Young girl focused on writing with a pencil in a classroom setting.

Nurturing Young

Nurturing Young

Minds Through Hands-On Learning

Innovative, Early Childhood Education Based on Montessori and Reggio Emilia Methodologies

Black and white wavy pattern design.

Enrollment

Two children exploring a light table with curiosity and wonder.

Toddlers

16 to 33 Months

South Metro Montessori School.

Preschoolers

33 Months to 7 Years

Programs Designed to Foster Growth

Comfortably located inside the family of Christ church, we offer a full range of classes that foster your child's individual growth.

Children drawing outside at a wooden table with sunflowers and natural materials.
Scalloped cloud-like white and black pattern.

A Unique Learning Environment

South Metro Montessori School delivers innovative, child-centered education rooted in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Nature-based principles. With early childhood and elementary programs, we prioritize hands-on learning, independence, and personalized instruction. We are the perfect choice for parents seeking quality Montessori education in the South Metro area.

Holistic Development

Holistic Development

Fostering growth in mind, body, and spirit

Nurturing Environment

Nurturing Environment

Inspiring classrooms for exploration

Qualified Educators

Qualified Educators

Certified teachers guiding each child

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Hands-on materials for real understanding

Social-Emotional Growth

Social-Emotional Growth

Building emotional intelligence and community

Black and white wavy pattern design.

What is Montessori

The Montessori method is an internationally applied philosophy of early childhood education. At South Metro Montessori School, we blend the popular Montessori method with the Reggio Emilia approach to create a unique and fulfilling education experience.

Black silhouette with white cloud shapes above.
Smiling woman in a pink blouse outdoors with greenery in the background.

Meet Our Director

Shannon O'Connor is the owner and Director of SMMS. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Shannon has developed a passion for the Montessori philosophy and the Reggio approach to learning. She earned her Montessori teaching certificate from the College of St. Catherine's in St. Paul, and has had the privilege to attend two International Study Groups in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

”I like when she sings songs and reads us stories” - Carson

Black and white wavy pattern design.

Meet Our Team

Young woman with shoulder-length light brown hair smiling outdoors.

Brandy

Starting year 2 in our school community.
”She likes to help the toddlers and read them stories” - Henley
Smiling young girl with braided hair standing in front of pine trees.

Mady

Starting her first year at South Metro Montessori.
”She likes to cuddle me” - Corbin
Smiling young woman with long hair in casual tank top outdoors.

Tara

9 years as part of the SMMS community.
”I like to make art projects with her, like the butterfly” - Bennett
South Metro Montessori School.

Lauren

3 years experience at SMMS.
”She’s funny and she likes to play with us” - Madeline
South Metro Montessori School.

Megan

7 years experience at SMMS
Smiling woman outdoors with sunlight and greenery.

Kelly

Over 8 years in our community.
”I love that you teach us everyday” - Elijah
A woman wearing an orange top stands in front of a pine tree.

Cecilia

Over 7 years in our school community.
”She teaches us Spanish” - Luca

Hear From the Parents

Blue quotation marks on black background.

"Our family has had the pleasure of having Shannon O’Connor in our lives for many years. She was the teacher Read More

Alicia C.

- Parent of 2 Former Students

Blue quotation marks on black background.

"Shannon O’Connor was the teacher for both of my children during their time at MacDonald Montessori.
Read More

Tricia A.

- Parent of 2 Former Students

Blue quotation marks on black background.

"I started working with Shannon at MacDonald Montessori in February 1990. I left the school to be
Read More

Sandra B.

- Former Colleague and Current Early Childhood Education Consultant, Independent

We're Here for You

Become a part of our vibrant community at South Metro Montessori School, where children, parents, and educators come together to create a supportive and enriching educational environment. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Children in colorful raincoats and boots playing in a puddle.
Black and white wave pattern design.