Our Field Trip & Family Favorites Guide
Our community is full of places and people who make learning come alive—on school days and weekends alike. The businesses featured here aren’t just sponsors; they’re part of the fabric that connects our families, teachers, and students beyond the classroom. From field trips and enrichment programs to parent-loved local favorites, these partners help nurture the same sense of curiosity, creativity, and care that defines Montessori Children’s School. We’re grateful to share them with you.
2025/26 Scholarship Supporters
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Arthur's Shoe Tree — Bay Village
We often wonder how many little feet walk our hallways wearing new kicks from Arthur’s Shoe Tree — a Bay Village legend since 1969, from back when shoe stores knew a thing or two about feet. Family-owned and built on generations of care, Arthur’s Shoe Tree has long been known for its personal fitting, quality selection, and genuine attention to every customer. Now owned by Jeff and Rosie Johnson — the son and daughter-in-law of Mrs. Johnson, an MCS teaching legend — the shop continues to embody the same comfort, care, and connection that make our community feel like home.
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Barrio
Our Fall Fest MVPs came rolling in with tacos, teamwork, and the kind of energy that keeps a community buzzing. The Barrio crew couldn’t have been kinder or more fun — friendly, fast, and totally in the spirit of the night. Their food was fresh, their smiles were big, and they helped turn our event into something unforgettable. We can’t wait to partner with them again!
Visit our local Barrio in Lakewood, dine in, or find out where their food truck will pop up next — you’ll be glad you did.
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Brassica — Westlake
We’d heard Brassica was a family favorite among MCS families, so we reached out — and they immediately answered the call. It meant so much to feel the support of what many think of as a “chain” eatery that still manages to feel local, connected, and full of heart. Their generosity reminded us that community isn’t about size; it’s about spirit. And if you’re wondering, yes — they’ve stayed high on our MCS staff DoorDash lists.
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CertaPro Painters
Family-owned and operated by an MCS alumni family, CertaPro Painters brings care, craftsmanship, and color to every project. Though the business itself is new to our donor circle, the family behind it has supported MCS with generosity and heart for many years. Their ongoing connection to our community helps us continue creating environments where children’s creativity and confidence can grow.
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The Cleveland Museum of Art
A true Cleveland treasure, the Cleveland Museum of Art opens windows to creativity and culture for all ages. A beloved field trip destination for our Kindergarten and Lower Elementary programs, the museum always offers our students a fresh and inspiring experience. Their generosity helps us extend that same spirit of exploration and wonder to our Montessori learners every day.
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Happy Camper Lemonade & Hot Cocoa
From the moment their truck pulled in, the Happy Camper crew brought warmth, laughter, and a little caffeine-fueled magic to Fall Fest. Their cocoa and coffee were a hit with kids and parents alike, and their kindness made a busy night feel effortless. Genuine, friendly, and full of heart — they were everything their name promises. We can’t wait to partner with them again!
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Lil’ Angels Photography
Now in their second year as MCS’s school photography studio, Lil’ Angels has quickly become a cherished part of our community. Their patience, kindness, and ability to capture each child’s true personality make picture days feel joyful and relaxed. Through their lens, we’re able to preserve the smiles, giggles, and growth that make every school year so special.
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Little Diggers — Fairview Park
Each visit to Little Diggers invites children to dig in, build up, and bring imagination to life in over 1,000 square feet of sand and fun. Located right here in Fairview Park, this locally loved play space offers more than trucks and sand — it gives parents a place to relax and connect while their littles explore. Built on the belief that every child’s imagination is unique and that play is essential for healthy development, Little Diggers has quickly become a favorite destination for MCS families — where whole-heart play, creativity, and community come together.
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Liquid Lifestyles — Westlake
Liquid Lifestyles teaches swimmers of all ages to move with confidence and joy in the water. Highly recommended by MCS parents, their small 1-to-2 instructor-to-student ratio creates an encouraging, individualized experience for every child. Their team’s warmth, professionalism, and genuine commitment to helping kids grow in both skill and confidence make them a true community favorite — and a perfect reflection of the MCS spirit of brave, capable learning.
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NeoMotion Academy — Avon Lake
NeoMotion Academy builds confidence through movement, strength, and skill — encouraging kids to move with focus and joy. Founded by a group of friends with a shared passion for fitness, discipline, and community, NeoMotion has quickly become a second home for many MCS students. Inside its walls, children learn far more than physical strength — they practice respect, listening, and perseverance in a space that’s as encouraging as it is challenging. There’s truly nothing else like it in Cleveland.
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Orlando Suazo
An MCS dad and gifted storyteller, Orlando Suazo sees the world through a creative, compassionate lens. An Emmy Award–winning visual artist, he captures the beauty in both everyday moments and extraordinary stories — always with intention and heart. The Suazo family’s generosity through our scholarship fund reflects the same spirit Orlando brings to his work: thoughtful, artful, and full of meaning. We’re so grateful to count them among our MCS family favorites.
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Porterfi Jewelry — Rocky river
Each piece at Porterfi tells its own story — hand-selected from independent jewelry designers not typically found in Cleveland, and giving clients a true one-on-one experience. Founded by Jaeda Kinkoph, parent of MCS alumni twins, Porterfi is built on connection and authenticity. Guided by the belief that jewelry should tell your story, Jaeda’s passion for bringing people together and giving back to the community shines through in everything she does — a perfect reflection of the MCS spirit.
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RAW Holistic Spa — Lakewood
RAW Holistic Spa is rooted in a philosophy of mindful, natural care — helping each guest feel balanced, confident, and renewed. Founded and owned by Kristen Parken, daughter of MCS teaching legend Mrs. Johnson, the spa reflects Kristen’s passion for creating calm, restorative spaces. From its light-filled atrium to its peaceful treatment rooms, every detail is designed to nurture both body and mind. Her generosity and warmth mirror the same spirit our staff brings to their students every day at MCS.
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Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park
Adventure lives here! Ray’s Indoor Bike Park inspires riders of all ages to push limits, celebrate progress, and embrace a sense of courage and play — values we hold dear at MCS. One of Ray’s original founding twelve was our very own Mr. Lawrence, whose long-standing friendship with Ray Petro helped shape the park’s early vision. Today, Ray’s continues to draw riders from all over the world to experience one of the most unique and community-centered bike parks anywhere — and we’re proud to share that story as part of our MCS family legacy.
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Rooted Landscape — Westlake
Rooted Landscape brings care, sustainability, and respect for nature to every space they tend. As the team that keeps our MCS grounds healthy and beautiful through every season, they help create the calm, welcoming environments our children enjoy each day. Family-owned and passionate about thoughtful outdoor care and design, Rooted extends that same generosity to our community through their support of the MCS Scholarship Fund — a partnership that continues to help our school grow and thrive.
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STRATEGY DESIGN PARTNERS — WESTLAKE
Strategy Design Partners (SDP) is a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, board optimization, merger facilitation, and communications. Beyond their expertise, SDP brings heart — helping organizations move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. We’re deeply grateful for their generous support of the MCS Scholarship Fund and for the thoughtful spirit they bring to the broader community — reminding us that when strategy meets genuine care, truly wonderful things can grow.
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VAUX
Founded by MCS parent and board member Erin Vokes, VAUX is a Cleveland-based social enterprise specializing in web design and development, digital marketing, and strategic consulting. Erin’s commitment to purposeful, community-driven work shines through in everything VAUX does, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of the MCS family.
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V/O Medspa — Avon
At V/O Med Spa, wellness and confidence go hand in hand. Their team helps people look and feel their best through thoughtful, personalized care — a mission that beautifully mirrors how we nurture confidence and self-discovery in our students every day. We’re so grateful for their generosity and partnership in supporting the MCS Scholarship Fund.
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Western Reserve Historical Society
From century-old stories to hands-on history, WRHS keeps Cleveland’s past alive in inspiring ways. Their support connects MCS students to a deep sense of place, discovery, and pride in our shared community.
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Zofia Anna Photography
An MCS mom and creative soul, Zofia Sitarz of Zofia Anna Photography brings extraordinary warmth and artistry to every photograph she takes. Her images reflect the heart of Montessori — seeing each child as an individual, full of wonder, curiosity, and joy. From the headshots that brighten our website to the children’s sittings that capture authentic moments of growth and personality, her work beautifully tells the story of our community. The Sitarz family continues to give generously of their time and talent, helping us preserve the spirit that makes MCS so special.
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Zuzu Chocolates — Westlake
Family-owned and proudly based in Westlake, Zuzu Chocolates has been creating handcrafted confections since 2019 — from artisan truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries to gelato, espresso, and custom desserts. Their passion for craft and community makes every visit feel like a treat. A Fall Fest favorite, Zuzu adds the perfect touch of sweetness and joy to our scholarship story — and to the MCS community that loves them.

