Northern Henrico Montessori School relocating to Lakeside location

A Northern Henrico Montessori school will relocate this fall to a new location just about a mile away.

The Wild Fern Montessori School will move from its current spot at 7511 Brook Road to the site of a former Wells Fargo Bank in the Brook Run Shopping Center at 5610 Brook Road in September, according to the school's administrators.

School officials are planning to enhance and redesign the building, which will allow them to improve classroom areas, enlarge administrative and storage space and provide the opportunity for outdoor areas, they said.

"We waited a long time for the right place in Lakeside because we've found a home and community here," said Brei Stevenson, founder and treasurer of the school.

Real estate agent Veronica Wiles of Sperity Real Estate Ventures brokered the lease agreement.

Construction work at the new location began in November, with designs reflecting the school's focus on supporting staff and fostering a thriving community.

“We have truly loved our current location and the opportunities it has provided us.” Shared Kate Lipka, head of school. “It has allowed us to grow and thrive, fostering a strong community. We need a bit more space to continue our growth and meet the needs of the student and family community we serve. We are excited about this next chapter in our school's history.”

Wild Fern Montessori School began as Glen Allen Community Montessori School in June 2018 in the basement of the United Unitarian Universalist Church of Glen Allen. Then during the pandemic, it relocated to a site hosted by Overbrook Presbyterian Church before moving to its current site.

In 2021, Wild Fern introduced its Sliding Scale Tuition Program, which helps subsidize tuition for qualified families by evaluating household income and unique financial and socioeconomic circumstances. In the four years since its inception, the program has awarded more than $550,000 in subsidized tuition thanks to fundraising, donations, and grants.

School officials now are seeking donors who can help fund an outdoor space for students at the new location. Donors can sponsor specific items or contribute directly to the playground's development.

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