Our Mission, Story & Team
To create a warm, nurturing community where every child develops confidence, curiosity, and a deep love of learning. We honor each child's unique potential and support families as true partners in their child's growth.
We pursue the highest standards in early childhood education through continuous learning, quality environments, and exceptional staff.
We create safe, loving communities where every child is known, valued, and celebrated for who they are.
We build strong partnerships with families and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness in our learning community.
Willow Bend Learning Center was founded on a simple belief: early childhood is sacred. In those precious years from infancy through Pre-K, children develop the confidence, curiosity, and character that will shape their entire lives.
Margaret Thompson, our founder, spent 15 years teaching in Montessori classrooms across three continents. She witnessed firsthand how children thrive when given respectful guidance, beautiful environments, and plenty of time to play, explore, and discover. In 2020, she decided to create the kind of school she always wanted to build.
On a quiet 2-acre property with mature trees and natural spaces, Willow Bend opened its doors with a commitment to Montessori principles, nature-based learning, and genuine partnerships with families. Every detail—from the specially prepared classrooms to the outdoor gardens— has been thoughtfully designed to support young children's natural drive to learn.
Today, Willow Bend serves families from across Springfield, united in their belief that quality early education is an investment in their child's future and our community's tomorrow.
We maintain rigorous health & safety protocols, including background checks, safety certifications, and updated training for all staff.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to serving families from all backgrounds and supporting children with diverse needs.
Our teachers engage in ongoing professional learning to stay current in best practices and child development research.
We model sustainable practices and teach children to care for our natural world through outdoor learning experiences.