HistorySan Jose Montessori School was founded in 1970 by Elizabeth Reinhardt. She remained at the helm until 1974, when she turned it over to Polli Soholt. Polli began working as a teacher at the school in 1970, and she remained with the program as Owner, Administrator and Teacher until 2010. At that time, Polli began her current career as an AMI Teacher Trainer and the school came under the ownership and leadership of Ilana Dover. Ilana became certified and came to San Jose Montessori School in the early 1980’s and worked with the children for a short time. She left to raise her daughter and pursue other interests, then returned to the school in 1999 as an Administrative Assistant. The following year she opened the second environment as the school expanded to two classrooms. |
She continued to work in the classroom as she took over the leadership role in 2010. Ilana worked in those capacities until her untimely death in early 2017. Ilana’s husband, Greg Benton, is now the Owner of the school and Susan Fernandez is now the Director. Susan first came to San Jose Montessori School in 2000 and has continually worked with the children from that time to the present. During that time, she prepared herself for the Director's responsibilities by working directly with Ilana and taking the required leadership courses. While in the Directorship role, Susan continues to work in the classroom with the children and other staff.