WELCOME
The Sunflower School is a Wildflower Montessori charter school that proudly opened in August 2025, offering tuition-free education for Kindergarten and above within the Aurora community. Rooted in authentic Montessori principles, our mission is to nurture curiosity, creativity, and global citizenship through hands-on learning, cultural celebration, and an inclusive, child-led approach.
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We are deeply committed to reducing barriers to access so that high-quality Montessori education is available to all families. For our early childhood programs, we offer flexible tuition options, including a tiered tuition system and Universal Preschool (UPK) funding.
During our first year, we have been grateful to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from families, community partners, and our authorizers, affirming the strength of our program, the care of our educators, and the sense of belonging we are building together. At The Sunflower School, we cultivate a community grounded in independence, mutual respect, and self-expression—where children are supported in exploring their emotions, engaging meaningfully with the world, and developing a lifelong love of learning.
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Our mixed-age Montessori classrooms currently serve children ages 3–6 and 6–9, creating a warm, dynamic environment where collaboration, leadership, and every child’s voice are valued. As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to welcome new families into our growing community and continue building on the strong foundation of our inaugural year. Over the next two years, we look forward to expanding thoughtfully, with the goal of serving students through Upper Elementary and ultimately through 6th grade.
Located at the Aurora Tech Center, next to Lava Island, The Sunflower School offers a convenient and accessible location for families. As we continue to grow, we warmly invite dedicated families and community partners to join us in shaping a thriving, sustainable school community. Together, we are creating a joyful, enriching place where children flourish and families feel deeply connected.
Meet Our Leadership
Teacher Founders
The Sunflower School was founded by experienced Montessori educators Zoey He and Emely De Jesus-Murillo, driven by their passion for creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. As co-directors, they bring a wealth of experience in Montessori education and a deep commitment to student-driven learning.
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With a micro-school model, Emely and Zoey take an active role in both the classroom and the school's operations, managing essential aspects such as finance, marketing, and enrollment. This hands-on approach ensures that student and family voices are at the heart of every decision.
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Supporting their vision is a dedicated board of directors, whose expertise in nonprofit finance, school marketing, and community engagement helps sustain and grow The Sunflower School. Together, they are shaping a school where children thrive, curiosity leads the way, and every voice matters.
Join Our Community
