Montessori School of Yakima Names New Head of School
The school also seeks to address significant local demand with a $16 million campaign for a new campus.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Child Care
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The Montessori School of Yakima has appointed Laura Maloney Price as its new head of school. Her arrival coincides with a $16 million capital campaign intended to fund a new campus for the growing institution.
Why it matters
The school requires a new facility to replace its current building at 511 N. 44th Ave. and expand its capacity to serve more local families.
The school maintains 100 licensed early childcare seats and serves students from age 15 months through eighth grade. The $16 million capital campaign goal is designed to facilitate the move to a new property.
The players
Laura Maloney Price
She is the newly appointed head of school for the Montessori School of Yakima.
Montessori School of Yakima
This educational institution serves 154 students and operates under the Montessori pedagogical model.
Oakridge Montessori School
This Yakima-based institution was established in 1993 and is located at 6403 Summitview Ave.
The details
The Montessori School of Yakima has secured an accepted offer on a new property to facilitate the planned expansion. The school board is currently leading the fundraising efforts to modernize facilities and accommodate the long list of families waiting for placement.
Timeline
1907: Dr. Maria Montessori created the Montessori educational method.
1965: The Montessori School of Yakima began operations.
1993: Oakridge Montessori School was established.
1997: Oakridge Montessori School moved to its current location.
October 15, 2026: Laura Maloney Price began her role as head of school.
Culture Shift
The school's expansion efforts follow a national pattern of increased demand for the Montessori educational method. This growth reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing early childhood development in specialized learning environments.
Families currently on the waitlist may gain access to enrollment once the new campus expansion is completed. Residents can expect further updates regarding the school's transition once the property sale is finalized.
The takeaway
The move to a new campus signals a major step in alleviating the significant capacity constraints facing local Montessori education. Interested families should monitor future announcements regarding the timeline for the new facility launch.
Further reading
Learn more about local programs at the Yakima Child Care hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yakima Herald-Republic.
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