Cultivating a deeper desire to learn.
Located in South Minneapolis, Lake Harriet Montessori School was created in the spring of 1982 by parents interested in providing quality preschool and kindergarten education for their children within a neighborhood setting.
The staff at Lake Harriet Montessori School is committed to providing a fun, engaging learning environment for our students. One of our biggest goals is to make this a positive, interactive, and holistic school experience. While learning to read, write, add and subtract may all be part of the day, so too are learning social skills, dressing one’s self, nurturing creative endeavors, and independently working in the classroom. We try to create a fun, educational, and flexible learning environment for your children.
A nonprofit, parent-board operated corporation, enrolling in Lake Harriet Montessori enables families to become part of our vibrant community and participate in the operation of their school.
Why Montessori?
Find out about the Montessori Method and how it prepares children for a lifetime of learning.
APPLY
Think Lake Harriet Montessori School might be right for your family?
what are people saying about Lake Harriet Montessori?
“Our son has spent the last 3 years at LHMS and our and his little brother will join him soon. We can't say enough positive things about his school experience. The teachers have been steadily observing him and tracking his development, helping him to be ready for kindergarten, and also following his lead and allowing him to grow in a way that is truly his own. To us what sets this place apart is the joy. The teachers here exude a love for their work and I often marvel at the palpable delight. Our son knows he is loved for exactly who he is and he has been celebrated, while, critically, has learned the importance of celebrating others. The community fostered amongst the students has been beautiful to behold and we are so grateful to be part of it.” ~Bethany, 2022 graduate
“Echoing all of the resounding positivity others have written. LHMS offers an heart-forward approach. I feel so lucky to be part of the COMMUNITY they have built. Very strong academic program nestled amidst practiced ethos that values individuality, respect, care for others, fun and an awareness of our small place in the greater world. I genuinely LOVE this school and feel so lucky (daily) that we are enrolled there. Thank you LHMS for being a unicorn of a preschool. We could not be happier with all aspects of the program.” ~ Kathryn
“My 5 year old attended a different preschool for the first 5 years of his life, but as he grew older the traditional learning model didn't seem to be working for him, and there was a lack of flexibility to his needs. We were hesitant to transition him to a new preschool so close to kindergarten, but it was the best decision we could have made for him. He has thrived at LHMS; he is happier, more independent, and more confident. The staff are so patient and attentive, and have given us a lot of insight into our kiddo's behaviors and needs that we can utilize at home. We couldn't be more grateful for the care LHMS has shown him.” ~ LHMS 2022 graduate
"This is a preschool that adheres to the Montessori method in the most honest and playful ways. The teachers have consistently paid attention to my child's strengths and follow one step behind him so that he can lead the way in his learning and growth. My son has made lasting friendships here and the community of parents is unmatched. We can't imagine getting through these past few pandemic years without the LHMS community!"~k
“Our child has attended LHMS for 2 years and he will be more than ready for K! He's well on his way to reading, understanding and completing complex math concepts, grasping Spanish vocabulary, creating and experimenting with incredible structures and the ability to navigate relationships and conflicts with his classmates of all ages. The little humans nurtured at LHMS are deep thinkers, ask complex questions about our history, the current state of our world, and have wonderful hopes for the future. As a parent, I love that while they are a Montessori school, there is a unique spin on the education. They embrace a hilarious party theme, have the kids sing adult songs with accompanying kazoos, famous people studied range from David Bowie, to Yayoi Kusama, and Pelé...the nuggets of joy, play and education blend so well it's a place of magic. I hope we are lucky enough to have such special educators again in our child's future! LHMS family”~ graduate 2022
“David Bowie week. Ice cream truck visits. Llama farm adventures. Drag queen performances. These are just a few of the amazing, creative moments our two children have been able to experience at Lake Harriet Montessori - and some of the things that separate it from the pack of preschools in the neighborhood. Because, yes, it has all the other things - a beautiful, large classroom. Great kid-to-teacher ratios and stations for growth and learning in the Montessori tried and true format. But when you get the right things right on the everyday, it makes room for the over-the-top awesome explorations that our kids really need to thrive and grow. We’re thrilled to have been a part of the LHMS community and feel constant gratitude and love for this magical place. If you’re looking for a preschool for your child to explore, create, be challenged, make great friendships and feel belonging in a community-based organization, this is your place.”-Suzy
"The staff at LHMS are wonderful. They connected with our child on day one and have been attentive and attuned to her continued development ever since. The school is full of great activities that keep the kids learning and interested. Nice community of kinds and families too - we love LHMS!"- LHMS Parent
"We have had the joy of sending three of our children through Lake Harriet Montessori School, starting in 2011 and all the way through this fall of 2022. I cannot speak highly enough of their staff. They create environments for children to learn and grow. They teach my children how to be better humans, and perhaps most importantly they respect that each child needs different supports to flourish."-LHMS parent
OUR HOURS ARE 7:30AM-5:30PM.