Joan Starling established The Sammamish Montessori School in 1977 as a one-room school-house in a location overlooking Lake Sammamish in Redmond, Washington. Today the school serves more than 300 preschool, kindergarten and elementary students and is one of the oldest Montessori schools on the Eastside and one of the largest Montessori schools in the state.
Mrs. Starling began her long career in Montessori education about four decades ago learning from two Montessori educators who themselves were trained directly by Dr. Maria Montessori. One of them, a wise and practical woman, Margaret Homfray, accompanied Dr. Montessori on trips to translate her lectures on her speaking tours in the 1930s.
Mrs. Starling’s two daughters now share the running of this highly diverse and vibrant school and are supported by a wonderful group of exceptionally talented, well-educated and experienced teachers, assistants and supporting staff, many of whom have come to Redmond from all over the world. Together they uphold Mrs. Starling’s vision and lifetime work; educating children in a nurturing and loving environment, where every child is respected and cherished for their unique abilities. We all wish Mrs. Starling a well-deserved retirement and are so happy to see her every time she visits the school.
