History

Child Peace Montessori School & Daycare Center (which was the original name of the school) was established as a non-profit on November 10, 1976 by some of Portland’s early Montessori advocates. They had a vision that a downtown Montessori school would make it easier for Portland’s working parents. Originally housed in one classroom on the second floor of the YWCA building in downtown Portland for the first 12 years, Childpeace continued to grow and move locations until settling at its current location on NW Thurman and SE 16th Ave.

Childpeace is a non-profit corporation, a certified day care center, a member of the Oregon Federation of Independent Schools and an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) recognized school.

Childpeace has achieved Sustainability at Work’s gold certification and is recognized for its leadership helping make Portland one of the cleanest, most sustainable cities in the country. Childpeace completed numerous actions to benefit our local economy, our community and our environment, which were verified during an onsite visit with a Sustainability at Work Advisor.

Childpeace has placed in the Best 100 Green Workplaces and the 100 Best Non-Profits to work for by Oregon Business for the past few years.

Timeline

Click on each date below to learn about the history of Childpeace Montessori School.

1939

1976

1984

1986

1988

1993

1999

2000

2002

2003

2005

Sixth Grade Graduates

Childpeace celebrated the graduation of its first sixth grade class! The sixth graders, in true Montessori fashion, put together their graduation ceremony with each presenting a heartfelt speech thanking those that have inspired them along their path. We are very proud of our first sixth grade graduates, some of who came to Childpeace as toddlers!

2007

2008

Renovations and The Play Structure

Childpeace concluded the third and final round of planned renovations to the downtown building over the summer of 2008. With the hard work and expert help of the design and construction team, headed by Hennebery Eddy Architects and Howard S. Wright Constructors, the front entry and office, the two Toddler Community classrooms, and three Lower Elementary classrooms and aftercare space were created to be as beautiful and functional as the rest of the building. The children were also delighted at the installation of a new play structure at the playground.

Anniversary Year at the Terrace

The Children’s House classroom at The Terrace celebrated its 10th Anniversary also marking the 6th consecutive year of sending their kindergarten graduates downtown to join the lower elementary classrooms. Located approximately four miles from the main building, The Terrace classroom is a very special and unique part of the Childpeace community. Childpeace continued to fund an Intergenerational Laiason to connect the children with the elderly residents through hands-on activities.

2009

The Middle School

Metro Montessori was founded as a response to parents’ requests for continued Montessori education beyond 6th grade.

100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon

In a 2009 survey of more than 150 organizations around the state, Oregon Business magazine named Childpeace Montessori one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon. It is an accolade that illustrates the school’s dedication to attracting and retaining the finest teaching staff, the backbone of all top-notch schools.

2011

Middle School Graduates

The first group of Metro Montessori 8th graders graduated and moved on to area high schools of their choice. As the founders of the program, they were the first to benefit from the expansion of the Montessori curriculum into the adolescent years.

Going to College

The first group of graduating 6th graders, those who completed the Childpeace elementary program in 2005, graduated high school in June 2011 with numerous honors and awards. All eight were headed to college.

Setting the Stage

With help from the Facilities Committee and a Storefront Grant from Portland Development Commission, Childpeace painted the building and installed beautiful and functional portals at both sides of the building. In addition, the indoor playroom was outfitted with stage curtains, lighting, sound and a portable stage—all funded by the 2011 Auction Special Appeal.

2012

2013

2016

40th Anniversary

2016 Marks the 40th Anniversary of Childpeace Montessori School! Our school has grown so much in the past 40 years, it's hard to imagine where we will be in another 40 years.

Middle School Building Purchase

Childpeace purchased the metro building and refinanced the other properties with a tax-exempt bond issuance. Parent investors donated to the school after the metro building sale.