In 1972 the Grand Rapids Public School system began to develop and support a Montessori program.  What originally began as a PreK- K "Children's House" program has since grown into a full Pre-K through grade 12 offering.  Over the years the Montessori program has moved  several times,  with a name change each time.  Until recently, it was split into three locations: North Park Montessori, in North Park Elementary, serves grades PreK-6th; Ottawa Montessori Academy, in the  former Iroquois Middle, served PreK-8th, and New Century High School, 9th-12th, was located in  Ottawa Hills High School.

The move in 2006 fulfilled a long-time dream for the PreK-12 program to exist on one campus. Though North Park Montessori will continue at its current location, the Ottawa Montessori and New Century Montessori  programs merged on the Central/City/Fountain campus.  Relocation prompted another name change for the PreK-8th program, Grand Rapids Montessori Public School, and a chance to revitalize  policies and curriculum.  The new location also offers opportunities for field trips to downtown resources such as the GR Main Library, colleges, theatres and museums.  The Montessori  staff and families look forward to growing deep roots at this new site.