Georgetown residents will see the addition of a new private middle school option after City Council approved the first reading for a special-use permit June 25.

Community Montessori School plans to incorporate a middle school program into its existing 18-acre campus at 500 Pleasant Valley Drive.

The school currently offers programs for ages 8 weeks to 12 years old.

Over the years there has been an increased interest from parents wishing to continue with the Montessori education through eighth grade, a letter of intent from Executive Director Stephanie Sayre said.

The proposed middle school class would occupy an existing building on the campus that is currently under-utilized, the letter said, adding staff anticipates the program to start with five students in the 2019-20 school year and grow to a maximum of 25 students after five years.

“The addition of this class would add to the educational options available to our existing families and others in the Georgetown community,” Sayre said. “Given our expansive existing campus, we do not believe there will be any negative impact to the surroundings as a result.”

Community Montessori school had an enrollment of 172 students at the end of the 2017-18 school year and currently has 34 employees.