable, and transformative for the families we serve. 

To our families, educators, partners, and communities: thank you for walking alongside us. We remain committed to clarity, integrity, and steady leadership as we build the future of Guidepost Montessori together. 

This post Guidepost Montessori Reflects as Higher Ground Education Emerges from Bankruptcy first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Karolina Potterton

When the Headlines Miss the Full Story 

In education, the loudest headlines often tell only two stories: innovation or collapse. 

The truth is always more complex. 

This is the story of Guidepost Global Education (GGE), the new parent organization guiding the world’s largest Montessori network of schools, Guidepost Montessori. 

What Happened to Higher Ground Education

The story begins with growth. 

Over the past decade, the Montessori movement has expanded faster than ever before. Families everywhere are seeking meaningful, hands-on education that helps children grow with confidence and purpose. Higher Ground Education (HGE) built Guidepost Montessori into one of the largest Montessori brands in the world. 

But with rapid growth came complexity. HGE expanded far beyond its original early-years mission, adding elementary, middle, and high school programs, along with software, virtual, and homeschool ventures, and several non-core acquisitions. The focus shifted, operations became overextended, and the schools that once sat at the heart of the mission began to feel the strain. 

In the spring of 2025, before any bankruptcy filing and before the headlines, a decisive change took place. A new, independent organization was formed: Guidepost Global Education (GGE). 

GGE was created to separate from HGE and preserve what mattered most: the thriving Guidepost Montessori schools and the families they serve. Led by seasoned leadership, GGE was built with one focus—early childhood education and long-term stability for families and educators. 

Today, Guidepost Montessori is a stable, growing network delivering high-fidelity Montessori education to families across the United States and beyond. 

It was not a rescue. It was a reset, a deliberate step to protect what was working beautifully inside classrooms every single day. 

What Actually Happened to Guidepost Montessori Schools 

It is natural for parents to feel uneasy when they read headlines about school closures. Some reports suggested a rapid collapse across the Guidepost network. The reality was far more measured and far more hopeful. 

When Guidepost Global Education was formed, its mission was clear: stabilize the network, protect thriving schools, and ensure continuity for families and teachers. 

Today, 83 schools remain open and thriving under GGE, operating with the same classrooms, educators, and leadership that families know and trust. 

Schools that no longer carry the Guidepost name were primarily newer campuses still building enrollment. In most cases, families were offered continuity through transitions to nearby Guidepost campuses or other early-years providers such as KinderCare or Bright Horizons. 

Only three schools closed due to landlord-related evictions, an outcome GGE worked excruciatingly hard to prevent and thankfully kept rare. 

In the end, roughly 8,000 of 10,000 children enrolled in Guidepost Montessori schools across the U.S. continued their Montessori education without interruption. About 2,000 transitioned elsewhere through these changes. 

Guidepost Global: A Separate and Independent Organization 

When families hear the word bankruptcy, it is easy to assume every part of a former company was affected. 

In this case, that is simply not true. 

Guidepost Global Education (GGE) is not a continuation of HGE. It is a new and fully independent organization that existed before HGE’s bankruptcy to safeguard the thriving Guidepost Montessori schools and families. 

GGE has its own ownership structure, leadership team, and financial foundation. Its purpose is singular: to operate schools with long-term stability and integrity. 

None of GGE’s schools or assets were included in HGE’s Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. 

For families, this means something simple and powerful: 

• Your child’s school is part of a financially independent organization built for stability. 

• The focus is education, not side ventures. 

• The commitment is long-term and mission-driven. 

This independence allows GGE to center on what matters most: the daily experience in every classroom, where children explore, learn, and grow through Montessori.

Continuity, Not Disruption 

Some headlines painted chaos, suggesting families were “left adrift.” 
The reality for most families looked very different. 

For more than 8,000 families, classroom life continued seamlessly. Teachers arrived as usual. Children worked in the same calm, purposeful environments. 

The transition to GGE was carefully planned to protect continuity and minimize disruption. Our goal was simple: when each child walked into school the next morning, they would see the same familiar faces, the same materials, and the same calm rhythm of a Montessori day. 

We acknowledge, however, that a few campuses under former HGE management experienced abrupt closures. For those families who arrived to locked doors, that experience was painful and unfair. Although those events occurred before GGE’s formation, we are deeply sorry. 

That empathy is part of why we built GGE differently, to ensure such instability never happens again. 

Unfortunately, some commentators used those isolated closures to paint a one-dimensional narrative about investor-backed education. Those stories overlooked the reality that Guidepost Global Education was formed precisely to protect families and teachers from the very instability being criticized. 

In many communities, the transition was so smooth that families hardly noticed a change. That was intentional. GGE’s leadership worked quietly and tirelessly to prioritize stability first, communication second, and reassurance always. 

This is not a story of loss. It is a story of protection and renewal—educators and leaders choosing to rebuild around what truly matters: the children in our classrooms and the future they deserve. 

A Message to Our Families 

To our families and educators: thank you for your trust and partnership through this period of change. 

Behind the scenes stands a team that cares deeply—people who chose to form Guidepost Global Education because they believed in the guides, the classrooms, and the communities that make Guidepost special. 

For much of the past year, we worked quietly while legal processes unfolded, often unable to speak publicly. It has not been easy to watch headlines circulate that tell only part of the story. Now we can share the facts openly and honestly. 

Families deserve to hear directly from the source, not from speculation or rumor, but from the people who have worked day and night to ensure Montessori education continues to thrive on a stable, global scale. 

If you come across an article or headline that raises questions, please remember this: 
We are here. We are steady. We are committed to your children. 

If you ever have questions about your campus or our broader network, please reach out to your school leader or contact us at info@GuidepostEducation.com. 

Together, we are building something lasting to give every child the opportunity to thrive in a high-quality Montessori environment. 

We do this with care, clarity, and respect, one school, one family, one child at a time. 

This post Guidepost Montessori: Emerging Strong and Independent After Higher Ground Education’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Karolina Potterton

Imagine this: your child begins their Montessori journey in Chicago. Months later, your family takes an assignment in Hong Kong and your child continues seamlessly at another Guidepost school. Over winter break, you spend the holidays in Bali, where your child attends a holiday camp, exploring new cultures while still surrounded by the same familiar Montessori materials.

Your child can also connect with other children in the global community, enhancing their learning experience.

This is no longer just a dream. With our new partnership between Guidepost Montessori and Cosmic Education Group, a network of 23 Montessori schools across Asia, Guidepost families in the United States now have access to the world’s first truly global Montessori network.

Together, we’ve created something no other early childhood network has achieved: a community of more than 100 schools across five countries and dozens of cities, from New York to Singapore to Bali.

Why This Matters for Families

Parents today are on the move more than ever. Careers, opportunities, and family adventures often mean relocation. But moving doesn’t have to mean disrupting your child’s education.

With Guidepost and Cosmic together, families can now count on:

• Seamless transitions: Montessori’s individualized approach, paired with Guidepost’s systematically tracked learning plans, moves with your child. Lessons started in Austin can continue in Hong Kong without interruption or repetition.
• Roaming with confidence: No matter where you are—Chicago, Singapore, or Bali—your child will experience the same authentic Montessori program led by trained teachers. Every classroom is familiar, giving children a true home away from home.
• Language and culture depth: With Cosmic’s bilingual programs, children can build meaningful exposure to Mandarin and other languages while experiencing the richness of new cultures.

Why Montessori Resonates Globally

Montessori has always been about more than academics. It is about independence, confidence, and joy in learning. In today’s connected world, those values matter more than ever.

At Guidepost, children learn to embrace challenge, adapt with resilience, and find joy in discovery. With this partnership, those same qualities are nurtured across borders. Your child can grow in an environment that travels with your family and prepares them for a truly global future.

More Than School: A Global Community

For our team at Guidepost, this partnership isn’t just about classrooms. It’s about building a connected global community for both families and staff.

• Families in San Francisco can connect with peers in Singapore through shared projects.
• Children in New York City can exchange letters and artwork with classmates in Hong Kong.
• Teachers in Beijing can collaborate with peers in Northern Virginia, enriching classrooms on both sides of the globe.

How to Take Part

• For Parents: Interested in how global roaming might work for your family? Speak with your Head of School or reach out to our admissions team at aoteam-us@guidepostmontessori.com.
• For Staff: Curious about teaching abroad or growing your career internationally? Ask your manager about pathways to global opportunities.

This post A Global Montessori Network Becomes Reality first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Karolina Potterton

Exploring how Montessori’s timeless approach to independence and curiosity still gives families an edge in a world of new education trends.

Education Has Changed. Parenting Has Too.

Most of today’s parents grew up in classrooms where authority was rarely questioned. Whatever the teacher said was “the law,” whether it was right or wrong. School was about compliance, not curiosity.

Fast forward to today: modern parents don’t accept answers at face value. We ask questions, research options, and want our children raised as critical thinkers, not rule-followers. And this is exactly why Montessori continues to resonate with families who want something deeper than the latest education trend.

Montessori Meets Parents Where We Are

At Guidepost Montessori, our school leaders offer unique insight as both educators and parents.

That’s why we turned to Caroline Cooper, our Senior Head of School in the DMV area and Head of School at Guidepost Montessori at Gambrills, for her perspective. She shared:

That sense of freedom and capability is what so many parents long to pass on to their children. Yet in today’s world, safety and structure matter more than ever. Montessori classrooms strike this balance perfectly: independence within security.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Montessori environments are tech-free, hands-on, and human-centered. Instead of screens, children work with real materials. Instead of rigid lessons, they explore at their own pace. And instead of constant correction, they are guided toward discovery, responsibility, and self-confidence.

Caroline explains:

“Montessori classrooms are designed with this balance at their core. They honor children’s independence while surrounding them with structure and predictability. Independence isn’t just encouraged—it’s woven into every part of the learning process. For parents, the appeal lies in knowing that our children are being trusted and respected while still supported in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Parents Today Want the “Why”

Modern parents are informed decision-makers. We don’t just follow tradition—we compare, research, and reflect before choosing. Montessori stands up to that scrutiny. With more than 100 years of practice and research, beautifully prepared classrooms, and highly trained guides, the method consistently delivers:

• Strong academics that rival and often exceed traditional schools
• Practical life skills that build resilience and responsibility
• Social confidence rooted in collaboration, not competition
• A lasting joy in learning that extends far beyond childhood

“For parents who value both data and lived experience,” Caroline notes, “Montessori consistently proves itself to be more than an educational method; it is a preparation for life.”

Montessori: The Choice of Innovators

When parents weigh school options today, it’s easy to get distracted by the newest alternative models. Yet some of the world’s most innovative thinkers quietly trace their success back to Montessori classrooms.

The so-called “Montessori Mafia” includes Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, video game pioneer Will Wright, Julia Child, and even Taylor Swift. Their paths look wildly different, but they share a foundation in self-directed, curiosity-driven learning.

What makes this matter for parents? Montessori schools were designed to do what the best workplaces now demand: encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and exploration over rigid compliance. Page and Brin didn’t set out to “launch Google.” They were exploring how to make library searches better and stumbled into a business model that reshaped the internet. Bezos built Amazon with the mindset of planting lots of small seeds, knowing that most wouldn’t grow but some would bloom into whole new markets.

These are not accidents. They reflect the Montessori principles of experimentation, iteration, and discovery. When children grow up in environments that reward curiosity instead of punishing mistakes, they carry that mindset into adulthood.

Montessori may not always grab headlines, but even in the age of rising alternatives, it remains the quiet foundation behind many of the boldest ideas in modern history.

(Pictured above: The Google Guys, Larry Page and Sergey Brin)

A Personal Journey Into Montessori

Caroline’s story reflects what many families experience:

“I had been working in traditional childcare as a Director for over a decade. I valued my career deeply, but as a parent, I wanted something different—something more—for my own young children. My youngest son was 9 months old and my oldest was 2.5 when I toured a Guidepost Montessori school. After that, there was no going back. The more I learned, the clearer it became that this was the path I wanted for my family.”

Years later, she sees the difference every day:

“They prepare their own snacks, dress themselves without reminders, and contribute to household responsibilities with pride. What might seem like small tasks are in fact the building blocks of independence, responsibility, and genuine self-confidence.”

Why Montessori Resonates Now

So why should more parents choose Montessori in a time when countless alternatives are emerging?

Because it gives children freedom within structure.
Because it teaches independence without sacrificing security.
Because it empowers children to think critically and act confidently in a world that needs those skills more than ever.

At Guidepost, we see this daily: children growing into capable, confident learners, and parents finding peace of mind knowing their child is thriving.

This post Amid Rising School Alternatives, Why Montessori Remains a Smart Choice for Parents first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Lu

A parent and senior leader reflects on broken trust, hard lessons, and why the future of Montessori depends on rebuilding it.

I’ll Be Honest

The last year nearly broke me.

Guidepost Montessori has been dissected in the media, on Substack, on Reddit, and across countless social platforms. Some critiques stung because they were true. Some were half-truths. All of them came from a place of hurt: parents and staff who trusted us and felt let down.

As both a parent and a senior leader, I lived that heartbreak twice over. I held my children when their school closed. I stood with my team as they absorbed the disappointment of families. And I wrestled with myself, asking the hardest leadership question there is: do I walk away, or do I stay and rebuild?

Because what I learned most over the past year is this: trust is not a side issue in education. It is the issue. You can have beautiful classrooms, thoughtful curriculum, and ambitious growth plans. But if parents do not trust you, none of it matters.

The Magical Ride, Then the Crash

When I joined Higher Ground as an Administrative Assistant almost five years ago, it felt electric. We were not building a lifestyle brand or a franchise. We were building a revolutionary Montessori network: tech-enabled, values-driven, bold.

The goal was audacious: reimagine how children learn and scale that vision at lightning speed. Fifty new schools per year.

And for a time, it worked. I crisscrossed the country with my suitcase in my trunk, visiting new campuses, hosting open houses, meeting guides and parents. My job was not just a role, it was my life. Each opening felt like a community being born.

But rocket ships burn fuel fast. Systems that worked for 10 schools strained at 50, then cracked at 100. Post-its gave way to Salesforce, but discipline lagged behind. Families felt the cracks in turnover, in inconsistent communication, in gaps of stability.

What once felt magical started to feel brittle. And when brittle breaks, it breaks trust.

Closures. Layoffs. Families disillusioned. Staff worn down. A brand that once felt unstoppable suddenly vulnerable.

Grief in Leadership

The first school to close was not just another dot on a map. It was my own children’s school in Aldie, Virginia.

That was the moment the dashboards turned into heartbreak I could hold in my arms. I looked into the bewildered faces of my children and tried to explain why their Montessori school was suddenly gone. They could not understand. Truthfully, neither could I.

That was grief. A community lost. A promise broken.

And grief reshapes a leader. It strips away illusions. It forces you to hold your own heartbreak in one hand and your team’s heartbreak in the other. To stand in front of parents and staff while you feel the same pain yourself. To keep showing up when you want to collapse.

The hardest question became unavoidable: Do I walk away, or do I stay and rebuild?

I stayed.

Why I Stayed

I stayed for two reasons.

First, because Montessori is real.

I have seen it transform my children. My daughter, at five, could already read fluently, write clearly, and grasp multiplication. When she entered school in England, we were warned that American kids often lag one to two years behind. She not only kept up, she surged ahead.

My son’s transformation looked different, but just as profound. He gained resilience, patience, and confidence. In his British school today, his teacher tells him daily whether he is a “good boy” or a “bad boy.” He listens politely, but inside, he knows better. Montessori helped him build an inner compass. His sense of self is not at the mercy of someone else’s approval. That is strength.

Montessori gave my children what every child needs but cannot get alone: community. Childhood is not meant to be lived in isolation. Children need peers. They need to practice kindness, conflict resolution, and independence in community. Even toddlers thrive when they can move, explore, and interact in spaces built just for them.

That is why I believe in Montessori. Because when children walk into these classrooms, they are not memorizing for a test. They are discovering who they are and who they want to become.

Second, because of the people.

Our guides and school leaders are extraordinary. They comfort big emotions, prepare children for life, and make parents feel safe walking away at drop-off.

Our admissions and central teams have been just as steadfast. They pivoted systems under pressure, rebuilt processes, and sent thousands of texts and calls simply to reassure families that someone was listening.

Those people are why I stayed.

The Heartbreak of People Leaving

And yet, not everyone could.

I have had leaders above me leave. I have watched some of my children’s teachers resign. I have seen colleagues across the organization step away. And every time it happened, I understood.

Many left because of misalignment. The culture in those early rocket-ship years was built on relentless hustle. Head down, move faster, open more. For a while, that energy carried us. But it came at a cost. People were not always put first. And when the culture no longer sustained them, they could not stay.

I cannot blame them for that. I often admired their courage. And yet, I could not walk away myself. Because I could still see the power of what we were building—if only we could do it differently.

That is the opportunity in front of us now. To take the lessons of failure and rebuild with care. If I could welcome back every single person who left and show them what seeds we are planting now, I believe they would say, “This is what it was always meant to be.”

The Trust Curve

Through all of this, I began to see a pattern. Trust, like demand, follows a curve.

At first, it rises quickly. Parents forgive imperfections because they see care. Then scale arrives. Systems grow. The brand feels bigger. Trust seems to peak.

But unless you reinforce it with discipline and presence, trust begins to slide. Families feel turnover, wait times, and disconnection. Leaders believe trust is still climbing, but parents know it is slipping. From there, the fall is steep.

That is the Blind Trust Curve. It gave the illusion of stability while families were already losing faith.

Stable organizations build a different curve. They grow carefully, reinforce discipline, and hold themselves accountable before families are forced to.

That is the curve we are committing to now.

And in education, our stakes are higher than anywhere else. Unlike a bad coffee order at Starbucks, our schools hold two of the most precious things parents have: their children and their money. When trust falters, it is not just an inconvenience. It is a wound.

A New Chapter

Guidepost Global Education is not about chasing size. It is about building stability. We are smaller in the United States, yet stronger as a global network. With that shift comes clarity: to rebuild trust school by school, family by family, child by child.

And our impact now extends far beyond the walls of our campuses. Across our platforms, our organic brand reach on social media surpasses 5 million people every month. For the Montessori movement, that visibility is historic. Families who may never set foot in one of our schools are learning what Montessori is because of this reach.

Through our partnership with Alpha Schools and 2-Hour Learning, we are also creating something new for early learners. Corporate backing gives us the resources to innovate and the discipline to deliver. It also comes with accountability. For the first time in years, we are operating with a fiscal responsibility that prioritizes sustainability over speed. We are carefully balancing growth with stability, ensuring every decision strengthens the long-term health of our schools and the trust of our families.

Why does this matter? Because early childhood is the most critical period of development. A 2024 Harvard study reinforced what Maria Montessori observed a century ago: zero to six are the years that shape the rest of life. Children who spend those years in environments that nurture independence, curiosity, and community carry those strengths forever.

And the proof is everywhere. Some of the world’s most creative and influential people are Montessori alumni: Taylor Swift, Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Beyoncé, Julia Child, Gabriel García Márquez, and countless others. They grew up with that rock-solid sense of self that Montessori builds. Trials and setbacks came, but their foundation was unshakable.

That is why we are committed to building environments where children are not just supervised, but formed. Where families feel not just accommodated, but supported. And where Montessori is not only preserved, but amplified for the next generation.

Because today, too many teenagers are depressed, anxious, and disconnected. We cannot, as parents and educators, allow this to continue. The status quo of education is not enough. Our children deserve more—more trust, more joy, more purpose. And it is our responsibility to push back, to demand better, and to give them the foundation they need to thrive.

The Hard Work Ahead

To the parents who lost trust: I understand. I lost it too.
To the families who stayed: thank you.
To the educators and staff who keep showing up: you are the heartbeat of this organization.

Reforging is not easy. But it will be worth it.

That means schools where leaders know every child by name. Parents who feel heard when they raise concerns. Stability instead of crisis. Discipline in operations, clarity in communication, and humility in leadership.

My role is not to promise perfection. It is to make sure that when you hand us your trust, you see it honored every single day—through the care of your child, the stability of your school, and the honesty of our leadership.

Because in education, trust is not just part of the mission.

Trust is the mission itself.

Karolina Potterton

Karolina Potterton is the VP of Marketing at Guidepost Montessori, a mom of two Montessori-raised children, and a proud Space Force military spouse. She’s also a certified Pilates instructor who loves camping, skiing, and hiking with her family.

Her mission is to share the power of Montessori with parents everywhere, helping them raise confident, independent, and joyful children who grow into happy, healthy adults. You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @themontessoriadult

This post Why Trust Matters Most in Education (And How We’re Rebuilding It) first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Lu

Simple, proven activities you can do at home to strengthen little hands, tune young ears, and spark early writing and reading—without worksheets or pressure.

The Gift of Literacy

As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the ability to read. Literacy is the cornerstone of academic success and lifelong learning. Once a child learns to read, their mind opens to a world of ideas, imagination, and possibility.

Most parents know how important reading is, but many feel uncertain about where to start. Should you introduce letters early? Focus on sight words? Wait until kindergarten? The questions can feel overwhelming.

The good news is you don’t have to guess. With the right approach, you can build your child’s foundation for reading and writing in ways that are simple, joyful, and effective—right at home!

Why Early Literacy Can Feel Confusing

Through a Montessori lens, children learn best when two things grow together: strong hands and tuned ears. Our goal is to prepare the body for writing and the ear for reading long before we expect pencils or books to do the work.

Keep these truths in mind:

• Children build the hand before the handwriting. Practical work steadies the wrist and strengthens the fingers.
• Children learn sounds before symbols. Clear, playful sound work makes letters meaningful.
• Writing often comes before fluent reading. Many children build and then write phonetic words before they read sentences.
• The goal is confidence and accuracy, not speed.

What You Can Try This Week

You don’t need to overhaul your home. Short, friendly routines work best. Here’s where to begin.

Build the Hand at Home

Everyday life is full of literacy prep:

• Unload the dishwasher. Sort forks and spoons, stack plates and bowls.
• Help with laundry. Match socks, roll washcloths, fold small towels.
• Feed the pets. Scoop kibble, pour water, wipe spills.
• Pour and transfer. Move water, rice, or beans between containers with child-sized scoops or tongs.
• Wipe and squeeze. Spray, wipe, squeeze a sponge, or sweep with a small broom.
• Open and close. Explore lids, zippers, snaps, jars, and containers.
• Trace and draw. Trace lids or cookie cutters, then fill shapes with lines and curves.
• Encourage pencil grip. Offer short crayons or a golf pencil to naturally promote a tripod grip.

Tune the Ear

Simple sound games build a strong foundation for reading:

• Clap it out. Say a word, clap each syllable, then ask for the first sound.
• Bath game. Stretch first sounds as you name items: “Sss-soap,” “T-t-towel.”
• Mystery bag. Fill a bag with small objects (cup, key, sock, pen, spoon). Pull one out, say the first sound, and sort. (Small object sets work well here.)
• Use sounds, not letter names. Model “/m/ like mom,” not “em.”

Introduce a Few Letters

Once your child is showing interest, start small:

• Salt tray. Use a cookie sheet with a thin layer of salt. Trace one or two letters while saying the sound. Alternatively, you can also purchase a sand tray, just like the one we use in our classrooms.
• Object match. Pair sandpaper letters with objects: /s/ with sock and spoon, /m/ with mug and magnet.
• Fridge words. Use magnetic letters to build short words in “families”: map → mat → man → sat.

Tip: End on success. Stop while it still feels easy. Celebrate one win, put materials away, and return tomorrow.

Read Aloud Every Day

Reading aloud is the single most powerful thing you can do:

• Keep it warm and unhurried.
• Talk about the pictures and words.
• Choose books your child loves and read them often. (Board book sets are perfect.)
• Remember: joy fuels attention.

If Your Child Is Bilingual

• Pick a simple routine for each language (one parent per language works well).
• Play the same sound games in both languages.
• Choose picture books in both languages so stories feel familiar.
• Always use the sound that matches the language you’re speaking.

A Simple Arc to Expect

Every child moves at their own pace, but here’s a common pattern:

• Age 3 to early 4: Stronger hand control, tracing shapes, growing sound awareness, first letter sounds.
• Age 4 to early 5: Builds words with a moveable alphabet, writes phonetic words, reads short phrases.
• Age 5 and up: Writes sentences, reads simple books, begins non-phonetic words.

A Final Word for Parents

Early literacy is not a race. Those first sound games are the launchpad. With consistency at home and school, children progress at their own pace and often move ahead of peers in more conventional programs.

Want ideas tuned to your child? Ask your guide for two or three home activities to try next. The goal is to nurture a joyful reader in the making, with care that meets your child right where they are.

This post Montessori Early Literacy: How to Help Your Child Read with Confidence by Age 5 first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Lu

Collaboration brings Montessorium and Alpha programs to select Guidepost Montessori campuses, creating a seamless journey from preschool through K–12.

Austin, Texas, September 16, 2025 — Guidepost Montessori, the world’s largest network of Montessori schools, today announced a strategic partnership with 2-Hour Learning, an education company focused on academic mastery, student agency, and joyful, purpose-driven learning. Beginning this fall, two deeply aligned elementary programs operated by 2-Hour Learning, Montessorium and Alpha, will launch at select Guidepost campuses through this collaboration.

This partnership reflects an evolution in Guidepost’s long-term strategy. While Guidepost remains committed to delivering world-class early childhood education (ages 0–6), it is expanding access to innovative elementary programs that carry forward Montessori values. Families will now have a unique, integrated pathway from preschool through K–12, one that blends Montessori’s timeless respect for the child with modern, personalized approaches to elementary and adolescent learning.

The launch is just the beginning. Over time, Montessorium and Alpha will expand to additional Guidepost communities, offering families even greater choice.

About the 2-Hour Learning Programs

Montessorium: Launching at Guidepost Montessori at Brushy Creek, Montessorium will embed 2-Hour Learning’s academic tools into Guidepost’s existing Montessori elementary classroom. The program retains its current educators and environment while enhancing the Montessori approach with personalized learning supports that accelerate growth and honor independence.

Alpha: Launching across 8 Guidepost campuses, Alpha is 2-Hour Learning’s flagship microschool for ages 6–14. It blends structured academic learning with student-led projects and real-world application. Alpha will operate independently while sharing space with Guidepost schools, creating a seamless family experience and a dedicated structure for older learners.

About Guidepost Global Education

Guidepost Global Education (GGE) is the parent company of Guidepost Montessori, the world’s largest Montessori network for students ages 0–6, with more than 100 schools across the United States and Asia. GGE’s mission is to deliver high-fidelity Montessori education with exceptional hospitality, powered by extraordinary people — one school, one family, one child at a time.

About 2-Hour Learning

2-Hour Learning is a K–12 education model built for the AI age. Students complete core academics in roughly two hours per day using AI-personalized, mastery-based tools, then spend the remainder of the day in coached workshops developing the skills that matter most in the real world. 2-Hour Learning powers Alpha School and the Montessorium brand.

Stay Connected

Families and community members can subscribe to The Parenting Guide on Substack to receive updates on new locations, program launches, and future announcements about the Guidepost and 2-Hour Learning partnership.

This post Guidepost Global Education Partners with 2-Hour Learning to Launch NextGen Elementary first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Lu

Or as we call it at Guidepost: Toilet Learning

Few milestones bring as much pride—or stress—as potty training.

At Guidepost, we call it toilet learning, because it is about far more than training your child to use the toilet. It is about building independence, confidence, and trust in their own body.

It is a major step toward independence, and like all growth, it looks a little different for every child.

Yes, the process can feel messy and unpredictable, but it does not have to be a daily battle. In our classrooms, we approach toilet learning the same way we approach everything else: with respect for the child, clear routines, and close partnership with families. When home and school work together, the experience becomes calmer, more consistent, and ultimately empowering for the child.

We are excited to share what we’ve learned in this guide so you can bring the same approach into your home.

Why Montessori Toilet Learning Looks Different

• We follow the child’s pace. Readiness shows up in small ways. We watch, notice, and respond rather than push a timeline.
• The environment does the teaching. Child-sized toilets, simple clothes, and predictable routines allow independence to grow naturally.
• Adults observe more than direct. Instead of constant prompting, we notice patterns and adjust support.
• Home and school partner. Consistency across environments helps children succeed.

Signs Your Child May Be Ready

Not every child is ready at the same age, but here are some signals to watch for:

• Curiosity about the toilet or watching others use it
• Ability to push pants down and up with light help
• Seeking privacy when eliminating
• Noticing when they are wet or soiled
• Staying dry for longer stretches

If you are seeing several of these, it may be time to begin a simple, supportive plan together.

A Simple Plan for Parents and Educators

Your goal is to offer calm, stress-free opportunities to use the toilet during natural daily transitions, while protecting the child’s independence.

When to Offer

• Before leaving home or upon arriving at school
• Before meals
• Before outdoor playtime
• Before nap and bedtime
• After waking

What to Say

• “It is time to use the toilet. Would you like me to stand beside you or in the doorway?”
• If your child says no:
  • “Every day, we use the toilet before leaving home. You brushed your teeth, got dressed, and had breakfast. Now it is time to try the toilet.”
  • “You are saying no right now. We will try again before putting on your shoes.”

If successful:

You can say something like, “It worked! You listened to your body. It was telling you that you needed to use the toilet.”

Keep your tone calm and encouraging, without over-celebrating. It is fine to add a simple “good job,” but avoid making your happiness the cornerstone of their success.

When toilet learning becomes about pleasing the adult, it can rob the child of their own independence. A matter-of-fact response affirms what happened and leaves space for your child to feel confident in themselves.

If There Is an Accident

Accidents are not failures. They are part of the learning process. But in the moment, they can feel frustrating, messy, and stressful for parents. How you respond makes all the difference.

• Stay calm and neutral. Your child looks to you for cues. If you react with frustration, they may feel shame. If you react with calm, they learn that accidents are simply information. A neutral phrase helps: “Your pants are wet. Let’s change into dry pants.”
• Guide one small step. Invite your child to take part in fixing the situation, even if it is just a tiny action. For example:
  • Ask them to push down their pants.
  • Let them pick a new pair of underwear from the drawer.
  • Have them place the wet clothes into a laundry basket.
    Giving them ownership keeps the focus on independence, not on blame.
• Avoid long conversations. Resist the urge to lecture about “next time.” Accidents are not willful disobedience. A short, steady response is enough. Save teaching for calm moments, not in the middle of cleanup.
• Model matter-of-fact language. Say things like:
  • “Your body wasn’t ready that time.”
  • “Let’s get clean and dry.”
  • “We will try again before snack.”
• Reset and move on. Once your child is clean, shift back into the day without lingering. Treat the moment as routine. The less drama you attach, the less resistance builds over time.

Think of each accident as a data point. Where and when did it happen? Was your child tired, distracted, or in the middle of play? Share these patterns with your child’s teacher so home and school can adjust rhythms together.

What to Wear

Clothing matters more than many parents realize. To support independence:

• Choose elastic waistbands, shorts, or dresses that are easy to manage.
• Always send a full change of clothes in a labeled bag.

Tips That Lower Stress

• Tie attempts to rhythms, not timers. Transitions feel purposeful and reduce power struggles.
• Keep prompts light. Too much prompting often creates resistance.
• Balance privacy and support. Some children want you nearby, others do better if you step back.
• Treat accidents as information. Notice when and where they happen and share patterns with teachers.
• Use the same language at home and school. Consistency accelerates success.

Common Sticking Points

• Refusing to sit: Offer a choice. “Toilet first or wash hands first?”
• Sitting but not going: Keep it brief. “We tried. We will try again before lunch.”
• Regression after progress: Return to simple rhythms, simplify clothing, and add a few extra reminders for a few days.

How Home and School Should Partner

The most effective toilet learning happens when parents and educators work as a team. At Guidepost, we:

• Agree on small, clear goals together.
• Share what we observe each day.
• Check in regularly and adjust the plan as needed.

Ask your Head of School or your child’s guide for our free Toilet Learning Guide, which includes:

• A home setup list
• The phrases we use
• Our approach to stand-up diapering (so you can mirror it at home)

This kind of consistency builds confidence and accelerates independence.

A Parenting Reminder

Toilet learning is not just about leaving diapers behind. It is about your child discovering, “I can do this.” With patience, consistency, and a shared plan, the process becomes calmer for everyone.

There will be accidents. There will be resistance. And there will be days when you wonder if progress is really happening. But each attempt, each small success, and even each stumble is part of the bigger picture. You are giving your child the gift of independence and the steady message that their body is capable.

So take a breath, stay the course, and remember: you’ve got this.

This post Potty Training Without the Power Struggle: A Guide for Home and School first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Lu

Simple, Montessori-inspired strategies to stop the morning chaos and help your toddler or preschooler get out the door without tears or power struggles.

Does your morning look something like this?

You’re trying to get out the door, but your child refuses to get dressed. They’re melting down about which shoes to wear. They want to bring their giant stuffed animal to school. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking, and you’re already late for work.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Mornings with toddlers and preschoolers can feel like the toughest part of the day. But there’s good news: resistance in the morning is not a sign that your child is “difficult” or that you’re doing something wrong. It’s a natural part of development—and with the right structures, mornings really can become calmer and smoother.

Why Morning Transitions Feel So Hard

Through a Montessori lens, the answer is simple: children do best when security and autonomy are in balance. If life feels too unpredictable, or if a child doesn’t feel they have any ownership, resistance shows up. That’s why getting out the door can feel like such a battle.

Here are a few developmental truths that can help you reframe what’s happening:

• Children crave order. In the early childhood years, children are especially sensitive to predictability. Even small changes—like brushing teeth before breakfast instead of after—can throw them off.
• Children crave independence. They want to dress themselves, pour their own cereal, and carry their backpack. Battles often flare when they feel robbed of that ownership.
• Resistance is natural. Transitions are hard for adults, too. For children, it’s even harder because self-control and flexibility are still developing.

At Guidepost, our classrooms are designed with these realities in mind: meaningful work, choice within clear limits, and adults who know the child well.

Parents, you can bring these same principles into your child’s mornings at home!

What You Can Try This Week

You don’t need to overhaul your entire morning (or house) to see change. Small, steady adjustments make the biggest difference.

• Keep the order the same. Children thrive when mornings unfold in the exact same sequence: wake up, get dressed, eat, brush teeth, put on shoes, leave. Keep this rhythm steady every day.
• Use a visual schedule. A chart with pictures of each step helps children “see what’s next.” It takes the nagging out of your voice and puts the plan in their hands.
• Build in independence. Let your child dress themselves (even if the shirt is backward), carry their backpack, or help pour cereal. Ownership often prevents meltdowns.
• Watch sleep and nutrition. A tired or hungry child resists everything. A consistent bedtime and a protein-rich breakfast are the unsung heroes of smoother mornings.
• Model calm. Children mirror your emotional energy. If you radiate stress, they absorb it. Taking a deep breath, slowing your voice, or starting five minutes earlier can change the tone completely.
• Celebrate success. Notice when things go right and say it out loud! “You got dressed all by yourself!” or “You carried your backpack to the door!” builds pride and intrinsic motivation for next time.

A Final Word for Parents

Morning pushback isn’t failure. It’s your child asking for a bit more certainty or a bit more say. When you try new strategies, expect some testing at first. That’s normal. Stick with it consistently for at least two weeks before judging progress.

With steady routines at home, a clear plan at school, and adults who stay calm and consistent, most children turn the corner quickly. The result isn’t just getting out the door on time—it’s a child who arrives at school with growing confidence, a sense of true independence, and trust in the adults guiding them.

And yes, it also means you can finally finish your coffee before it goes cold!

This post Morning Routines for Kids: How to End the Daily Battles first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Lu

How to Celebrate a Montessori Birthday at Home or in the Classroom with Walking Around the Sun

Birthdays are more than cake and candles. In Montessori, they are a quiet, meaningful celebration of who a child is and how far they have come. At Guidepost Montessori, we honor this day with a simple ritual called Walking Around the Sun. It is joyful, symbolic, and centered entirely on the child.

What is “Walking Around the Sun”?

The celebration begins with two symbols: a picture of the sun placed at the center of the circle, and a small globe to represent the Earth. The birthday child holds the globe and walks around the “sun” once for each year of their life.

With each orbit, a photo and short memory from that year are shared by the guide or a parent. The ritual is simple, but the meaning is powerful:

• The sun represents a steady, life-giving center.
• The globe shows our Earth moving through time.
• Each orbit marks a year lived, making the passage of time real and concrete for children.

Beginning in our Children’s House classrooms (ages 3–6), month labels may also be placed around the sun, connecting the child’s journey to the rhythm of the year. In Toddler environments, visuals are kept simpler and fully safe, while older groups may choose to add a candle-lighting ritual if appropriate.

Why This Matters

Walking Around the Sun reflects Montessori’s deepest values:

• Respect for the child. Each life is honored as unique and worthy.
• Connection to time and nature. The child can see and feel how the Earth’s orbit marks the passing of a year.
• Community. Classmates listen, celebrate, and witness the child’s story together.
• Reflection. The child remembers where they’ve been and looks forward to what’s ahead.

It’s a way of saying: your story matters, and we celebrate it with you.

A Montessori Birthday in Practice

At Guidepost, we prepare for birthdays with care so that each child feels truly seen:

• The classroom team plans in advance and invites parents to contribute.
• Photos and short stories are shared during the walk.
• The celebration ends gently, with the child choosing whether to be sung to.
• Optional elements — such as a friendship circle, a healthy snack, or a small gift for the classroom — may also be included, depending on the family’s wishes.

Parents are invited to contribute one photo and a short memory from each year of their child’s life. Some choose to attend the celebration in person, others virtually.

Celebrating at Home

One of the gifts of Montessori is that its rituals can extend into family life. You can try a version of Walking Around the Sun at home:

1. Place a picture of the sun (or even a candle) at the center of your table. If you’d like to purchase the items we use, you can find a Celebration Sun mat here and a Seasons mat here.
2. Invite your child to hold a small globe and walk around the sun once for each year of life.
3. Share one photo and memory from each year.
4. End with a simple family song or words of gratitude.

(Pictured above: a lovely home photo from Home and On the Way’s version of an at-home Montessori birthday walk around the sun)

Siblings often love joining in, sharing their own memories of the birthday child. It becomes not just a birthday tradition, but a family tradition.

There are several versions of “The Earth Goes ‘Round the Sun” song. This is the song we sing in our classrooms:
(Tune: “The Farmer in the Dell”)

The Earth goes ‘round the sun,
The Earth goes ‘round the sun,
And every time it goes around,
Another year is done.

Why These Celebrations Matter for Children’s Development

Long after the cake is gone, children remember these moments. Walking Around the Sun helps them feel connected to time, to nature, and to the people who love them. It gives them the chance to step into the center of the circle, not just as “older” but as someone with a story worth celebrating.

Birthdays remind us not only how old a child is, but who they are becoming.

At Guidepost Montessori, we are honored to walk with them — one year, one orbit, one sunlit step at a time.

This post Walking Around the Sun: A Montessori Birthday That Truly Honors the Child first appeared on Guidepost Montessori and is written by Lu