The kindergarten movement in Grand Rapids, Michigan, began with the establishment of a single school in 1873. In 1884, the Free Kindergarten Association of Grand Rapids was formed with the purpose of promoting interest in kindergarten methods and establishing private kindergartens. In 1891, the Grand Rapids Kindergarten Association was formed "to advance the cause of Kindergartens and to aid general public sentiment in favor of Kindergartens in Grand Rapids." For kindergarten training to be widely accepted, there would have to be training for the teachers. To this end, the Association established a training class for the teaching of Froebel's theory of education to teachers and mothers. The first principal of the Kindergarten Training School was Lucretia Willard Treat. In 1910, the Grand Rapids Kindergarten Association was reorganized as the Grand Rapids Kindergarten Training School.
From the guide to the Grand Rapids Kindergarten Training School records, 1891-1919, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
