“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
— Maria MontessoriJean Marie Pilon (1936-2023)
Montessori educator, business woman, and horsewoman, Jean Marie Pilon passed away March 9th in Fort Collins Colorado after a battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Jean faced the difficulties of FTD with her characteristic zest for life. Her bright-loving personality made her a joy to all the staff and brought meaning and joy to her son’s family who cared for her in her last years and days.
Jean and her family moved to Douglas County Colorado in 1975 where she continued her life-long commitment to Montessori and educating children. Jean rented out the Castle Rock Pool building to start her first Colorado Montessori school in 1975. Jean subsequently purchased an empty lot at 995 N. Ridge Road in Castle Rock and built the Castle Rock Montessori School building that is currently occupied by the Emmaus Anglican Church. Jean’s boundless energy led her to start a second school, the Montessori School at Lone Tree and was an essential driver for the formation of the DCS Montessori School. Both schools continue Jean’s legacy of providing outstanding Montessori education in Douglas County and Southern Denver.
In lieu of a service, the Staff of the Lone Tree Montessori School and her son John will be starting a 501c(3) non-profit, “The Jean M. Pilon Foundation for Montessori Education”, focused on training the next generation of Montessori teachers and supporting underserved families seeking high-quality private Montessori education. For additional information on how to contribute please contact Melissa Graham at: [email protected] or (303)
799-8540.
Read more about Jean
Jean was born on December 20th, 1936 to parents James Clifton Alexander and Edith Juanita Jones. Jean was married to John Leonard Pilon Jr. on October 8th, 1960 in Glenview, Illinois. John and Jean lived in La Grange Park Illinois and they enjoyed racing sailboats out of Burnham Park Harbour in Chicago. Jean received her Masters in Education from the Chicago Teachers College in 1963 followed by subsequent training in Montessori education. Jean started her first Montessori School school in the Chicago area in the early seventies.
Jean was also an avid horsewoman, traveler, and loved sea kayaking in the waters of Captiva Florida. Jean regularly participated in 50 mile endurance horse races with her beloved arabians Gazon and Embolden. Jean is survived by her husband John L. Pilon Jr., brother Roger Alexander, Sister-in-Law Ramelle Alexander; daughter Jackie A. Schiable, son John L. Pilon III, Daughter-in-Law Marcella A. Pilon; and, grandchildren Marguerite Pilon, Ella Pilon, Linden Schiable, Hayden Schiable and Danica Schiable.
Welcome to The Montessori School at Lone Tree
For over 30 years, The Montessori School at Lone Tree has nurtured children to grow into students with a love for learning and deep respect for life. Our school is knit together with experienced faculty and invested parents creating an extraordinary community dedicated to Montessori principles.
One of the unique characteristics of The Montessori School at Lone Tree is the quality and expertise of our teaching staff and administrators. Our teachers are committed to the Montessori philosophy of education. As such, their strongly held beliefs in the capability and dignity of each child lead to a learning community based on respect. We have a broad diversity of our community and we are proud to be a school that makes every person feel welcomed and appreciated. It is an environment characterized by cooperation, collaboration, kindness, and a sense of purpose.
Our school is open year round. Because we are licensed as a school and not a daycare facility, children may start when they are 2 & 1/2 and fully potty trained and attend through kindergarten or 7 years of age.
1st Montessori School to be validated by the Colorado Montessori Association
2021 Level 5 Colorado Shines Rating
Montessori School At Lone Tree selected for 2016 Lone Tree Small Business Excellence Award
Why Montessori School at Lone Tree
- Love for learning and deep respect for life 100%
- Quality and expertise of our teaching staff and administrators 100%
- A warm and welcoming feeling in our schoolhouse 100%
- We value knowing each child and treating them individually 100%
- Personalized learning experience 100%
Helpful Links
Our School calendar includes our start dates, holidays, and other important dates to remember.
Miss Sharon is our chef. She does a fantastic job of balancing nutrition with her kid-friendly meals. We serve fresh food daily, organic – milk, fresh fruits & vegetables. We use turkey for our meat. Any supplemented meals from home need to be PEANUT FREE.
Specials with secondary people who hold their classes here. Contact them directly for all information.
UPK will pay $582/month for children attending over 15 hours/week from August-May.
UPK will pay $466/month for children attending 10 hours/week from August-May.
Our Classrooms
NW Classroom
Directress:
Andi Lucero
NE Classroom
Directress:
Cathy Grodahl
SW Classroom
Directress:
Rachel Perez
SE Classroom
Directress:
Dawn Finnagan