Asheville, North Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Montessori Learning Community of Asheville has been ordered to vacate its premises at St. George’s Episcopal Church by August 2026, following over 30 years of operation. The preschool, which serves children aged 18 months to six years, currently accommodates 60 students and employs 14 faculty members. The eviction stems from financial reasons cited by the church, prompting urgent efforts to find a new location within a tight timeline. A community town hall meeting is planned to discuss the situation, while the school actively seeks donations to assist with the transition.
Asheville, North Carolina – Montessori Learning Community Must Vacate
The Montessori Learning Community of Asheville, a well-established preschool located in west Asheville, has received a notification that it must vacate its premises at St. George’s Episcopal Church by August 2026. The preschool has been operational for over 30 years, providing early childhood education to children ages 18 months to six years. Currently, the west Asheville campus serves 60 students and employs 14 faculty members.
The decision was made by St. George’s Episcopal Church, citing financial reasons as the impetus behind the eviction. This unexpected notice follows the preschool’s recent resignation of its lease just months prior to the announcement, leaving the school with just 11 months to secure a new location before the start of the 2026-27 school year. Leaders of the preschool have expressed sadness about the need to leave the location where they have spent over three decades.
Concerns have been raised regarding the short timeline for finding a new space. Atwood, a representative of the school, mentioned hopes for more flexibility regarding the relocation timeline. If the school is unable to identify a suitable new location by the end of the school year, they will consider moving to an east Asheville location. However, this option may not accommodate all faculty members, thereby complicating the transition further.
In light of their impending move, the Montessori Learning Community is actively accepting donations to support their transition efforts. Additionally, St. George’s Episcopal Church is planning to host a community town hall meeting to discuss the decision and provide further clarity on the situation. This open meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church and is accessible to all MLC families, alumni, neighbors, and community supporters.
Background Context
The Montessori Learning Community was founded over 30 years ago, with a mission to foster an inclusive and nurturing environment for young learners. The preschool has built a strong reputation in the community over the years, leading to its current enrollment of 60 children. The staff of 14 dedicated employees plays a vital role in supporting child development through a Montessori methodology, which encourages independence and fosters a love for learning among young children.
The news of the eviction has stirred emotions within the school community, as families and staff face the uncertainty of relocation. With the deadline for vacating fast approaching, swift action is necessary to ensure continuity of services for the young students who depend on the preschool’s educational offerings.
Key Takeaways
- Montessori Learning Community of Asheville must vacate St. George’s Episcopal Church by August 2026.
- The preschool has been serving children ages 18 months to six years for over 30 years.
- Currently serves 60 students with a staff of 14 faculty members.
- St. George’s Episcopal Church cited financial reasons for the eviction.
- The preschool has 11 months to find a new location.
- Community town hall meeting is scheduled for October 23.
FAQ Section
Why does the Montessori Learning Community of Asheville need to vacate?
St. George’s Episcopal Church cited financial reasons for the decision to evict the preschool.
How long has the Montessori Learning Community been in operation?
The preschool has been operating for over 30 years.
What age group does the preschool serve?
The school teaches children ages 18 months to six years.
When is the deadline for the preschool to find a new space?
The school must vacate by August 2026.
What will happen if the school does not find a new location?
If the school fails to find a new space by the end of the school year, they will resort to moving to an east Asheville location, which would not accommodate all their employees.
Is there a community meeting to discuss this issue?
St. George’s Episcopal Church plans to host a community town hall to discuss the decision, scheduled for Thursday, October 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | St. George’s Episcopal Church, West Asheville |
| Years in Operation | Over 30 years |
| Serving Ages | 18 months to 6 years |
| Enrollment | 60 students |
| Staff | 14 faculty members |
| Vacate Deadline | August 2026 |
| Community Meeting | October 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Montessori School Asheville Forced to Move
- Parents.com: The Montessori Method Explained
- Mountain X: School Board Saves Asheville Primary
- Google Search: Montessori School Asheville
- Wikipedia: Montessori Education
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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