Our History

From established roots spring new beginnings, or so it seemed to those who observed the building that went on at 264 North Main Street in Orange back in 1980. What was once a long-time home for Martha and Emile Schnackenberg underwent a transformation into the home of Far Horizons Montessori, a school for children from preschool through eighth grade. When on the school grounds, one notices the huge trees which shade the school buildings and can't help but reflect on the changes that must have occurred since the Schnackenberg family first arrived by train from Nebraska to this site in 1910. "This is just what I want," Emile recalled his father saying when surveying his land. Martha and Emile, who married in 1925, later decided that this too was where they wanted to call home. They fondly remembered the wedding of their granddaughter under these same trees and smiled at the memory of the over two hundred guests who crowded the grounds to join them in the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Perhaps it is somewhat fitting that children again occupy the area. The Schnackenbergs remember how, during the war, their home was opened to youngsters for dancing, singing, band practice, and gathering around the nickelodeon and piano for a good time. Today children abound on this site. The family home, built in 1920, still stands today and serves as offices and conference rooms for the school. When classes first began at the site back in 1980, mingled with the Schnackenberg's memories were the school administrators' dreams. They envisioned a school facility which would provide an optimum educational environment for students. They remain commited to this goal still today. Nora Cunningham, Sheryl Hagen, and Donna Meylor met while teaching together in the 1970's. As their friendship grew, they realized that they shared a vision of a Montessori learning environment that would meet the needs of students in the changing world. 264 North Main Street seemed the perfect site for them to begin to realize this dream. Twenty-three years later they stand back and survey with pride the classrooms, the staff, the students and the Montessori philosophy that has evolved. They are still actively involved in teaching and administrating on a daily basis. It is often possible for them to catch up on the lives and accomplishments of students who have passed through the doors as students return to share their adventures in high school and college. Things seem to come full circle as some former students return with their own children to enroll them.