Julia A. Sutton was the founder of Statesville
Montessori School. In 1973, having a degree in Education from Appalachian State
University and her preschool and Montessori credentials, she realized a need in
Statesville for a quality preschool, and began working with a few children (including her
son) out of her home. Her class grew and in 1979 she officially started the
Statesville Montessori School...better known as the Children’s House.
Ten years
later, in response to the community’s need for a new approach to education, and to
meet her school’s growth, “Miss Judy” purchased and reorganized the
Brookwood School. She bravely took on the challenge of adding 1st through 6th grades
to her existing program.
In 1996, at
the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Middle School, Miss Judy expressed her
sentiments. “Every student has a right to learn in a safe, caring and
challenging environment, unharmed and free of distractions. All our efforts are
directed toward this goal. This commitment I make to you students, faculty, parents
and friends of Statesville Montessori School.” In 1998, Miss Judy lost a
courageous battle with cancer.
Stacey Sutton
Crosswhite, having worked with her mom for a number of years, took over as the acting
director. Her mom had helped to instill in her a love of children and the desire to
provide these children a positive educational experience. Miss Stacey now carries on
the dream with her own new vision of the future.
In 1999, Nell
Shull, Statesville Montessori School’s Athletic Director, organized the CIM Athletic
Conference for the Middle School. This allows the students to have the opportunity
to participate in many sports and compete with area schools.
In 2002, the
new Administration/Media Building was completed. An Art building was also added to
the campus in 2003. Plans for future construction are still being considered by Miss
Stacey to help fulfill Miss Judy’s long range plans and dreams.
Judy felt
passionately about the Montessori School and its philosophy. She possessed a unique
ability to intuitively know the needs of each individual child and skillfully guide them
in their pursuit of learning. Members of our community are fortunate to reap the
benefits of Miss Judy’s dream to encourage children to reach their highest
potential. Miss Judy created an environment where children could truly experience
the "joy of learning".
Her memory
lives on. |
