New 605 Prep offers Montessori learning

By Courtney Collen, for Pigeon605

There’s a new learning center offering Montessori-style education for children in the Sioux Empire.

605 Prep Montessori Learning Center caters to children from as young as 6 weeks up to 6 years old.

Travis and Jess Snyder together with Aaron and Carman Ward are the founding families of 605 Prep.

When both families struggled to find available Montessori-based child care in town, they got together and started their own.

The four of them, with a combined five children, are all committed to a focus on critical thinking and teaching kids to be problem-solvers independently and as a group — among many other skills.

According to their website, the Montessori method allows children to freely explore who they are cognitively, socially, physically and emotionally.

“605 Prep will include the basics of reading, writing and numbers, with that very unique approach to education,” said Sunshine Cady, a 605 Prep spokeswoman and relative.

605 Prep is one of a few schools offering Montessori education in Sioux Falls. Baan Dek Montessori, located in southern Sioux Falls, was established as the first in South Dakota in 2007.

The new center sits at 39th Street and Phillips Avenue and includes five classrooms, a spacious fenced-in playground and a total capacity for 63 children, including 10 infants.

The current teaching staff of 11 includes a mix of certified Montessori teachers who will continue to develop skills in advanced learning, training and instructing. The infant team includes early development specialists, mothers and teachers-in-training.

Cady said all staff will meet state- and city-required certification. And as the number of children grows, staff will increase.

“The key component is parent-teacher communication,” Cady said. “Parents tell me they want to know what’s happening in the classroom, what kids are doing or excelling at, and 605 Prep wants to ensure the best educational results for everyone involved in the child’s learning.”

605 Prep officially opened July 19 after an open house and staff meet-and-greet.

“With a growing community and so many families with dual incomes, this will serve a terrific need to not only shower love and care upon young children but to provide them with an exceptional learning experience,” Cady explained.

To learn more about 605 Prep and the Montessori-style learning and to inquire about enrollment, visit 605 Prep Montessori Learning Center online, on Facebook or call 605-401-6055.