Our History

The Little Scholar Ship
1983-2013

Founded in 1983 initially as The Little Scholar Ship Montessori Preschool by Gorthea Noll, an AMS-trained Montessorian, the school ran for many years under her leadership as well as other certified Montessori teachers and ECE professionals.

In 2006, Carey Leichter considered a move to Grand Forks with her family, excited that there was a Montessori school in town. By summer 2007, there was an opening at the Little Scholar Ship and she enrolled her eldest child, then age 3. When they finally had another opening for her second child, she enrolled her at age 2. Since Carey had been studying and implementing Montessori in the home since 2004 while living in Minot, ND, she was excited to help as a substitute teacher when needed. After having received teaching credentials for ages 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9, she then spent two additional years working towards her Masters in Montessori Leadership while working full time and raising 5 children.

Grand Forks Montessori Academy

2013- current

Just as many early childhood centers and Montessori schools face challenges over time, so did The Little Scholar Ship, and after 30 years, in 2013, Miss Gorthea decided to fully retire and offered Carey an opportunity to take over the school—to renovate and expand it, breathe new life into it, and ultimately take the helm of the Little Scholar Ship.

Under new ownership, new clarified vision and mission, refreshed vigor, and new branding, Carey led the refurbishment of the classrooms, replaced aging materials, and upgraded the building and school as a whole. She engaged the talents of former coworkers from her previous career as an art director and commercial photographer (in addition to food and product photography, she even used to photograph children at dance schools, childcare centers and Montessori schools in the 1990s), started a website, created an online presence, and added new trainings and benefits for staff. Additionally, she oversaw the design and implementation of North Dakota's 1st Certified Outdoor Explore Classroom, after having experience creating a children's garden and being featured in the Grand Cities Garden tour of 2011.

But a school is more than just it's founder, it's vision, it's branding, it's methodology or it's furnishing and materials. The quality of a school is the sum of all it's parts—including the consistency it has demonstrated over the years regarding quality of education, commitment to excellence and premium child care, decades of direct experience in the community and with teachers and staff that are supported and appreciated.

We've come a long way over the past 39 years! Our founder, as well as the dedicated teachers & families over the years, created a strong foundation upon which The Grand Forks Montessori Academy was built. Carey and her family, as well as an amazing group of talented staff continue to uphold the vision and mission as we sail into the future of providing premium quality childcare and education.

Learn more about our amazing staff that uphold the GFMA values, and have a positive and direct impact on your child.