Learning without limits. Learning for Life.

An authentic Montessori and International Baccalaureate community serving children 18 months through Grade 8 in Rochester, Minnesota. We invite you to experience the difference a progressive, independent education can make.

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Why Rochester Montessori School?

RMS offers an educational path that is intentionally different from traditional models. Rooted in Montessori principles and strengthened through our designation as an Authorized International Baccalaureate World School, RMS develops students who think deeply, act responsibly, and engage confidently with the world around them.


Montessori provides the foundation. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme builds on that foundation through interdisciplinary study, global contexts, and clear expectations that deepen students’ ability to analyze, reflect, and apply their learning.


Together, this approach cultivates independence, intellectual discipline, and the confidence to take on complex work in high school and beyond.

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What an RMS education cultivates

An RMS education intentionally develops the habits and capacities students need to thrive.

Mastery


Deep understanding developed over time through purposeful practice, sustained study, and clear expectations that guide students toward increasingly complex work.

Independence


Independence grows from care of self and environment into time management, long-term planning, and ownership of academic work.

Thinking


Students learn how to think, moving from concrete experience to abstract reasoning and applying their understanding in increasingly complex ways.

Community


A diverse, connected community where each child is known, valued, and supported while learning to collaborate and engage thoughtfully across differences.

Programs

Montessori toddler program

Toddler

18-36 months
Montessori Children's House program

Children's House

3 years-Kindergarten
Montessori elementary program

Elementary

Grades 1-6
montessori middle school program

How to apply

A Thoughtful and Seasonal Admissions Process


Rochester Montessori School follows a seasonal admissions cycle for the upcoming academic year. Our process is designed to give families a meaningful opportunity to experience the school, ask questions, and determine whether RMS is the right fit for their child.


Admissions for the following school year typically begin in October and conclude in early February, with enrollment decisions communicated in early March.


We look forward to getting to know your family.

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Begin the conversation

We invite you to connect with our Admissions team, ask questions, and explore whether Rochester Montessori School is the right fit for your child.

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What our community is saying

Five stars review

“For our children, Rochester Montessori School is much more than a school. It’s an extended family where they feel deeply connected to their peers and guides. As parents, we love the optimized learning and character building that Montessori supports.”


 — Paul Roach & Dr. Shannon Sheedy Roach

The latest from our blog

A woman and a child are playing with montessori materials.

Is Montessori Right for Your Child? 

September 10, 2025
Montessori education is a “whole child” approach to teaching that encompasses all areas of child development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. It encourages children and adolescents to learn at their own pace in an environment that fosters independence, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.
A child is playing with montessori materials.

Why Montessori?

August 20, 2025
How does a parent prepare their child for an unpredictable future? Don’t we all just want to give them every possible advantage? How do we define success in our children’s lives? Is it about being able to provide for oneself or is it finding joy in the work we do?
Montessori classroom

Work or Play? A Peek Inside the Montessori Classroom

August 13, 2025
You know Montessori classrooms are different than most. You’ve heard the rumors:children run around doing whatever they please. It’s all play and no work. Or perhaps you’ve heard the opposite: our structures are so rigid we stifle creativity and natural childhood behavior.