Kinderwood Montessori announced it purchased a new property that will serve as the permanent home of its early childhood education program, marking a milestone in the organization’s more than 50-year history serving children and families in the West Central Adirondacks.
The home, purchased with the support of an anonymous donor, holds significance for the Kinderwood community; it is the house where founder Mirnie Kashiwa ran the Kinderwood program herself, welcoming generations of children into a learning environment rooted in care, curiosity and respect for childhood.
Reflecting on the program’s foundation, Kashiwa once shared, “I think it was taught with love. I think the children enjoyed the warmth…and I think they flourished under the original precepts.”
Kashiaw’s spirit of warmth and intentional education guides Kinderwood today.
Founded in 1969, Kinderwood has long been a cornerstone of early childhood education in the region. The program is grounded in Montessori principles, which emphasize independence, hands-on learning, thoughtfully prepared environments and the belief that children thrive when they are respected, supported and given meaningful choices.
Kashiwa also emphasized the importance of enriching, well-rounded experiences for children, noting, “Our standards are probably a little bit higher than the public schools’ because we have an outdoor program too…hiking and swimming and all the varied physical activities we can cram into an afternoon.”
A house-based property aligns with Montessori principles. Residential-scale classrooms foster consistency and a sense of belonging, while offering flexible, child-centered spaces that support both academic and social-emotional growth. The home setting also allows Kinderwood to better integrate outdoor learning, practical life skills and mixed-age collaboration, all hallmarks of Montessori education.
“We are actively thinking beyond traditional models,” said board member Allison Skinner. “We are listening closely to families, exploring creative solutions around transportation and expanding thoughtful year-round educational opportunities. Our goal is to remain flexible, innovative and deeply responsive to the real needs of our community while staying true to the Montessori principles that have guided us for more than 50 years.”
Importantly, this milestone strengthens Kinderwood’s ability to respond to ongoing childcare and early education gaps in the community. With limited access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate early learning options in rural regions, Kinderwood’s sustainable operating model allows the organization to intentionally expand its offerings while maintaining educational integrity and financial responsibility.
“Having a permanent home allows Kinderwood to plan for the long term,” Skinner said. “It gives us the stability to support families today, adapt thoughtfully as needs change and continue delivering the high-quality, child-centered education our community depends on.”
Kashiwa’s hopes for the future remain a guiding light for the organization. “I hope they continue to grow and blossom. And that’s what gives me faith.”
Kinderwood returns to the home where it was nurtured in its earliest years with gratitude and a renewed commitment to ensuring local children continue to grow, blossom and flourish for generations to come.
Kinderwood also extends heartfelt gratitude to the Kashiwa family for their enduring support and stewardship of Mirnie Kashiwa’s legacy, which continues to shape the program’s mission and values.
Community members who wish to learn more about Kinderwood Montessori or support the program’s future through donations are encouraged to visit www.kinderwood.org.