Cypress Junction Montessori (CJM) marked a significant milestone on November 7, 2025, by officially breaking ground on its much-anticipated new permanent campus in Winter Haven, Florida. This development is not just another school expansion; it represents a profound commitment to enhancing educational access for local families seeking high-quality Montessori education for their children, specifically in PreK-8 grades. With the new campus, CJM aims to increase its enrollment capacity from 425 to an impressive 862 students, effectively doubling the number of children who can benefit from its innovative teaching approach.
The future campus will stand proud with 26 classrooms and over 40,000 square feet dedicated to creating conducive learning environments that align with the Montessori philosophy. Craig Clevenger, the Board Chair of CJM, emphasized the significance of this new facility during the groundbreaking ceremony, stating, "This isn't just about new buildings. It's about what will happen inside them—the curiosity sparked, the friendships formed, and the confidence built.” It is evident that the focus is not solely on physical infrastructure but rather on the enriching educational experiences that will take place within these walls.
Designed to support a unique learning methodology, CJM’s new campus will feature thoughtfully crafted academic spaces that promote hands-on learning and student engagement. Classrooms for kindergarten through fifth grade will be expanded to approximately 1,400 square feet, accommodating versatile learning activities that allow for movement and collaboration among students. Additionally, the reimagined middle school wing will include 12 state-of-the-art communities designed for modern education, flexible group work, and independent study.
One of the hallmarks of CJM's approach is nurturing the whole child. This commitment encapsulates not just academic growth but also social skills development, empathy, and the cultivation of independent thought. For nearly a decade since its inception, CJM has adhered to these principles, supporting students in their journey towards becoming self-directed learners and creative problem solvers who are capable of tackling real-world challenges.
Building Hope, a distinguished nonprofit organization devoted to advancing educational opportunities, is instrumental in the development of the new campus. They bring valuable expertise in real estate management, transactional finance, and opportunities for operational improvements, ensuring that the project is executed with the utmost professionalism. The construction efforts are being handled by Springer Voss Construction, with architectural designs by Mussman Architects, contributing to the efficient realization of this educational vision.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted nearly 400 participants, including community leaders and educators, among them Winter Haven Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr. This collective support underscores the community’s recognition of the vital role that accessible education plays in shaping the future of its children. Jerry Zayets, Vice President of Real Estate Development for Building Hope, echoed this sentiment, stating that “breaking ground today marks the beginning of an exciting next chapter for Cypress Junction Montessori.”
Moreover, CJM operates as a lottery-based charter school, ensuring equitable access for all aspiring students wishing to partake in its enriching educational programs. Families interested in enrollment have the opportunity to apply for a spot in the lottery, reinforcing the school’s commitment to inclusivity and broadening access to quality education.
This groundbreaking event is just the first step in what promises to be a transformative journey for CJM and its students. As the facility takes shape, it stands as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and commitment to educational excellence. Discover more about Cypress Junction Montessori and its enrollment processes by visiting
cypressjunction.org and explore how Building Hope is making waves in the charter school domain by serving communities nationwide through innovative facilities and operational support via
buildinghope.org.