BATAVIA – The city of Batavia honored local school, Montessori Academy, as Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke issued a proclamation marking the 40th anniversary of the institution.

Founded in 1971 by Liz and Art Basler, Montessori Academy is a nonprofit school that utilizes the child-centered, individualized approach developed more than 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, one of the first women physicians in Italy. The school has educated many hundreds of children over the past 40 years.

"Montessori Academy is honored to be a part of the Batavia and Fox Valley community and history," said George Markham, executive director at the community-based nonprofit academy in a news release. "Montessori is growing worldwide as more parents learn how effective it is, and we are excited about the opportunity to provide an authentic Montessori experience to students in our area for many years to come."

Celebrating 40 years in Batavia, Markham says, is one more way the school enhances student life where emphasis is placed on service to each other and the community, as well as developing an understanding of each child's place in the wider world.

Other projects the students are currently involved in include a schoolwide "go green" initiative and the annual "Bridge to Bridge," a 5K, 10K and children's race each May to benefit one local and one global charity.

Celebrating its 40th year of serving the community, Montessori Academy prepares students age 3 through eighth grade for future school and life success.

Nestled on a six-acre, wooded campus on the Fox River, the school is an associate member of the American Montessori Society and employs AMS-certified teachers.

For more information, call 630-879-2586, email info@montessoribatavia.com or visit www.montessoribatavia.com.

• Have news you'd like to submit to Neighbors? Submissions can be sent to neighbors@kcchronicle.com.