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History

Trusting children and awakening minds since 1973.

Brush Creek Montessori School has been a leading voice in Montessori education in Sonoma County for 50 years.  It is an American Montessori Society member school. 

Wes and Peggy Colgan founded the school in 1973. The school was initially just an elementary school, then as the preschool was added, the name became Montessori Elementary and Preschool. In the 1980s, the Colgan's passed the school on to Jim and Vivian Moore, who re-named, owned and operated Brush Creek Montessori until they retired in 2000.  During their tenure, the Moore's also established the nonprofit. They did this after a few years as directors/owners, so that the school could raise the funds needed for the middle school.  They established the AMS affiliation for BCMS, working with Judy Bauerlein to assist. Establishing the first board, they and the board hired Susan Cohn as Head of School, a graduate of Ursula Thrush's training program.  Susan initiated many changes, including beginning the Adolescent Community here at BCMS that was active for 15 years.  Susan was also the Co-Director of the Maria Montessori Teacher Training Center, and made Brush Creek the center's North Bay site.  Susan trained several of the current teachers of BCMS in the Montessori method. In 2011, the employees of BCMS were able to cooperatively purchase the land on which the school sits, so BCMS could become secure in its location, and so the teachers and staff could enjoy more flexibility in improving the grounds and facilities.  In 2013, under Susan's guidance and support, Jed Burchett became Head of School. Mr. Burchett resigned in 2020 and the BCMS Board of Directors promoted Susan Morrell, head primary teacher since 2006, to the interim head of school.

There is a great need for quality, independent education at the preschool and elementary levels in Sonoma County, and we look forward to beautifully serving the community for at least 40 more years!

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