Having raised a large family of their own and educated many others in the community, a Black Diamond couple decided to do even more for youth.

“We’re building their future, not just ours – that’s why we are doing this,” said Carolyn Carroll.

Postponing early retirement, Carolyn and her husband, Ron, recently opened a second preschool in south Auburn. The Montessori Learning center officially opened Sept. 8 on A Street Southeast, just below Lakeland Hills. It joins the couple’s other home-based school, The Montessori at Sawyer’s Glen in Black Diamond, which they’ve operated for five years.

“We’re excited. It’s a big step,” said Ron, a former mortgage banker who decided to help his wife launch and operate the second school.

“Retirement is one of those things you hear about a lot,” said Ron, 67. “But most of us have to realize nowadays that unless you’ve got a lot of money put away, you’re not going to retire.

“You have to do something, and you might as well do something that is enjoyable and fruitful.”

The new school, which is designed for kids age 3-6, has an enrollment capacity of 40 and offers morning and afternoon classes.

“We love Montessori, and we feel it should be available to all children,” said Carolyn, 65. “We found this location and believe it will be a great spot for a school.”

Carolyn and her daughter-in-law, Kathy VanNoy, will serve as teachers.

“This couple has raised eight kids of their own, were foster parents and had a daycare out of their home,” VanNoy said. “Now, in retirement age, they decided to open another school in Auburn. I think it is a great story.”

To learn more, please visit www.montessori-learning.com.