About Us

At MidCities Montessori Academy, we believe that every child holds the key to their own vast potential, waiting to be unlocked through the power of innovative education. Nestled at the heart of our community, our school is a vibrant sanctuary of learning, designed to foster the development of each student. 

Our mission is to cultivate an atmosphere where curiosity leads to discovery, learning is a joy, and every child is empowered to become an independent thinker and lifelong learner. With a dedicated team of passionate educators,  and a commitment to personalized education, MidCities Montessori Academy is not just a school, but a community where students, teachers, and families come together to build a brighter future.

Our Story

At the heart of MidCities Montessori Academy lies a story of inspiration and transformation. Our Director’s (Kim Olstrup) unwavering dedication to creating a nurturing haven for students was ignited by a deeply personal experience. Witnessing her own daughter’s previous teacher being treated unfairly, she recognized a crucial need for change in the educational landscape.

Encompassing the full spectrum of education, from pre-K to high school, our institution is built upon the cornerstone belief that every student is a unique individual, possessing diverse learning styles. It was this conviction that propelled us to pioneer a tailored curriculum approach, placing the reins of learning firmly in the hands of each student. Through a harmonious blend of direct instruction, small-group engagement, and one-on-one learning, we ensure education is not only student-paced but also hands-on, fostering an environment that caters to their distinct needs.

Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, shaping responsible global citizens. Through initiatives like blood drives, canned food drives, and community events, we instill the values of compassion and community engagement, fostering a sense of purpose that goes beyond academics.

Embracing innovation, our high school program epitomizes our dedication to holistic growth. Students not only delve into core subjects but also seize the opportunity for college dual credits. The high school journey was enhanced by a pivotal moment – our Director’s daughter urging her to create a school that imparts truly valuable life skills, transcending the confines of standardized tests. As a result, our high school students run their own business, Bizeteen, mastering business management and earning certifications that prepare them for real-world success.

At MidCities Montessori Academy, we stand against the notion of packing students into classrooms, where they become mere numbers. We champion a personalized, student-centric approach that nurtures each individual’s potential. In our primary and elementary programs, we utilize Transparent Classroom, allowing parents to witness their child’s participation through photos and material explanations, fostering transparency and collaboration.

Our philosophy encapsulates the essence of positive change. We believe that teaching the curriculum is one thing, but teaching students to become compassionate, empowered, and influential members of society is another. As we carve our path, we invite you to follow all of our adventures on Facebook at MidCities Montessori Academy.

Are you ready to be part of this remarkable journey? Book your tour today and experience education that fosters lasting impact. 

Meet Our Team

Kim
Olstrup

DIRECTOR

Laura
Lee Lee

LEAD PRIMARY GUIDE

Valerie Brave

LEAD LOWER ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Heidi
Razo

LEAD UPPER ELEMENTARY
GUIDE

Elizabeth Greer

LEAD HIGH SCHOOL 
GUIDE

Meet the vibrant team behind MidCities Montessori Academy, a group of passionate educators and staff members dedicated to creating an enriching and supportive environment for our students. Each team member brings a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to our community, ensuring personalized and engaging learning experiences for every child.

From our highly qualified teachers to our supportive administrative staff, everyone at MidCities is here to nurture students’ curiosity, independence, and joy in discovery. We believe in building strong partnerships with parents and the community to support each child’s holistic development.

Get to know the faces of MidCities Montessori Academy and learn more about their stories, experiences, and the unwavering love for education that drives them to make our school truly special.

KIM OLSTRUP- FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Kim Olstrup is a multifaceted force of modern ingenuity and stands as a beacon of progress and community empowerment. Juggling roles as a mother, wife, business proprietor, and visionary entrepreneur, Olstrup’s journey has been marked by a dedication to enriching lives and fostering interconnectedness.

A pivotal moment arrived when her daughter’s original Montessori guide departed due to unforeseen circumstances.  This marked the turning point that ignited Kim’s passion to create a place where every person is treated with respect, and that every child enjoys their education. Propelled by an unwavering belief in the transformative potential of Montessori inspired education, she was driven to bridge the educational gap for her child and numerous others within the local community. This determination led her to establish MidCities Montessori Academy.

Kim opened doors to students across the metroplex, establishing a haven for self-directed, hands-on education that prepares children for a dynamic future. Her transformative educational vision also gave teachers a special place. She champions a learning environment that empowers educators to teach children, not just to the test, allowing them to embrace their unique teaching styles while nurturing each child’s individual growth. Just as students are at the heart of MidCities Montessori Academy’s approach, Kim recognizes the significance of providing a supportive space for teachers to flourish. 

With her fingers entwined in the threads of diverse enterprises, from education to community building, Kim Olstrup exemplifies the transformative potential of fostering kindness and unity. Because of that, her vision extends beyond the classroom walls. Recognizing the immense potential to amplify positive impact, Kim’s focus on the school-wide campaign of kindness engages the entire school community in acts of goodwill. She truly believes in sowing the seeds of a more compassionate world—one act of kindness at a time.

LAURA LEE LEE- LEAD PRIMARY GUIDE

Laura Lee, shines with exceptional dedication and warmth and is the epitome of the ideal guide for every child’s educational journey. With a heart that embraces each child as her own, Laura Lee empowers them to blossom into independent learners, setting the stage for a lifelong love of discovery.

Certified by CME and boasting over 20 years of expertise, Laura Lee has honed her craft in nurturing young minds aged four through six within Montessori classrooms. Her educational philosophy transcends mere academics; it encompasses the holistic development of each child. She firmly believes that education encompasses social, mental, and emotional growth.

As our primary guide, Laura’s mission is to ignite a genuine passion for learning within each child. By fostering a love of discovery, she lays a solid foundation for their future academic endeavors. Her classroom is a sanctuary of exploration, curiosity, and growth, where young minds flourish under her gentle guidance.

Beyond the classroom, Laura Lee is a traveler at heart. When she’s not inspiring young minds, you’ll likely find her reveling in the great outdoors – be it riding ATV’s, fishing in serene waters, or sharing stories around a bonfire.

She paves the way for not just academic success, but also the development of well-rounded individuals who possess the spark of curiosity and the flame of independence.

VALERIE BRAVE- LEAD LOWER ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Valerie Brave is a guiding light of dedication and inspiration. With an enduring commitment to fostering curiosity and understanding, she is not only a teacher but a mentor, nurturer, and advocate for children’s growth.

As a devoted mother of two teenage boys, Valerie’s lifelong passion for teaching and working with children has been a driving force in her journey. With over 15 years of experience, Valerie’s expertise spans a diverse range of grade levels and teaching methodologies.

Valerie earned her BA in Humanities from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and holds an AA in Early Childhood Education, EC-4 from Brookhaven College. Her educational journey has equipped her to guide young minds with care, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Valerie’s dedication is a true asset to our community, and her advocacy for Indigenous communities stands as a testament to her commitment to celebrating diversity and empowering every child’s potential

Valerie’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea of empowering her students. She believes in guiding them to become independent learners, thinkers, and compassionate individuals. She places a strong emphasis on fostering open dialogue, encouraging questions, and creating a safe space for students to express their thoughts and ideas.

Heidi Razo- LEAD UPPER ELEMENTARY GUIDE

Heidi Razo is a beacon of compassion and expertise, and profound dedication to nurturing students, families, and our community. As a mother of two, one with a processing disorder and another who is dyslexic, Heidi brings an empathetic perspective to her role that transcends conventional teaching.

With unwavering devotion, Heidi consistently exceeds expectations for her students, embracing them with a warmth that has earned her the cherished title of “school hugger.” Her genuine happiness radiates, creating an environment where every student feels valued, seen, and empowered. Heidi is not just a teacher; she is the inspiration, and role model every student deserves.

Heidi champions the crucial values of mental health and the power of children’s voices. She believes in guiding her students to discover their own voices while learning to respect one another, regardless of differences. A graduate of Angelo State University, Heidi boasts over 20 years of teaching experience and certifications in Early Childhood, Generalist, and Physical Education. Additionally, her pursuit of excellence led her to complete master’s courses in Education Administration.

Heidi’s journey has been marked by diversity, with her expertise extending to various programs including Dyslexia, ESL, Gifted and Talented, Occupational and Physical Therapy, 504, and Special Education. She took a hiatus from teaching to explore Behavioral Health, where she harnessed her administrative talents, discovering that her gift for teaching extends far beyond the classroom.

In her pivotal role as our Lead Upper Elementary Guide, Heidi Razo is also our Curriculum Director, harnessing her extensive background and personal insights to craft an enriching, inclusive, and dynamic curriculum that addresses the diverse needs of every student. Her leadership in curriculum development is driven by a vision to intertwine academic rigor with compassionate teaching methods, ensuring that our educational practices not only meet but exceed the holistic needs of our learners.

Heidi’s teaching philosophy encapsulates her nurturing spirit. She envisions her role as the guardian of a space where students can breathe, inquire, explore, and open their hearts to truly be seen. As a leader, she’s committed to unearthing the potential within each student and having the courage to nurture their growth holistically.

Elizabeth greer- LEAD HIGH SCHOOL GUIDE

Elizabeth Greer is the cornerstone of our high school teaching program, bringing a wealth of experience and a profound passion for education that truly sets her apart. With an educational background that includes a Master’s Degree in Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and an Associate’s Degree in Arts, she embodies the essence of a lifelong learner. Her commitment to expanding her knowledge is further evidenced by her current studies in Holistic Nutrition at Hill College, demonstrating her dedication to holistic wellness and education.

With thirteen years of teaching experience, Elizabeth has honed an impressive array of skills crucial to fostering an engaging and effective learning environment. She excels in communication, conflict resolution, lesson planning, and the integration of Educational Technology into her curriculum. Certified in Special Education (SPED) and Early Childhood through 12th grade (EC-12), Elizabeth’s ability to adapt and innovate is unparalleled. Her creative and artistic nature drives her to design lessons that are not only informative but also deeply engaging, encouraging students to think outside the box and develop a genuine love for learning.

Elizabeth’s approach to education is one that inspires. As high school teacher at our school, her impact is profound, shaping the educational experience of each student with her unique blend of expertise, creativity, and dedication. Her role is more than that of a teacher; she is a mentor, a guide, and a pivotal figure in our school community, deeply committed to the personal and academic growth of every student.

Elizabeth Greer’s presence in our school is a testament to the transformative power of an AMAZING educator. Through her dedication and innovative teaching methods, she creates a learning environment that not only educates but also inspires, making our school a place where students are empowered to explore, discover, and achieve their fullest potential.

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testimonials

“Five Stars!”

Love that my child is going here. The staff truly cares for the kids and does so much for the community. I cannot recommend this school enough!

They have all told me on more than one occasion that they love school. They are able to learn at their own pace and are given the opportunity to explore personal interests in the process. It is astonishing to see the transformation box my oldest from this stressed out, angry child I had to force out the door to school every morning to this flourishing young man who is happy and growing daily because of his schooling. Seriously, if you are on the fence, just go for a tour…

This school is so Amazing! It is a school where the child comes first and will leave with the ability to succeed in life. Midcities is the only school would send my children to. I strongly recommended them for yours.

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Get IN touch

info@midcitiesmontessori.com

(817) 476-1647

209 B Harwood Rd
Bedford TX 76021

Visit Us

Explore our campus firsthand and see what makes MidCities Montessori Academy unique. Tours are available by appointment only, ensuring a personalized experience for each visitor. Please contact us to schedule a convenient time for your visit.