Raintree Montessori, located in southwest Lawrence, began in 1978 with two primary classrooms.

It now has a toddler classroom, nine primary classrooms, two lower elementary classrooms and two upper elementary classrooms.

The school’s elementary program is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale.

More than 300 preschool and elementary students through grade six attend the private school, which is at 4601 Clinton Parkway.

The school has weathered two major disasters in the last five years.

In August 2000, a fire destroyed the school, causing an estimated $1.5 million in damage.

The school’s main academic building was rebuilt. A four-classroom expansion was incorporated into the project, along with a commercial kitchen, an elevator and a sprinkler system.

In 2003, the school was damaged by a tornado that ripped through southwest Lawrence.

The twister damaged roofs, windows, screens and playground equipment, but the school has since been repaired.

The school has a popular fund-raising activity each year, the Raintree Run. Last year, nearly 1,500 people participated in the half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles), and the One Mile Fun Run/Walk, which made it one of the largest running events in Kansas.

The school’s phone number is 785-843-6800.