What Is Montessori?
Maria Montessori was ahead of her time. Her core principles — that effective learning is self-directed and calls for the development of the whole person — uniquely prepare your child for a fast-changing world.
Montessori education is purposefully designed to help your child reach their potential: an environment shaped around their developmental needs, guided by adults trained to observe and offer exactly what they need, at exactly the moment they need it.
Six things you'll notice right away
We follow the child
Our guides are trained in the specific developmental stages of the children they serve. Learning isn't linear, so each child receives the challenges and supports they need — and ample time to study what genuinely interests them.
We foster independence
Free movement, real choice within thoughtful limits, and voices that are heard. Practical-life skills — from preparing food to caring for the room — give children a deep sense of capability and empowerment.
Beautiful rooms, beautiful work
Natural materials, natural light, living plants and animals, and low shelves children can reach on their own. High-quality materials invite children to make their own work beautiful.
Kindness & peace
Our students are global citizens. World geography and cultural traditions begin young, and we actively teach conflict resolution — because peace and kindness are the foundation of any quality education.
Nature is integrated
Classrooms take on a museum-like quality — owl pellets, fossils, sparkling geodes. Botany and zoology begin at the primary level, and we bring children into the outdoors to learn from it firsthand.
Formative assessment
"Assess" comes from the Latin for "to sit beside" — exactly what our guides do. Through the three-period lesson and daily observation, teaching adjusts in the moment so every child gets precisely what they need.
"The teachers do an excellent job of maintaining a peaceful environment where children can thrive academically and socially."
— Selena G., Parent
But what exactly is Montessori education?
At its core, it's simply a way of educating children that allows each one to develop fully into the person they were destined to be.
Montessori education is an approach that brings out the best in each unique child by allowing them freedom to explore. It develops a self-assurance in a child that allows them to meet the world with confidence and the problem-solving skills to face life's challenges. It not only educates, but teaches a child how to think innovatively and solve problems. It introduces compassion and awareness to the world around them.
Just as you work to make your home loving and safe, we work to ensure the environment, the guides, and the community meet your child with respect and support at every step of the journey.
Learn more about our approach
Frequently asked questions
What is the Montessori method?
It's a child-centered approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori — a carefully prepared environment, hands-on self-correcting materials, multi-age classrooms, and a trained guide who observes and gives individual lessons rather than lecturing the whole group. Children also use more of the brain when they manipulate the materials with their hands.
Is the Montessori method religious?
No — the method itself is secular and science-based. St. Peter's is an Episcopal parish school, so faith is part of our community life, but the Montessori work in our classrooms is the same authentic method used worldwide, and we welcome families of every background.
Will my child adjust to a traditional school later?
Montessori children develop strong focus, independence, and self-direction, so they tend to adapt well when they move to a new setting.
What makes St. Peter's authentically Montessori?
We are a member of AMI, our guides are trained in traditional Montessori, and our Children's House is AMI-Recognized — assurance that our classrooms reflect Dr. Montessori's original method.
Is Montessori a good fit for an active child?
Very much so. The method lets children move, choose meaningful work, and channel their energy into purposeful activity rather than sitting still at a desk.
There's a place for your child here.
Tours are filling for the 2026–27 school year. Spend a morning on our campus and experience the difference an authentic Montessori education makes.
Schedule a Private Tour