Don’t bank on it yet.
But a Montessori school may be in Westport’s future.
Apple Montessori Schools has applied for a special permit, and site plan approval, to convert the Bank of America building — next to Starbucks, on Post Road East — into a 2-story private school.
As a first step the Architectural Review Board will review the proposed addition, facade renovations and outdoor play spaces and pool at its March 18 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
The building has been vacant since Bank of America closed several Fairfield County branches, early in the pandemic.
This vacant bank building … (Photo courtesy of Google Earth)
Montessori is a non-trademarked method of education that emphasizes hands-on learning and the development of real-world skills, rather than formal instruction.
Montessori schools believe that children are capable of initiating learning, and that education should not be measured by grades or tests.
There are Montessori schools for children 14 months through 8th grade in Fairfield and Wilton. There is currently no Montessori school in Westport.
The building is in the Highway Service District, with a portion of the rear property zoned Residence A. Schools are permitted — subject to special permit approval — in the HSD and Residence A zone.
Interior renovations would convert the bank into a Montessori school providing “curriculum based early learning,” with infant/preschool programs through kindergarten.
… could become this.
The maximum capacity is 124 children: approximately 40 kindergartners, 60 preschoolers, 16 toddlers and 8 infants. The proposed hours are weekdays, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dropoff and pickup times would be staggered.
On average, 8 to 10 staff members would be at the school during peak times.
There would be a small addition where the drive-in area is now, along with “new paint and materials for added visual interest and an improved aesthetic.”
Montessori also proposed enclosed outdoor play and learning spaces, and a small saltwater pool used only for preschool swim lessons in the summer.
The ARB meeting is the first of several in the town approval process.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for education news — and much, much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)