ABOUT HPMS | HPMS

Welcome to HPMS!

Established in 1963, Highland Park Montessori School in Saint Paul is a non-profit organization and the oldest continually running Montessori school in Minnesota. Rooted in the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, HPMS provides beautiful, child-centered environments where natural curiosity and a love of learning thrive. Our atmosphere is grounded in mutual trust, respect, and a deep reverence for peace and life. As Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) recognized school with AMI-trained Guides, our dedicated staff serves as thoughtful facilitators who support the unique needs of both the individual child and our community.

Our school features two Children’s House environments, each welcoming up to 20 children ages 33 months to 6 years, and a Toddler Community of 12 children ages 16 to 33 months. Toddlers enjoy a guaranteed spot in a Children’s House when ready to transition. To maintain harmonious, well-balanced environments, new applicant admissions consider age and gender balance.

Highland Park Montessori School operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our academic calendar generally aligns with Saint Paul Public Schools, with holiday care available on select non-school days. We also offer a summer program for both Toddler and Children’s House levels (please see our summer calendar for details). HPMS admits students of any race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Highland Park Montessori School is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors composed of individuals with deep expertise in Montessori education, policy development, and organizational management. To ensure strong family representation, two current parents actively serve on the board.

Why Montessori?

Because it works. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori through decades of scientific observation, the Montessori method is a progressive, proven approach to child development. Since the first Montessori environment opened in 1906, this philosophy has inspired children by honoring their natural love of learning, individual growth, and independence within a supportive social community.

An Inclusive, Multi-Age Community

Highland Park Montessori School fosters positive social growth within a diverse, multi-age community. Children of all backgrounds learn side by side, guided by formal lessons in Grace and Courtesy that model healthy social interactions. Throughout the day, every child has the opportunity to be both a learner and a leader, building genuine self-esteem through meaningful contributions.

Predictable Routines & Flexible Care
Young children thrive on consistency. All students participate in the morning Montessori work cycle from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. To support working families, we offer comprehensive care options:

Early Drop-Off: 7:30–8:20 a.m.
Afternoon Work Cycle & Nap: 1–3 p.m.
Extended Afternoon Program: 3–5 p.m. (with pick-up options at 4, 4:30, or 5 p.m.)

Dedicated, AMI-Certified Educators

HPMS is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), and all of our lead Guides hold AMI credentials. Our long-tenured teaching team acts as attentive facilitators, tailoring support to each child's individual developmental needs. To maintain exceptional care, our classroom assistant ratios are 1:6 in the Toddler Community and 1:10 in the Children's Houses.

What is Montessori?

The Core Purpose of Highland Park Montessori School

Our primary aim is to nurture the holistic development of every child—socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. We strive to instill a lifelong love of learning, a genuine care for others, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Through our authentic Montessori approach, we empower children to:

Build Confidence & Initiative: Develop self-esteem, inner discipline, and habits of persistence and self-direction.
Cultivate Curiosity & Joy: Maintain an abiding love for discovery and a positive attitude toward school and learning.
Master Lifelong Skills: Deepen concentration, sharpen sensory-motor discrimination, and master foundational academic and life skills.
Grow in Community: Practice social responsibility, embrace grace and courtesy, and develop into empathetic global citizens.

Is intellectual development the primary goal of HPMS?

No. We focus on the total development of the child—socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. When a child's complete developmental needs are supported, intellectual growth occurs naturally, deeply, and far more effectively.

Why does Highland Park Montessori School require five-day morning attendance?

Consistent daily attendance during our morning work cycle (8:30-11:30 a.m.) provides immense developmental benefits for young children. (Before- and after-school care remains flexible based on your family's needs.)

A Montessori morning offers a unique environment where children learn to direct their own day, supported by their Guide and peers. Learning is a continuous process—each day's experiences build naturally upon the previous day. As children move intentionally from one activity to the next, repeating and deepening work that captivates them, they develop the vital skill of learning how to learn. Within this consistent rhythm, socialization thrives: individual children construct their own independence while together building a cohesive, supportive community of learners.

It is common to see a child enter the environment already planning their day's work. The ability to cultivate intrinsic motivation and self-direction develops most fully when the entire classroom community is present five days a week.

How do children develop social skills at HPMS?

Our multi-age environments—ages 16 to 33 months in the Toddler Community, and ages 33 months to 6 years in the Children’s House—provide rich opportunities for authentic social development.
In a multi-age classroom, children naturally learn from and care for one another. Younger children observe and gain inspiration from older peers, knowing they will one day reach those same developmental milestones. Older children refine their own understanding, empathy, and leadership by offering guidance and assistance to younger classmates. Over their three years in the Children’s House, each child experiences the complete arc of growth—transitioning from being the newest member of the community to serving as a confident leader and mentor.

How are freedom and discipline handled at HPMS?

In a Montessori environment, freedom is never unstructured or unruly. Instead, liberty and discipline are two sides of the same coin, guided by three core principles: respect for self, respect for others, and respect for the shared environment.

Children are free to move throughout the classroom and select activities that captivate their interest and match their developmental readiness. They may work with a material for as long as they wish, returning it to its designated spot on the shelf when finished so it is ready for the next person. Children are also free to collaborate, enjoy snack with friends, or work independently—learning to balance individual choices with the harmony of the classroom community.

Why is the Montessori classroom noncompetitive?

Children naturally thrive when freed from artificial comparisons. In a Montessori environment, each child works at their own pace, guided by their individual interests and developmental readiness. Because no two children share the exact same needs at the exact same time, learning is a deeply personal journey of self-discovery rather than a competition with peers.