Big Bay, MI

The Children's Center of Marquette is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the Marquette County area, including Big Bay families. They employ a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones, with certified early childhood educators leading age-appropriate learning activities. The center features secure facilities with controlled access, modern classroom environments, and extensive outdoor play areas. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM exploration through hands-on learning. They maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals and snacks. The center is known for its strong parent communication system and experienced teaching team with low staff turnover.

Little Friends Learning Center provides high-quality childcare and early education for families throughout Marquette County, serving the Big Bay community with reliable transportation options. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on the whole child's development. The center employs degreed early childhood professionals and maintains small class sizes with optimal teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-specific learning environments, and developmentally appropriate playgrounds. Their curriculum incorporates literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. The center is particularly noted for its warm, nurturing environment and strong focus on building foundational social skills.

Marquette Montessori offers authentic Montessori education serving families throughout the Upper Peninsula, including Big Bay residents seeking alternative educational approaches. The center features AMI-trained guides and carefully prepared classroom environments with specialized Montessori materials that encourage independence and self-directed learning. Their program emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language acquisition, and mathematical thinking through hands-on manipulation. The facility includes beautiful outdoor learning spaces, peaceful classroom environments, and mixed-age groupings that foster peer learning. Known for developing confident, curious learners, the center maintains strong communication with families and provides detailed progress tracking. Their approach particularly excels in developing executive function skills and intrinsic motivation in young children.