Information

Raintree was founded in 1978 by a small group of dedicated people with a vision of a special place for all children. The vision was for a beautiful place where children could go about their task of self-construction, a place lovingly and intentionally prepared for children. The vision included finding and preparing adults for this most noble work, who were willing to humble themselves and, as Dr. Montessori had admonished, “have the faith to follow the child.” Their qualities of being life-long learners, having an enduring sense of humor, holding a profound respect for children as well as their ability to function without enough sleep (at least in those early years) have helped to see the vision to fruition.

Raintree is a beautifully prepared environment physically, both indoors and out and is staffed with carefully and lovingly prepared adults who uphold the ideals of the Montessori philosophy. It is the love shared among the children and adults as well as the love that we all feel toward our prepared environment that is the foundation of the spirit of Raintree, inevitably felt by anyone who spends any time in the community that is our school. We have from the beginning been dedicated to providing working families with not only the finest in early childhood and elementary education, but with the security that they were able to go to work full in the knowledge that their children were getting the very best and most loving care available outside their immediate family.

Lawrence has a diverse range of public transit options, from scheduled bus routes to on-demand service.  All scheduled services are free of charge.  For more information, route maps, and schedules, click here.

Hybrid learning, which combines in-person and online education, offers flexibility, accessibility, and enhanced engagement. Students benefit from face-to-face interaction with teachers while also having the freedom to learn at their own pace through digital resources. This model accommodates different learning styles, allowing for personalized instruction and increased retention. Hybrid learning also fosters digital literacy, preparing students for modern work environments. Additionally, it reduces classroom overcrowding and offers a more inclusive education for those with diverse needs. By blending traditional and virtual methods, hybrid learning enhances efficiency, collaboration, and overall academic success in today’s evolving educational landscape.

Lawrence, Kansas, was founded in 1854 by anti-slavery settlers from the New England Emigrant Aid Company. It quickly became a focal point of the Free-State Movement, advocating for Kansas to enter the Union without slavery. This stance led to violent conflicts, including the 1856 Sacking of Lawrence by pro-slavery forces and the devastating 1863 Quantrill’s Raid, in which Confederate guerrillas killed nearly 200 residents and burned much of the city.

Despite these challenges, Lawrence rebounded and grew, with the establishment of the University of Kansas (KU) in 1865 playing a key role in its development. KU became a major research institution, shaping the city’s economy and culture. The early 20th century saw Lawrence expand as a center for education, industry, and social activism.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Lawrence was active in pushing for desegregation and racial equality. Today, the city is known for its progressive values, thriving arts scene, and diverse community. Mass Street (Massachusetts Street) serves as a cultural and commercial hub, featuring historic buildings, independent businesses, and live music venues. Lawrence is also home to a strong sports culture, with KU’s basketball program enjoying national recognition.

Modern Lawrence blends its historic past with innovation, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity. Its rich history, combined with its dedication to education and cultural growth, has made it one of Kansas’ most dynamic and forward-thinking cities.

As a college town, Lawrence has a host of lodging options, from AirBNB and VRBO, to long-term hotels.  Currently, there are 163 listings for full houses on AirBNB and VRBO for the onsite portion of the course in 2026.  In addition, there are 24 hotels with rooms ranging from standard hotel rooms to suites and multi-bedroom apartments; prices vary depending on amenity, but average (as of February 2025) price is about $106 per night for a standard hotel room which includes breakfast, etc.  Hotels range from boutique hotels, like the historic Eldridge (pictured), to leading international chains.

Montessori education supports the development of the whole child, and is an educational approach which is taught in more than 140 countries across the world. If you are interested in child development and teaching as a career, then our AMI training can offer you the opportunity to work with elementary aged children. For more information, please click here.