District 88 names Montessori Children’s Academy as June Business Partner

During its June 22 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the administration, named Montessori Children’s Academy (MCA) as a Business Partner. The Business Partner program recognizes companies, organizations and individuals for their support in building futures for District 88 students and helping to accomplish the district’s mission and vision.

MCA is a prime example of a company working with the district to achieve its goals. During the meeting, the district recognized Jen Priske, Head of School, and Lorena Martinez, Assistant Head of School, for their incredible support of District 88. 

Since 2023, MCA has been part of District 88’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Youth Apprenticeship Program. That course is geared toward juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering, precision manufacturing, cybersecurity, computer programming, computer hardware/software design, business or hospitality. MCA has welcomed students as apprentices, who have completed the Education Teacher Preparation Program. Participants in that course gain an inside look into the education system through field experience and work directly with teachers and students in a classroom.

But MCA’s connection with and support of District 88 goes back even further and deeper. Lillian Smith, Executive Director at MCA, first contacted Willowbrook CTE teacher Stephanie Ennis in 2012 regarding hiring a Willowbrook student for a teaching assistant position. MCA continues to employ District 88 students part-time during the school year, offering flexible work schedules that allow them to attend classes and earn school credit and certifications, as well as participate in extracurricular activities. At MCA, students are trained in Maria Montessori’s pedagogy and learn a variety of teaching and guidance techniques. The collaboration with MCA provides District 88 students with real-world experience, practical learning and knowledge. 

Montessori Children’s Academy is a tremendous Business Partner, and District 88 is proud to honor Priske and Martinez for their efforts. The district truly thanks them for all they have done and continue to do for Addison Trail and Willowbrook students, families and the community. 

• To watch the presentation, click on the video above.
  
  
• To view a photo gallery, see the images below. Click on the images to view photo captions.
  
  
• District 88 is always looking to develop more partnerships, and those who are interested can find information at www.dupage88.net/BusinessPartnerships.