Our History
About Voyager
Voyager was founded in 1995 by a group of dedicated parents and teachers who felt strongly about the need for an elementary program which promoted responsibility and mutual respect and adhered to Montessori principles both for the children and the adults in the community. Nancy Michel, the founding Head of School, with teachers Doreen Morgan and Susan Cadden, opened Voyager in the fall of 1995 at a temporary location with 30 students in grades 1-4. During the first year, the school became an affiliate of the American Montessori Society and obtained state approval from the Washington State Board of Education.
In subsequent years Voyager purchased 3.5 acres at 8225 High School Road on Bainbridge Island, installed two new classroom buildings, invested in significant grounds improvement and expanded its elementary program to grade 6 allowing a maximum capacity of 44 students. Voyager continues to develop and support programs for specialists, tuition assistance, parent volunteers, planned giving, alumni and community outreach.
Voyager’s programs are supported by funding from tuition, fundraising and direct donations. In 2005, the annual budget is nearing $300,000. Over 85% of the annual budget is derived from tuition, and 10% of the revenue generated from tuition is allocated for Voyager’s tuition assistance program.