AMI Recognized-Accredited Montessori School Since 2006
CountrySide Montessori School at the Little Mulberry Park in Auburn, Georgia was founded by Hannelore and Bill Gottschalk, who both felt a deep commitment to the true methods of Dr. Maria Montessori.
Our Owner’s Experience in Education
Mrs. Hanne Gottschalk, a native of Kiel, Germany, has been involved in the early education field throughout her adult life. She holds a master’s degree in child development and family living.
She received her bachelor’s degree in language education, both German and French. In 2001, she completed her AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Montessori primary diploma from the Montessori Institute of Atlanta.
For almost twenty years, Mrs. Gottschalk owned and managed four nationally accredited preschools in Kentucky. She was honored with receiving recognition from Senator Ted Kennedy for excellence in early childhood education.
Mrs. Gottschalk served on the Kentucky governor’s Child Care Council for two appointed, two-year terms and served for many years as a NAEYC Validator (National Association for the Education of Young Children).
Upon coming to Atlanta in 1992, Mrs. Gottschalk trained directors and teachers in different capacities throughout the United States.
She taught German at Western Kentucky University and Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Courses as an adjunct instructor at the University of Georgia.
Her husband Mr. Bill Gottschalk has had a distinguished career as an Air Force B-52 pilot, Air Force Academy Liaison Officer, and businessman. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and received his law degree in 1999. He now practices law in Gwinnett County.
Bill and Hanne have seven grandchildren, and one well-loved English Springer named Chrissie.
Our Humble Beginnings
In 1998, when visiting a Montessori School in Cleveland, Ohio, Bill and Hanne knew that this method of teaching young children was superior. Since then, they enthusiastically envisioned opening a small Montessori school of their own.
In the winter of 2001, after an extensive search for an ideal location for their Montessori school, they found a beautiful site for what would become CountrySide Montessori School at the Little Mulberry Park.
The beautiful campus is nestled among pines and maples on two wooded acres, making it ideal for nature discovery and wholesome, safe outdoor activity for young children.
Experience Traditional Montessori Learning
Today, we are a thriving small school serving young children between the ages of 2.6 and 6+ years. Allow your child to experience our Traditional Montessori early learning curriculum. Get in touch with our team to learn more.