The Namaste community gathered to celebrate 20 years of excellent early-childhood education with food, music, activities, and memories! Many current and former families joined the festivities and offered their congratulations. Namaste sponsored free carousel rides for visitors to the park for the day.
History
Bridgid and Stanley Beames founded Namaste Montessori School 20 years ago, in August of 2004. The initial licensed program was located in the Beames’ family home, 3011 Halseyville Road, Trumansburg, NY. It has been Bridgid’s lifelong dream to open her own Montessori school. This dream, combined with the high need for day care and overwhelming community support inspired the Beames to open Namaste.
The need to expand
In response to overwhelming interest in the program and an extensive waiting list, the Beames expanded the program in the spring of 2005.
Soon after the expansion Bridgid and Stan created a long-range plan and blue print for the growth of school. The next phase in the growth of the school required moving the program to a larger site. In December of 2006 the building and property at 1608 Trumansburg Road was purchased. The completed renovations in the spring of 2007.
In the June of 2007, Namaste Montessori School became a NYS licensed day care center and moved into their new facility. The program expanded from a capacity of fourteen students to two classrooms with a capacity of thirty-one students. The program now included a primary and toddler classroom.
Adding the Elementary Program
In 2010 the school took a close look at the needs of their families and the community. After careful reflection a decision was made to continue to expand the school. Therefore, they established a long-range plan to grow the school through middle school and add more primary and toddler classrooms.
In 2011, the Beames purchased and renovated the property located at 1872 Trumansburg Rd. This property became the Namaste Montessori School’s Elementary Campus. The founding elementary class opened its doors in September of 2011.
Facing a Pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Namaste Montessori School quickly re-openned, with careful health and safety measures in place. The school has been able to provide an essential childcare service to families of young children. They simultaneously provided a vibrant place to continue learning and being with peers for our school-age children!
Looking to the Future
In the future, the school hopes to build additional classrooms and a community space at the Primary campus. Long term goals include relocating the elementary classroom to the Primary campus, and establishing a Middle School program.