How Purpose-Driven PR Turned a Montessori School into a Community Movement
Despite its 35-year history and strong reputation among parents, Country Montessori School had limited visibility beyond its immediate community. The goal was to position the school as a leading example of Montessori education in action—where empathy, leadership, and community engagement begin at an early age.
Our Approach
BCENE PR developed a multi-sprint media relations program to elevate CMS’s story across San Diego–area media through teacher spotlights, community-driven campaigns, and student-led storytelling.
Key tactics included:
Developing two op-eds and teacher-led feature stories tied to timely education trends and local interest angles.
Showcasing student-led service projects—from Feeding San Diego partnerships to garden cleanups—as part of the “Make A Difference Day” PR sprint.
Positioning the Head of School, Adela Corrales, as a thought leader in education.
Coordinating Classroom Hero submissions and broadcast interviews that humanized the teachers shaping young changemakers.
Results
Through storytelling rooted in empathy and action, CMS evolved from a locally known Montessori school to a regional model for service-based learning and character development. The partnership with BCENE PR amplified the school’s leadership voice, strengthened community relationships, and inspired other educators to integrate civic engagement into early education. BCENE PR’s campaign generated significant earned media visibility for CMS across multiple formats and outlets:
14 unique broadcast placements during Summer 2025 across FOX 5 and KUSI
3 additional in-studio and on-site interviews in Fall 2025 highlighting CMS’s “Make A Difference Day” initiatives
Feature coverage on CBS 8 for Classroom Hero Wendy West, spotlighting the school’s educator excellence
Bylined op-ed authored by Adela Corrales in the San Diego Union-Tribune (print + digital), positioning CMS as a thought leader in education reform and Montessori values
Community Champions segment recognition on FOX 5 and KUSI for CMS’s commitment to civic engagement
Hispanos Unidos feature celebrating cultural inclusivity and representation in Montessori education
Combined, the campaign delivered:
25+ earned media placements across broadcast, print, and digital outlets
Over 18 million local media impressions
A measurable boost in web traffic and admissions inquiries following coverage cycles
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