Menta Announces Three New Schools

by Casie Caldwell; Director of Business Development, The Menta Education Group

In a bold step towards expanding its transformative education services, The Menta Education Group is proud to announce the opening of three new schools in partnership with school district leadership and local communities. Guided by its mission to provide innovative solutions to critical educational challenges, Menta’s newest additions align seamlessly with their vision of empowering students and fostering a positive impact on their lives.

Menta Academy LaSalle, Menta Academy Centralia, and Menta Academy Springfield will open in early September 2023.

Addressing Community Needs and Aligning Mission

The decision to open these three new schools was driven by an organic process, where Menta was approached by school district leaders and members of the community. During the initial conversations, Menta Education Group’s focus was on understanding the specific challenges faced by these communities and whether the organization’s approach to social-emotional learning and education could effectively address their needs.

Rory Conran, CEO of Menta Education Group, explained, “Our approach to new partnerships always starts with active listening. We want to understand the community’s unique requirements, and if there is a genuine alignment between their goals and ours. As a non-profit organization, we are mission-driven and committed to making a positive impact. If the fit isn’t right, we don’t proceed. However, in these cases, we quickly recognized that partnering with these communities aligned perfectly with our mission of delivering innovative solutions to their critical educational challenges.”

The decision to establish these new schools was firmly rooted in Menta Education Group’s unwavering dedication to transforming lives and creating educational opportunities that cater to the individual needs of each student.

Ensuring Successful Integration

To ensure the seamless integration of these new locations into the broader Menta education system, the company employs an extensive training program for all new hires. The process begins with recruiting staff from the local communities, selecting individuals who share Menta’s core beliefs and embody the organization’s mission.

“We believe that hiring the right people who genuinely believe in what we stand for is crucial to our success,” Conran emphasized. “We invest months of training for our staff and immerse them in our existing programs. They shadow their counterparts at other Menta schools to gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Our organizational training and boot camps further equip them with the necessary knowledge and resources.”

Throughout the school year, organizational experts provide personalized 1-on-1 training to staff members, ensuring a smooth implementation of the training they underwent during the summer. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of the organization’s values and strategies. Menta Education Group maintains ongoing collaboration and support, with organizational leadership remaining present in the building on a weekly basis, providing continuous training and refining the educational experience for students and staff.

With these three new schools set to open in September, Menta Education Group is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of students and their families. By embracing growth, staying true to their mission, and nurturing a community-centered approach, the company continues to set new standards in providing high-quality, compassionate education for all.