Cathedral Hill Montessori School is a family-founded nonprofit private school providing a year-round authentic Montessori education to children from infancy through six years of age. We offer half-day and full-day programs for children 16 months to 5 years, all-day kindergarten, extended childcare, as well as an ongoing Infant Community class. CHMS serves families in St. Paul, MN and the surrounding areas. Nestled in the historic Cathedral Hill District, we boast a peaceful and charming urban location across the street from Boyd Park and attached to a unique mansion home. Since our opening in November 2011, we believe our programs are in high demand for the area.

Our mission is to create a safe, beautiful and independent learning environment for young children; to educate families and the community about the Montessori philosophy; to instill in children a lifelong love of learning, respect and service toward humanity, and an appreciation and care of the environment.

Montessori education is based upon the life work of Dr. Maria Montessori, who developed and refined a method based upon her scientific observations of children. Key elements that constitute a Montessori environment include mixed-age rooms where children can learn from one another; freedom to choose activities of interest during an uninterrupted block of time; and a well-prepared space that is child-sized and child-focused. The highly-trained and educated staff awaken the child's spirit and imagination; encourage the natural desire for independence in self-care, thought, and action; and help develop kindness, courtesy and self-discipline. A Montessori environment educates and helps develop the whole child by allowing practice with both social and academic skills and the room to nurture emotional and spiritual needs. Dr. Montessori believed that each child can develop into his or her best self: an independent person who is able to act appropriately as a global citizen and contribute to helping create a better world community for all of us.

CHMS is a licensed child care program through the MN Department of Human Services and is also associated with the Association Montessori Internationale, an approved accrediting agency, since Spring 2012. We are just one of 13 schools in MN with this high distinction in quality Montessori primary education. Our staff, dedicated Board of Directors, committed parents and joyful children have all come together to build a strong and exciting new community.