Rochester Montessori School

The school is rooted in Montessori principles, emphasizing independence, self-direction, and the development of the whole child. It fosters a community grounded in dignity, diversity, and safety, where multi-age classrooms encourage collaboration and leadership. As an Authorized International Baccalaureate World School, it also integrates global awareness, ethical reasoning, and intellectual courage into its educational approach.

The school offers a structured progression starting with the Toddler program (18–36 months) and Children’s House (3 years–Kindergarten), followed by Elementary (grades 1–6). Beginning in grade 6, students enter the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), which covers eight subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition (Spanish), Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design. The MYP emphasizes interdisciplinary study, global contexts, and criteria-based assessment.

The school provides a supportive environment where classrooms are designed to challenge each child appropriately, allowing students to advance when ready and receive support when needed. Guides are trained to recognize individual developmental needs, ensuring that students are known as individuals academically, socially, and developmentally.

The school follows a seasonal admissions cycle, with the primary application window running from October through early February for the following academic year. The process includes adult-only morning tours, open houses, and a required classroom visit for applicants to grades 1–8. Enrollment decisions are typically communicated in early March, with priority consideration given to siblings of current students.

The school operates on a seasonal academic calendar. Families can access specific event dates and download the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school calendars through the school's website.

Located on 15 acres of rolling hills and native prairie in Rochester, Minnesota, the campus integrates the outdoors into the daily curriculum. Facilities include large, light-filled classrooms with direct access to patios or terraces, a library, an art studio, a music studio, and a gymnasium. The grounds feature community gardens, a chicken coop, active beehives, three age-appropriate play structures, and a large playing field.