Construction Corner - Omni Montessori School

From its founding days in 1985, Omni Montessori School has always been dedicated to empowering students in a community faithful to the teachings of Maria Montessori. From our Primary program through the 9th grade at the AP campus, our students are challenged and supported through a student-led and self-paced environment which is guided, assessed, and enhanced by their guides, peers, and the thoughtfully created learning environments.

The growth of Omni Montessori School has always been in the cards. After completing a Master Facilities Plan in 2018, the Omni Montessori School Board of Trustees (BOT) selected an architect and a civil engineering firm to begin developing Phase One of the plan in 2019. Then, in 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the BOT and the administration to re-evaluate the Master Facilities Plan and to prioritize building an All-Day Montessori building and to expand the Upper Elementary and administrative spaces. During the 2022-2023 school year, architectural and civil engineering designs were developed in consultation with the City of Charlotte. Civil engineering permits were submitted in November 2023 and building permits were submitted in December 2023 to begin this next venture for Omni Montessori School. After a year of submittal and responses with the City of Charlotte, permits were issued in September 2024. Construction will commence at the end of September 2024.

This innovative work will allow Omni Montessori School to continue to expand and thrive in the years ahead. With the commitment of the Omni Montessori School community as well as the Growth Campaign, the school will see needed expansion, not only in physical space, but also in the number of students served in the Charlotte-area and beyond.

This is the first time in more than a decade that Omni Montessori School has embarked on a project of this magnitude. Now is the time to undertake this transformative and visionary work. This is your invitation to join us, with all of your passion and generosity, to prepare Omni Montessori School to meet the future.

Construction Photos - To Date

Construction Updates:

From the Head of School:

Dear Omni Community,

I am pleased to provide you with an update on our exciting Expansion Project. When we set out to build an All-Day Montessori classroom along with a two-story addition to Red Maple, our goal was to complete construction by August 1, 2025. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of Barringer Construction, whose consistent efforts have kept this project moving forward.

Due to permitting delays with the City of Charlotte and unforeseen weather challenges, we now anticipate occupying our new spaces by September 1, 2025. Both Omni and Barringer remain fully committed to ensuring this revised timeline is met.

In light of this adjustment, we have attached the 2025-2026 Omni Montessori School calendar. Key dates to note:

First day of school: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Last day of school: Friday, June 5, 2026

Please note that this calendar adjustment is for one year only; we fully intend to return to our traditional calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.

We sincerely appreciate your patience, flexibility, and support as we continue Growing Together. This expansion represents an exciting step for our community, and we look forward to sharing these new spaces with you next school year!

Warm regards,
Cindy Curry

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2025/2026 CALENDAR

From the Board of Trustees:

Dear Omni Community,

As we begin the New Year, we, your Board of Trustees, are excited to update you on the ongoing construction project. This project includes two major components: a new 3,500-square-foot All Day Montessori classroom with a patio and garden, and a 7,000-square-foot, two-story building for a second Upper Elementary classroom, flexible studio space, and administrative offices. We are on track for completion by September 2025, with phase one of erosion control already in progress.

While we recognize that construction can cause disruptions, we are committed to minimizing its impact on daily school activities. We are working closely with the Barringer Construction team to align construction with the school calendar and ensure the safety of students, staff, and the entire school community.

We also want to highlight the vital role of the Growth Campaign in funding this project. While a loan from First Citizens Bank and savings provide the foundation, your contributions make this project possible. Each donation, regardless of size, helps us create an environment that nurtures intellectual growth, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to sharing continued progress as we work together to build a brighter future for Omni.

Sincerely,
Omni's Board of Trustees

Phase one of erosion control is underway at the Blakeney campus. The Barringer Construction team is working diligently to work us through this initial phase.

Groundbreaking Ceremony:

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, we celebrated a significant milestone with an internal groundbreaking ceremony for our campus development. The event brought together staff, students, board members, and the Barringer Construction team to officially mark the start of this exciting project. The ceremony highlighted the strong collaboration between all involved, as everyone shared in the anticipation of the positive impact the new building and extension will have on our community. With shovels in the ground, it was a moment to reflect on the journey ahead and the collective commitment to shaping a brighter future for our institution. This event signals the beginning of a new chapter, one focused on continued growth and excellence.

All-Day Primary Building

FAQ

When did the planning for this project start?

After completing a Master Facilities Plan in 2018, the Omni BOT selected an architect and a civil engineering firm to begin developing Phase One of the plan in 2019. Then, in 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the BOT and the administration to re-evaluate the Master Facilities Plan and to prioritize building an All Day Montessori building and to expand the Upper Elementary and administrative spaces. During the 2022-2023 school year, architectural and civil engineering designs were developed in consultation with the City of Charlotte. Civil engineering permits were submitted in November 2023 and building permits were submitted in December 2023. The Board of Trustees selected a General Contractor, Barringer, in June 2024.

When will the construction project start?

With the estimated approval of permits in September 2024, it is anticipated that the project will break ground around October 1, 2024.

What are the estimated expansion completion dates?

The general contractor and his team anticipate the project will take 10 months to complete once begun. We are planning to officially open the buildings for occupancy no later than August 15, 2025.

Do you anticipate any delays to the construction schedule?

At this time, we do not anticipate any delays to the construction schedule.

What is the scope of the renovations?

We are adding a 3,500 square foot building to house an All Day Montessori classroom with a patio and garden area. We are also adding a 7,000 square foot, two-story building to serve as our second Upper Elementary classroom and flexible studio space on the first floor and our administrative space on the second floor.

Why are we doing this?

As we continue to grow and expand as a school, we need to ensure we have the space to meet this growth. We anticipate wonderful things for Omni Montessori School and this project will allow the school to reach its optimal size.

What are potential learning opportunities for students during the construction period?

Omni Montessori School plans to work with the General Contractor, Barringer, to provide time and opportunities for students to learn about the construction process and what takes place to guarantee a successful project. We also anticipate that the students will have opportunities to work with a landscape architect on selecting trees and plants to install on the campus.

How will the renovation be funded?

With approval of the Board of Trustees, the renovation project will be funded by a loan from First Citizens Bank and partial savings. Fundraising will take place to recoup our savings and apply back towards the loan through the Growth Campaign.

How much will this project cost?

It is estimated the total construction project will cost around 5.5 million dollars.

How can I support this project?

In March 2024, the Growth Campaign was launched during the Annual Auction. Along with the Annual Giving Campaign, the Growth Campaign will be an annual occurrence moving forward. Community members will be able to contribute at various levels and will be recognized for their kindness and generosity. Additionally, funds raised during the Annual Auction will support the Growth Campaign. Learn more about the Growth Campaign below or HERE.

How will the construction impact parking on the Blakeney campus?

Parking will be limited to the front parking lot only. The back parking lot will be part of the construction site and not available during construction.

How will dismissal be handled?

All dismissals will take place in the front parking lot. We will stagger pick-up times to limit congestion and ensure the safety of our students entering their vehicles.

Will the school still host PA/Community events during the construction period?

During the construction period, all PA/Community events will take place off campus with the exception of the Book Fair.

How will the school handle the noise from construction?

While noise is unavoidable, we will do our best to ensure our students will continue to thrive in their learning environments. We are working with the General Contractor to ensure that our daily and yearly school schedule is taken into consideration.

Will families still have access to the playground?

No, unfortunately, the playground will not be available after school hours or on the weekends due to ongoing construction. We encourage families to schedule time together at local parks and playgrounds in the area.

How will families receive updates about the renovation?

Families will receive updates about the renovation via email, in the weekly miniBUS, scheduled information sessions, and the Omni website.

How do you plan to handle the safety of the students during the construction period?

The identified construction company, Barringer, is reputable in the community and works to do everything in their power to ensure their workers adopt a responsible approach to health and safety. Defined parameters will be placed around the construction site to keep students out of active spaces. Supply deliveries will be carefully scheduled to limit potential hazards to students. We will continue to educate our students about the renovation project along with health and safety parameters.

What is the future of green space on campus?

While we will need to remove trees for the construction, Omni Montessori School will work closely with a landscape architect to ensure we replant and restore as much of our green space as possible.

What if I have a question about the renovation project?

If you have any questions regarding the renovation project you may contact Cindy Curry, Head of School or Donna Garrison, Director of Finance and Facilities.

Growth Campaign

COMMUNITY GIVING

Donations may be made in your family name or in memorial.

Donor Wall Recognition - Three (3) year commitment of $1,000.00 each year for a total of $3,000.00.

Donor Wall and Donor Reception Recognition - Three (3) year commitment of $2,500.00 each year for a total of $7,500.00.

All other donations will be recognized in the printed and digital Annual Report as well as on the Omni Montessori School website.

Corporate Giving

Small Business Supporter - $1000 - $9,999
Silver Level - $10,000 - $74,999
Gold Level - $75,000 – or more

All Corporate Partners will be recognized through the following:

Corporate donor recognition plaque
Donor reception with logo placement
Designated emails and social media posts
Acknowledgment in the Annual Report (digital and print)
Placement on the Omni Montessori School Website

Thank you to our Corporate donors

WARCO Construction, Inc. (Small Business Supporter)

Thank you to our individual and family donors

The Brand Family
Jason and Aurora Brick
Ken and Jeanne Dowd
Nikki Eason
The Gil Tobon Family
Angie McHenry
The Olson Family
Esther Orner
The Tanner Family
Deborah Wilson
The Zhang Family

How is the Growth Campaign Different from the Annual Giving Campaign?

How to donate

If you, your family or business are considering a generous gift to Omni Montessori School, we would be pleased to arrange a personal meeting with our Director of Development and Communications and school leaders to discuss your thoughts and update you on our progress and plans.

Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated. Donations can be processed via debit or credit card via the donate link below. Donations can also be given via checks mailed to our school directly at 9536 Blakeney Heath Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 (attn: Development). Gifts of appreciated stock are also welcomed.

While our school is under construction, a number of attractive recognition opportunities are available. Please contact Hannah Earnhardt, Director of Development and Communication, for more information.

Thank you for helping us empower children in a community faithful to the teachings of Maria Montessori.