How would I go about selling my Montessori preschool?

Question

I've owned the school for 10 years and there is a possibility that I will be moving out of state or too far to maintain my ownership status. I'd like to find out how to go about selling such a business when the time comes.

Answer 1

First advice is not the best.  You don't want your hard work as a Montessori school going to someone that isn't Montessori.  Your parents would not be too happy, either.

I assume you're not a non profit organization, since you're looking to sell the school.  I would begin with any Montessori teacher training areas in your area.  Contact them and see if you can find someone that is taking training to open their own school.  You might save them a lot of headache.

I would also contact the Montessori Foundation.  

http://www.montessori.org

That organization has done a lot of work in helping to set up and organize Montessori schools.  They provide a valuable resource and will be better able to offer practical advice to your specific situation.

Finally, I would contact both the American Montessori Society ( http://www.amshq.org ) and Association Montessori International ( http://www.montessori-ami.org )  I'm not sure about AMI, but I think AMS has a place on their web site for placing an ad for selling a school.  Are you a member of either organization?

Good luck with selling the school.  I hope it works out well.

Matt

Answer 2

Callie- I am not usually like this, but your response really ticked me off!

What a passive aggressive way to say that you don't like Montessori!  "They are so active. At times, even rude to other kids." Do you really think that adding, "They are very interesting and special learners. I love them! " helps?  Of course not.  By writing that first statement you get out your opinion that they are rude and unruly while pretending to be all sweet and kind.  That's underhanded and two-faced. But I'm calling your bluff...

I want to know if ..

                Every single child that you have that is Montessori    is active and rude and if every child that isn't Montessori sits with their hands crossed quietly in their lap.  

Additionally, I want to know how long those rude and unruly children have been in a Montessori program.

What we have found is that when a child has problems people say, "Wow, that child has problems." But as soon as they come into our program people then say, "Look at those horrible Montessori children!"  It seems that as soon as there is a label, something to blame, the finger gets pointed, no matter how little time that child has actually been in Montessori and they bring the other children down with them.

Later, when the child settles down, their progression is not noticed because new children with problems have been placed in our program and their behavior stands out. What a horrible slap in the face for the teachers who work so hard, for the child who has impoved, and for all the children who ARE kind, polite, and well behaved.

Oh, and by the way, the poster stated that she was moving out of state and wanted to sell her school, not that she wanted to move her program to another state. Not too good at looking at all the details are you?

Answer 3

Good luck with your move!  I own a regular child care center and I have had a few kids from the Montessori school who are only with me due to transportation to the local public schools.  Holy Cow!!!   They are so active.  At times, even rude to other kids.  They are very interesting and special learners.  I love them!  Very independent children.  If I were to promote your business in another city/state....first get your license with the state and then take a small ad out in the local paper.  Headline:  We cater to the strength and learning capabilities of every extraordinary child.  Open and loving environment.

Answer 4

possibly contact other montessori preschools in your area and see if they'd like to buy you out.  you can also contact other non-montessori schools for the same reason, even chains.

Answer 5

Don't know about selling the building or goodwill, but you can sell your materials online, if you are left with too many after every other attempt.  You can join the yahoo group Montessori_Swap - ppl all over the world are always looking for reasonably-priced items.  (I'm one!)

Answer 6

Hey!  What state are you in?  I am wanting to open my own center and there are no buildings available and we haven't started building yet.