Our History
The original Imagination Station opened in Port Orange, Florida in the fall of 1984. The small school was opened by two friends, Kim Vukelja and Willa Keefer, who were both passionate about providing families with high-quality care and education for their young children. The classrooms were designed to be prepared environments in which the children could reach their full potential.
Ten years later, after seeing a need for quality care in the Daytona Beachside area, Imagination Station expanded to its current location. The new site featured a program which put into practice more of Dr. Montessori's theories and teachings. As a matter of necessity, Willa remained at the Port Orange school while Kim took on the daily operations of the new facility. The schools became separate corporations in the spring of 1997.
Today, Imagination Station Montessori is widely known and well-respected in the Central Florida area. This excellent reputation has grown by the use of effective, proven methods of teaching by a caring and dedicated staff. The majority of the teaching staff has been with the school for many years, proof of their belief in the program, their loyalty to the administration, and their love of the profession. With this combination of a proven program and dedicated staff, Imagination Station is a leader in quality Early Childhood Education.
Our Programs
Toddler Program (Ages 1-3 years)
Pre-Primary Program (Age 3-5 years)
Pre-Primary Program (Age 3-5 years)
Children in the Toddler Program will learn the basic self-care skills of using the toilet, washing their own hands and face, and changing their clothes. In addition, they will develop other skills toward independence such as pouring and spooning. Foundational academic skills such as naming colors and shapes will begin, along with counting objects and recognizing common items found in a wide range of environments. These skills are all presented in a nurturing environment using songs, games, and interesting materials.
Pre-Primary Program (Age 3-5 years)
Pre-Primary Program (Age 3-5 years)
Pre-Primary Program (Age 3-5 years)
In the Pre-Primary Classrooms, the basics acquired in the toddler program are built upon. Lessons are presented in Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Science, Art, Geography, and History. These lessons are offered in a progression that ensures a balance between challenging the child to reach for understanding and mastery, without being so difficult as to be overwhelming or frustrating for him. At this age, the children are also introduced to our Peace Curriculum which teaches tolerance, patience, understanding, and a desire for a peaceful and caring atmosphere.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4 by September 1)
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4 by September 1)
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4 by September 1)
The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program is a State-funded program offered to all children age 4 by September 1st of the current academic year. Parents interested in enrolling their child in this program need to make an appointment with the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia. They can be reached at (386) 323-2400 or online at http://www.elcfv.org/.
Kindergarten
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4 by September 1)
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4 by September 1)
Step Up for Students is a non-profit organization that administers the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship for low-income students. The scholarship program was created by the Florida Legislature in 2001 and is funded by corporations that recieve a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for their contributions. To learn more, contact the program offices at (866) 590-5366 or online at stepupforstudents.org .
Our Kindergarten Teacher, Mrs. Denise Mueller, has been with the school since 1986. She holds an AA Degree and is Montessori Certified by AMS. She has been running the Kindergarten Program here since the first year it was offered. Patient and dedicated, she focuses on the academic as well as the social development of the children.
School Year Kindergarten (8am-2pm): $8,800.00
Afterschool Care Available
Our Teachers
At Imagination Station Montessori, safety is our primary concern. For this reason, we abide by State Law in the hiring process. This includes careful background screenings at both the State and Federal Level, fingerprinting, and an affidavit of Good Moral Character. Only AFTER these documents are recieved can the person be allowed on the premises. We all take great pride in our administrators, the teachers, and our program.
Take a moment to find out more about our caring, talented staff:
Owner/Director
Kim Vukelja
B.A.; Admistrator's Credential
Lead Montessori Directress--
Pre-Primary Class
Kindergarten Program Director and Teacher
Denise Mueller
A.A.; CDA; AMS Certification
Montessori Directresses--Pre-Primary Class
Jennifer Donnelly
CDA; AMS Certification Pending
Sarah Ramsaran
CDA; AMS Certification
Teachers
Ivette Rodriguez - CDA; Director's Credential
Sandra del Toro Torres - B.A.; CDA
Shaquana Butler - B.A.; CDA
Janice Logue - A.A.; CDA
Marjorie Jackson - CDA
Emily O'Connor
Amanda Springer - B.A.
Gianinna Biglia - B.A.; CDA Pending
Jesse Cox
Farah Issa - B.A.
Mildred Montilva - B.A.
Melissa Velez
Jake Vukelja - Coach