SAMDCC/SAMAOL is a Black woman led institution deeply embedded in the cultural and historical fabric of Queens, NY. Our leadership represents a multigenerational legacy of Black educational excellence spanning over four decades — from mother to daughter, classroom to community.
The L.A. Wise Memorial Montessori Center
Van DeVore, Executive Director, and Monica L. Pringle cofound the L.A. Wise Memorial Montessori Center in Queens — pioneering Montessori education for Black children in a community long overlooked by traditional schooling. Their daughter Ms. Pringle is among the program's first students.
St. Albans Montessori is Incorporated at 195-05 Linden Blvd
Pringle officially launches and incorporates St. Albans Montessori Day Care Center at 195-05 Linden Blvd, St. Albans, NY — fulfilling her vision for a permanent, community rooted Montessori institution in Queens. Ms. Pringle sits second from the left in the second row of the first class, already living the mission her mother built.
A Decade of Community Growth
The St. Albans Academy of Montessori Learning deepens its programming and expands its reach. Enrollment grows steadily, curriculum broadens to include project based learning, and beloved educators like Ms. Linda Lewis and Mr. Ronald Kennard become pillars of the SAMAOL community.
Saint Albans Academy of Montessori Learning Grows
The school continues to deepen its curriculum and community ties, with dedicated educators guiding students through culturally rich, academically rigorous Montessori learning. Performances celebrating Black history and culture become a hallmark of the SAMAOL experience.
Ms. Pringle Relaunches at 118-49 Montauk St
After earning her Master's in Theatre Education and a Bachelor's in Theatre and Performance Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education — and teaching in NYC District 29 — Ms. Pringle partners with Pringle to expand SAMAOL to 118-49 Montauk St. During this relaunch, Robert E. Pringle dedicated himself to supporting the SAMAOL dream financially, emotionally, and spiritually — helping stabilize and strengthen the vision during a critical stage of growth and community impact. Revenue grows consistently, averaging approximately $1.8 million annually with a peak of $2,042,028 — a 27.7% year-over-year increase.
Cultural Education and Community Celebrations
SAMAOL becomes known not just for academic excellence but for deep cultural programming — performances celebrating Black history and civic values, Farm to Table feasts, community events, and milestone celebrations that honor every child and family. The school is a true village.
Every Milestone Is a Community Celebration
From the very first graduating class to today, SAMAOL graduation ceremonies have been one of the most cherished traditions of our community. Children in red caps and gowns, families cheering, educators beaming — this is what 40 years of dedication looks like.
Expanding to Accommodate the Growing Community
Driven by overwhelming community demand, SAMAOL is expanding into a new, larger facility — growing from 195-05 Linden Blvd to 118-49 Montauk St to a full-scale 1st through 8th Grade campus. This expansion fulfills the vision Pringle first imagined in 1985: a comprehensive, culturally rooted Montessori institution serving Queens children from infancy through 8th grade graduation.
