Our Story
Crossroads Montessori School was founded by educators Kody Czerwonka and Erika Zytka — teachers and lifelong learners who believe that education should inspire curiosity, confidence, and compassion.
After years of experience teaching, we recognized a need in our community: a place where students of all ages could learn, grow, and thrive through the authentic Montessori approach. Crossroads Montessori was born from that vision — to create a K–12 school where students are trusted, challenged, and supported every step of the way.
We are proud to be Effingham’s first and only Montessori school serving Kindergarten through 12th Grade.
Our Mission:
To cultivate independent, curious, and self-motivated learners through authentic Montessori education, preparing them to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Our Montessori approach:
At Crossroads, learning is hands-on, purposeful, and rooted in real life.
We follow the Montessori philosophy of education, which emphasizes:
Multi-age classrooms that foster mentoring, collaboration, and leadership
Self-directed learning with individualized guidance and meaningful work
Real-world engagement through community projects, outdoor learning, and student-led field studies
A strong focus on social-emotional growth, conflict resolution, and restorative practices
The belief that every student is a capable, creative, and worthy member of the community
Montessori isn’t just an educational method — it’s a way of helping students become thoughtful, capable, and engaged human beings.
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
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We nurture students’ natural curiosity and encourage questions, discovery, and a love of learning that lasts far beyond the classroom.
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We believe freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. Our students are trusted to make choices and take ownership of their learning — with support and accountability.
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Every student belongs. We celebrate diversity, challenge systems that exclude, and make room for every learner to thrive.
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We model kindness, empathy, and respect in everything we do. When challenges arise, we use restorative practices to learn, repair, and grow.
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We are stronger together. Our school is built on relationships, teamwork, and the belief that every voice matters.
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We care for ourselves, listen to each other, and take responsibility for our shared space. Every person and place matters.
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Learning should matter beyond the classroom. Our students engage in meaningful projects, community work, and hands-on experiences that connect to the real world.
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We believe learning is not just about academics — it’s about becoming the kind of person you want to be. Reflection, feedback, and personal growth are part of our everyday practice.
our community
Crossroads Montessori is more than just a school — it’s a growing community of families, educators, and students working together to build something meaningful in Effingham.
We are a nonprofit, community-rooted school committed to providing an accessible, high-quality Montessori education for families in our region.
Our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently pending with the IRS.
Once approved, contributions and donations to the school will be tax-deductible.
Crossroads Montessori School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and religion to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance programs, and other school-administered programs.
Connect with us
Have questions about our school? Want to learn more about Montessori education or the Crossroads community?
We’d love to hear from you!
Fill out this contact form and we’ll be in touch soon.