After considering closing the Montessori Children’s House of Albert Lea last spring, the school’s board of directors announced this week it has restructured the school’s program and appointed a new director going into the fall.

A press release sent out by the school on Wednesday stated the board decided to re-invigorate the school’s program after receiving a strong parent and community response.

The school’s officials have not commented on why the school almost closed but noted it was a result of a “variety of unusual circumstances.”

“The Montessori Children’s House offers a curriculum unlike any other preschool in our area,” said board Chairwoman Neda Johnson. “Children learn from one another, they learn at their own pace and they have fun building their own community. I’m delighted we are moving ahead.”

At the Montessori Children’s House, children follow their own developmental timetable physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally.

The school supports that development by offering a hands-on learning environment, a multi-age classroom and parent education.

As part of the restructuring, new director Stephanie Passingham has been hired, and new lead guide, Tammy Estes, has been appointed.

“As a parent of a child who had a very positive experience at the Montessori Children’s House, I just had to step forward and do what I could to help rejuvenate the program,” Passingham said. “This community asset is too valuable to lose. Other families and community members were expressing the same sentiment; we just had to find a way to offer this unique program.”

The school said openings for fall enrollment are now available for children 2 1/2 and older.

The Montessori Children’s House was founded in 1993 with six children and now currently serves about 45 children between 2 1/2 and 6 years old.

The school can be contacted 373-5204.