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Co-Ownership at IMS
Locally led. Globally supported.

Why we exist

IMS grows to expand access to Montessori and linguistic immersion, promote cultural exchange for staff and families, and empower educators to chart their own journeys and build lasting careers.

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How we grow

Organically. IMS opens new centers only when there are local partners who are truly embedded in their community and ready to run day-to-day operations. This ensures mission fit, quality, and sustainability.

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Where We’re Growing

IMS expands where the right local partners are, not by mandate. Regions develop at a pace that protects quality and community trust.

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Preferential consideration

Co-ownership opportunities are prioritized for current IMS Team Members, and are also open to passionate educators and existing centers outside the IMS network.
Interested? Email admin@uvims.com

Who co-ownership is for

  • Current IMS team members (guides, directors, operations leads) ready for leadership and equity.

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  • Montessori/immersion educators seeking to found or co-lead a center.

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  • Existing independent centers aligned with IMS values, exploring partnership and shared services.

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  • Community partners (e.g., district/municipal collaborators) where day-to-day leadership is held by local educators.

The Co-Ownership Pathway (How It Works)

  • Explore & Introduce: Email admin@uvims.com with your location, background, program vision (ages/languages), and timeline.

  • Mission & Fit Conversation: Alignment call on pedagogy (Montessori + immersion), community needs, and organic-growth criteria.

  • Feasibility & Site Plan: Preliminary market and licensing review; site selection guidance; high-level budget and staffing outline.

  • Structure & Commitment: Tailored co-investment structure; roles, governance, and quality standards defined.

  • Training & Residency: Leadership training (school ops, HR, admissions, finance), Montessori/immersion PD, and mentorship with experienced IMS leaders.

  • Pre-Opening: Licensing/ordinance support, build-out & environment design, hiring and onboarding, marketing & enrollment launch.

  • Opening & Ongoing Support: First-year coaching, HER Team consultation, operational reviews, and shared-services support for stability and growth.

What IMS Provides (Resources & Support)

HR, Finance & Legal

Job descriptions & recruiting pipelines; onboarding; payroll & benefits; compliance (licensing/DOL/health, zoning, fire); insurance; budgeting & payments.

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Higher Education & Research (HER)

Curriculum integrity; educator PD; environment design; observation & progress reporting; family education resources; accreditation support; SOPs/KPIs; classroom schedules.

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Admissions 

Inquiry-to-enrollment CRM; tour scripts; family communications; onboarding; orientation; billing support.

 

IT & Systems

Devices & account management; website; SIS/CRM/parent portals; social/newsletter tooling; data security basics.

 

Facilities & Branding

Maintenance & safety support; aesthetics & supplies; repairs; brand standards; vendor management.

 

Community Relations

Feedback loops; communication platforms; events & engagement; culture & staff well-being; shared resources.

 

Development

Partnerships; growth & professional development opportunities; grants; alumni & community relations.

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Community & Talent Mobility

Access to the IMS global network for staff exchanges, classroom observations, and cross-regional collaboration.​

What Partners Bring (Expectations)

  • Day-to-day leadership rooted in the local community.

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  • Commitment to authentic Montessori and language-immersion fidelity.

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  • Quality & compliance: uphold licensing, safety, and IMS standards.

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  • People leadership: recruit, coach, and retain great teams.

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  • Family partnership: strong communication, DEIB mindset, and community engagement.

Benefits—for Educators, Families, and Communities

  • For educators: Leadership, mentorship, and equity participation with the stability of a trusted network.

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  • For families: High-quality, research-informed schools led by people who live and serve in their community.

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  • For communities: Sustainable centers, cultural exchange opportunities, and expanded access to multilingual Montessori education.

Start Your Journey

Tell us about your vision and community by emailing admin@uvims.com. 

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We’ll follow up to schedule an alignment call and share next steps.

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