Our School

Head of School's Welcome

Dear Prospective Families and friends of Peaceful Pathways,

Thank you for your interest in our school. I am pleased to be the founder, owner, and Head of School at Peaceful Pathways Montessori Academy. 

My husband and I are excited to live in the community of Yorkville. We met and grew up together in this community and had the privilege of raising our own children here too. After graduating from Yorkville High School, I went to college and received my B.A. in secondary/middle school education at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. In 1994, I married my best friend Brian and went back to school to earn my Illinois state teaching license for K-12.

After several years of teaching in the public schools, Brian and I made the decision that I would stay home and we would start a family. About the time my daughters turned two and three years old, I was asked to work at a Montessori school at the church we attended. It was then that I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy for educating children. I found that what I read and studied about Montessori changed the way I parented. I really enjoyed watching my children grow and discover the world around them. It was at that time that I decided it was time to go back to school and get my Montessori teaching credentials. I hold two American Montessori Society certifications in Infant-Toddler Education and in Montessori School Administration in addition to my K-12 Illinois teaching certificate.

It was a pleasure to move back to Yorkville and following God's call to start an authentic Montessori program in this community in 2006. Over the years I have watched how He has blessed our school and had it continuously grow. I am amazed by the support of the community and parents in our school. I love seeing each student's smiling face and getting to know the families that live in Yorkville and the surrounding communities. I know that we are making a difference to these students and the people that these students will touch as they grow older. Observing the students and teachers as they are engaged in their work each day is such a blessing.

I encourage you to call our school to set up a time for a tour and find out what a Montessori education is. Come see the difference it can make for your child, your family, and our community.

Blessings to you and your family,

​

Shawna Watkins

Founder & Head of School