Montessori Schools in Des Moines

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Montessori Schools in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa, has many great schools for your kids. Whether private or public, we are fortunate to have many quality school choices. 

Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning, while the school and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process.

There are 3 Benefits of choosing a Montessori School

1. Each child is viewed as a unique individual. Montessori education recognizes that students learn in different ways and have a variety of learning styles. They support that by providing hands-on activities. 
2. One of Montessori’s guiding principles is helping children develop independence through child-directed work (activities). The purpose is to develop sustained attention to activities (they can focus without distraction) and find meaningful work. Montessori calls this “work” as it’s believed children learn best through purposeful play with activities of their own choosing.
3. Most Montessori schools use multi-age classrooms. This helps the younger children learn from the older children and fosters both leadership skills and empathy in the older children.

Here are some tips that can help sort out the best fit for your child

1. Take a tour! You can’t get a feel for the school just from their website. You need to see the facilities, meet the teachers, and see the students in action.
2. Look for a low student-to-teacher ratio. This will allow your child to receive as much individual teaching and attention as possible.
3. Determine if the classroom is multi-age and clutter-free, with activities placed throughout the room for your child to choose from without interruption.
4. Check to see if the school is an accredited Montessori School and if the teachers are trained to use the Montessori method. Any organization can use the Montessori name, but to become accredited, the school must undergo an accreditation process through an organization like the American Montessori Society (AMS). Search for accredited schools on their website. If a school is accredited, it will be listed in a separate section below.

Here is a list of Montessori schools in Des Moines, Iowa

Cowles Montessori School 

Address: 6401 College Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324

Programs: Early Childhood, Lower Level (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), Upper Level (4th, 5th, 6th), Middle School (7th & 8th)

Tuition: Ranges depending on full vs part day and age

Accreditation: “Member School” through the American Montessori Society. 

Cowles Montessori School is the longest-running public Montessori school in the area. It uses Montessori learning principles and aligns with the Des Moines Public School essential curriculum. The classrooms are set up in multi-age groups where children can learn from each other. The application process begins in July for older grades and may be over a year in advance for preschool.

Happy Hearts Montessori Daycare & Preschool (Formerly Montessori Children’s Center)

Address: 8509 Alice Ave, Clive, IA 50325

Program: Children 2-5 years old, part-time or full-day programs, offered year-round

Happy Hearts Montessori Daycare & Preschool was established in 1974. It is a family-owned business that keeps family and learning at the core of its center. Each day is filled with hands-on learning activities that support the child. The center incorporates foreign language, sign language, music, and movement into the day. 

Montessori’s Children’s House 

Address: 1505 42nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Programs: 18 months through 7 years, summer programs, before/after school programs

Montessori’s Children’s House has served the Des Moines community for over 50 years! This school offers programs for children 18 months through 7 years of age, including primary Spanish immersion. It also provides enrichment programs for children 4-7 years old throughout the school year. These include activities like drama, music, and the zoo.

The Conservatory of Worship Arts

Address: 1380 NE 66^th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313

Program: Currently 18 months through age 6. They anticipate programs for ages 6-12 to open in Fall 2025, Middle School to open Fall 2026 and High School to open Fall 2029.

Accreditation: “Verified School” through the American Montessori Society. 

The Conservatory of Worship Arts will be the first accredited Montessori School to serve students from 18 months through high school. It combines the Montessori approach with a Christian education. Daily worship services will begin in the morning with tracks for older students in dance, vocal, worship band, production, and visual arts.

Pleasant Hill Elementary Montessori

Address: 4801 East Oakwood Drive, Pleasant Hill

Program: Children 4-year-old full-day program, follows elementary schedule

Tuition: $125/week

Pleasant Hill Elementary added Montessori preschool classrooms that started in the 2024-2025 school year. This includes 4-year-old preschool only.

Findley Elementary School

Address: 3025 Oxford Street, Des Moines, IA 50313

Program: Montessori classrooms are offered from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Findley Elementary transitioned to a Montessori program in the school year 2024-2025. Students are with the same teacher for two years, including four classrooms of kindergarten and first grade students, four classrooms of second and third grade students, and four classrooms of fourth and fifth grade students. Teachers have completed a 10-week training course through a Montessori Center and receive support from the Cowles Montessori program.

New Program:

Jackson Elementary School

Address: 3825 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50320

Des Moines Public Schools just announced that Jackson Elementary School will transition to a Montessori school, expanding its current grades to include 7^th and 8^th grades. This transition will begin with the 2026-2027 school year.