A school that began as a standard neighborhood elementary school, yet became a hub for innovative learning, stands before you. We are talking about Baker Montessori, founded in 1925 as Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. The school, located on the former site of Mirabeau Lamar’s summer house, was a showplace for its era. However, time brought challenges. In the 2000s, enrollment declined as the surrounding neighborhood saw fewer families with school-aged children. A group of parents envisioned a transformation for Wilson Elementary: a Montessori school. Their efforts paid off. In 2005, HISD committed to converting the school into a PreK-8 Montessori campus.
The transition was met with mixed reactions. Some parents welcomed the Montessori program, while others expressed concerns. Yet, the vision persevered. Parent groups, Friends of Montessori and All Montessori School Project, collaborated with HISD to procure funding for the conversion and train teachers in the Montessori method. The change yielded remarkable results. Enrollment surged, and Baker Montessori became the first HISD school to adopt Montessori for all students. By 2014, the school boasted one of Houston’s three public Montessori programs, including its pioneering Montessori middle school program.
The legacy of Wilson Elementary extends beyond the classrooms. Its park, a vibrant SPARK Park, is a testament to community involvement. In the early 2000s, the park was revitalized through a joint effort involving the City of Houston and HISD. But it was the passionate campaign of Camilo Parra, a parent and dedicated community member, that truly brought the park back to life, a reminder that Baker Montessori reflects a spirit of community engagement.
Today, Baker Montessori continues to thrive as a haven for innovative learning, embodying the Montessori philosophy of individual growth and exploration. The school, originally named after Woodrow Wilson, in 2021 saw a significant rename – Ella J. Baker Montessori School. This underscores HISD’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all. While the name changed, the core values of Baker Montessori remain unwavering, nurturing the potential of each student and shaping them into responsible global citizens.