“The goal of any childhood education should be to activate the child’s natural desire to learn.” - Dr. Maria Montessori
Our story
More Montessori for more children has been the heart cry of Cornerstone Montessori since its birth in 2005. We’ve known for some time that would require expanding the Sumner Campus. The Puyallup Classroom, while small, is our effort to provide not only quality education to more students, but also establish more parent partnerships. Dr. Montessori preached community care and growth. Raising children requires a village of like minded humans committed to guiding the child while being willing to grow ourselves. And if “requires” doesn’t jive well, perhaps consider it just a whole lot more fun and edifying. At the core of Cornerstone teachers is an understanding that we will grow right alongside the child.
Cornerstone’s Puyallup Classroom will be an indoor-outdoor learning environment openning September 2024 under the leadership of Ms. Whitney Shoemaker. She and teaching assistant, Mrs. Lupe, will offer three part time school schedules with no more than 14 students a day.
Our Puyallup Classroom will support teacher certificate programs, professional development and appreciation efforts for Montessori educators.
Ms. Whitney Shoemaker
Ms. Shoemaker is in her 10th year at Cornerstone Montessori’s Sumner (CMS) Campus, and in her 7th year of leading a primary classroom. She obtained her Montessori Teaching Certificate through Spring Valley in 2017.
Originally Ms. Shoemaker joined CMS to support School Age After School Care Program. She quickly won the hearts of families and students. Ms. Shoemaker has been an integral part of making Cornerstone the community it is today. She has shaped our culture and our practice. Hundreds of students and their families have been positively impacted by her servant leadership, and her willingness to humble herself before the child and her colleagues.
Mrs. Lupe Nunu-Flores
Mrs. Lupe has been working with children for over 12 years and at Cornerstone for two of them. In 2023, Mrs. Lupe spent the school year assisting CMS School Director, Mrs. Bosmans where she experienced a hand-on, in the moment mentoring. And while newer to the team, Mrs. Lupe never tires of encouraging her colleagues, her students, or championing our vision of consistently growing together.
Mrs. Lupe, a mom of four, currently serves full time at CMS Sumner Campus while working towards an Age of Montessori Certificate. Her resolve, determination and loving-spirit make her a fierce and unstoppable advocate for children.
“The child is both a hope and a promise from mankind.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori