Proven Results

A Track Record of Excellence—and a Commitment to Restore Access

NuTech Montessori is built on more than a vision—it is grounded in a proven record of delivering high-quality early childhood education at scale.

Founder Craig Kitson brings over 16 years of experience in education, including leadership of one of the highest-performing Pre-K systems in Ohio.

Proven System-Wide Results

In the 2023–2024 school year:

  • 40 schools earned the highest 5-Star rating

  • 1 school earned a 4-Star rating

  • 98% of schools achieved the top rating level

Following updates from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth:

100% of sites were elevated to the highest “Gold” rating

This level of system-wide quality is unmatched among large urban districts in Ohio.

Leadership That Delivers—Even in Transition

In 2022–2023, Craig stepped into a lead administrative role during a period of significant transition.

  • Key team members departed

  • Responsibilities expanded rapidly

  • Systems required rebuilding

Despite these challenges, the program achieved its strongest performance on record, demonstrating the ability to:

  • Lead through change

  • Maintain quality at scale

  • Deliver measurable outcomes for children and families

Why Early Childhood Matters

The early years are the most critical period of brain development.

  • Over 1 million neural connections form every second

  • Language, reasoning, and social-emotional skills develop rapidly

  • High-quality early education has lasting academic and life outcomes

As a former Pre-K teacher, Craig has seen firsthand how the right environment can accelerate growth—from early letter recognition to reading at a mid-kindergarten to first-grade level.

Restoring Access for Cleveland Families

Cleveland is at a turning point.

With the closure of Building Better Futures sites and approximately 30 Pre-K classrooms, many families are losing access to high-quality early learning opportunities in their own neighborhoods.

NuTech Montessori is being launched with a clear purpose:

To help restore those lost seats and expand access to high-quality Pre-K education

This is not just about opening one school—it’s about rebuilding opportunity for families across the community.

A Vision for Growth

NuTech Montessori is the first step in a larger plan to:

  • Reestablish access to high-quality preschool across Cleveland

  • Launch additional innovative models, including NextGen, focused on science and creative curriculum

  • Build a network of schools over the next decade

The long-term goal:

Make Cleveland a destination for excellence in early childhood education

An Experienced Leadership Team

NuTech Montessori is supported by a deeply experienced team:

  • Dr. Terri Lyles

    15+ years leading science programming, consistently driving strong academic outcomes

  • Kristie Fleischhacker

    23 years of Montessori experience, with a lifelong foundation in Montessori education

  • Carla Foster-Koonce

    Financial and enrollment expert, business owner, and key contributor to record enrollment growth

Together, this team brings:

  • Proven educational leadership

  • Deep Montessori expertise

  • Strong operational and financial management

Built on Results. Focused on What’s Next.

NuTech Montessori is grounded in proven success and driven by a clear mission:

  • Deliver exceptional early childhood education

  • Restore access for families

  • Build something sustainable for the future

Families who join NuTech Montessori are not just enrolling in a school—they are becoming part of a movement to expand opportunity and excellence in early learning.


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