AFTER serving Bassendean families for more than 25 years Casa Mia Montessori Community School will establish a new, purpose-built campus at Rivermark in the Viveash estate – just 15 minutes from its original home.

Casa Mia principal Samantha Leyton said finding the right home for the school had been the community’s highest priority.

“We were drawn to the Rivermark site as it offered Casa Mia a permanent home in a community that shares our deep commitment to nature and the environment,” she said.

“The new campus will be designed around Montessori principles, with a strong emphasis on connection to nature, flexible learning spaces, and a ‘living learning landscape’ featuring significant tree canopy and natural play areas – values that sit naturally alongside Rivermark’s own ecologically led ethos.”

A staged development is planned, with the first phase of the new campus targeted to open in 2028 and catering to children aged 3 to 12.

Additional classrooms and facilities will be added in line with demand as the school grows, with a long-term vision to accommodate up to approximately 150 students.

Hesperia’s residential director Grant Shepherd said integrating community focused infrastructure into Rivermark has always been central to the estate’s vision.

“Our goal for Rivermark has always been to create an environment that delivers genuine long-term value for the families who live here,” he said.

“Securing a school with Casa Mia’s reputation and long-term commitment to this site is a meaningful step towards that vision.”

The purchase of land represents a significant milestone, positioning Casa Mia among a small number of Montessori schools nationwide to own and develop a purpose-built campus.

Established in 1999 by a small group of homeschooling families, Casa Mia currently has 73 students and a growing waiting list.

The addition of Casa Mia comes ahead of Rivermarkss next land release, with Stage 6 anticipated next year as the estate continues development towards the banks of the Swan River in Viveash.