Montgomery County, MD (September 8, 2026) – The Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) provided financing for a new rooftop solar project at Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy (SBMA), helping the nonprofit school reduce energy costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reinvest savings into its educational mission.

With financing from MCGB, SBMA will install a 19.8-kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system that is expected to generate approximately 25,347 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, and provide an estimated $6,888 in annual utility savings.

“Montessori education teaches children that they are capable, responsible citizens of the world,” said Diann Sanderson, Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy Head of School. “Installing solar is one more way we can model that responsibility by caring not only for our school today, but also for the future our children will help shape. We hope every child who learns here at SBMA, grows up knowing that even small choices can make a meaningful difference.”

The Montgomery County Green Bank provided a $42,966 construction-to-permanent loan to finance the project. Installed by Uprise Solar, the net-metered solar system will allow the Academy to offset its electricity costs while receiving credits for excess energy produced. MCGB’s financing helped secure an affordable interest rate, making the investment financially accessible for the nonprofit school.

“Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy had a significant and lasting impact on my children, helping shape them as citizens of the world. I’ve experienced the school’s commitment to its students and families firsthand and it’s exciting to see this institution take leadership in the area of sustainability,” says Marcene Mitchell, Montgomery County Green Bank Board Chair.

The project reflects the Montgomery County Green Bank’s mission to accelerate clean energy investment by providing innovative financing solutions that reduce energy costs, improve building performance, and expand access to renewable energy across Montgomery County.

About Montgomery County Green Bank

The Montgomery County Green Bank is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping businesses and residents affordably implement energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate-resilient solutions. The Montgomery County Green Bank supports Montgomery County, MD by driving investment into energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate resilience through lending and investment partners in the region. These efforts include working with homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and commercial entities of all varieties.

Media contact: Tyniah McDuffie, Director of Communications and Community Engagement

About Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy
Founded in 1967 by Ms. Anna Neri, a direct pupil of Dr. Maria Montessori, Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy (SBMA) has spent nearly six decades innovating and refining the concept of integrating a Montessori education with the acquisition of proficiency in a second language.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SBMA has proudly served the community since 1967, providing a high-quality Montessori education to generations of children. For more than a decade, the school has maintained one of the lowest tuition rates among Montessori programs in Montgomery County, reflecting its commitment to accessibility and inclusion for local families. At the same time, SBMA provides competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to its teachers, helping to foster stability and continuity among its staff.

Serving children ages 2–6, the program is thoughtfully designed to meet the individual needs of each child. What sets the SBMA experience apart from traditional Montessori environments is the parallel instruction of a second language in Spanish, French, or Mandarin. This distinctive approach nurtures students’ global awareness, empathy, and cultural understanding while encouraging a deeper appreciation of the diverse world around them.