The Sundrop School

2025

The Sundrop School, located in Northern Michigan, was born from the vision of a small group of parents seeking a more inclusive and holistic early childhood education experience—one not bound by socioeconomic status or standardized philosophies. In response, they created a school rooted in the Montessori tradition and a deep reverence for nature, where children are seen as capable, curious individuals ready to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Now in its fourth year, The Sundrop School serves children ages 3 to 6 with a unique full-day Montessori program—currently the only one of its kind in the region—along with a Forest School After School program that offers working families the security of continuous, enriching care. With its thoughtfully designed curriculum and access to an expansive natural learning space called Nature Space, the school has become a beacon for families across four rural counties seeking high-quality, nurturing education for their children.

With a growing waitlist Sundrop has outpaced it's current capacity. To meet this need and expand access MGGF has granted funds for new shelving, book displays and floor tables as part of an expansion project that will enable an increase in enrollment.

In a region where nearly a third of young children live in poverty, The Sundrop School offers not only a strong educational foundation but a place where every child is honored, inspired, and equipped to thrive.