Our World Montessori Celebrates Grand Opening of New Niskayuna Childcare Facility

NISKAYUNA, N.Y. — October 14, 2026 — Our World Montessori, Spraragen Partners, and community leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of a new 5,600-square-foot childcare and early education facility at 46 Commerce Park Drive in Niskayuna. The $2.4 million project transformed a vacant parcel into a fully operational school in just 101 days.

Founded in 2004, Our World Montessori has served local families for more than two decades. When the school's longtime lease was not renewed, it faced potential closure and displacing approximately 46 children and their families.

Spraragen Partners, a Schenectady-based real estate development company, partnered with Our World Montessori to develop a permanent new home and preserve critical childcare services in the community.

“Investing in childcare is an investment in our families, our workforce, and our community,” said Brooke Spraragen of Spraragen Partners. “As a mom and a local employer, I’ve seen firsthand how important reliable childcare is to working families. When we learned the school was at risk of closing, we saw an opportunity not only to preserve an established childcare provider but to create a permanent home that could serve even more families for years to come”

Construction began in May 2026, and the school welcomed students on September 8, 2026, in time for the new academic year.

The project was made possible through a collaborative effort involving significant private investment, a $500,000 grant from Empire State Development, support from the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, and expedited approvals from the Town of Niskayuna.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has prioritized expanding access to quality childcare to support working families across the state. This new facility, made possible by leveraging public funding against private investments, will ensure that these early education services remain available for generations to come.”

Situated on approximately 2.6 acres in Niskayuna Commerce Park, the new all-electric, energy-efficient facility features five classrooms, dedicated outdoor play areas, and green space designed to support Montessori learning.

While the former facility was licensed for 70 children, its aging infrastructure and inefficient layout limited actual enrollment to approximately 46 students. The new facility has the potential to accommodate up to 80 children and introduce infant care for the first time.

"For more than 22 years, Our World Montessori has been a place where children learn, grow, and develop a lifelong love of learning," said Diane Lanci, Head of School at Our World Montessori. "Our new home allows us to continue that tradition while providing a beautiful environment designed specifically for our students and teachers. We are grateful to everyone who helped turn this vision into a reality."

The project also highlights the important relationship between childcare access and regional economic development. Located within Niskayuna Commerce Park, the facility is near major employers, including GE Aerospace, GE Vernova, Momentive, and the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory.

The October 14 celebration marks not only the opening of a new building but also the continuation of a 22-year educational legacy and a significant investment in the future of childcare in Niskayuna.

About Our World Montessori

Our World Montessori has served children and families in Schenectady County for more than 22 years, providing high-quality early childhood education rooted in the Montessori philosophy. The school is committed to fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing environment for young children.

About the Developer – Spraragen Partners

Spraragen Partners is a fourth-generation, family-owned real estate development and investment company based in Schenectady, New York. Rooted in a century-long legacy of excellence, Spraragen Partners is committed to revitalizing communities, advancing economic development, and creating spaces that inspire growth, connection, and lasting value.