OUR SCHOOL
Welcome to Cathedral Montessori
Our new facilities are designed specifically to enhance the religious and educational precepts of our early childhood program. We welcome children ages 6 weeks through 6 years old. In our school, we desire to awaken every child’s natural wonder and curiosity. Our school is child-centered within a nurturing, spiritual environment where exceptional and experienced teachers support and guide each of their students with warmth and respect.
Learn more about our classrooms and outdoor space below.
classrooms & environmentsAt Cathedral Montessori, we have three different Programs: Nido, Toddler, and Primary. Each Program’s classroom is specifically designed for the developmental stages of the children, giving them opportunities to growth their independence in safe, nurturing environments.
In the Nido environment, children range in age from 6 weeks to 18 months. With a ratio of 1 guide for every 3 students, each child is lovingly cared for and observed, ensuring their safety and support while giving them opportunities for age-appropriate independence.
In the Toddler environment, children range in age from 18 to 36 months. With a ratio of 1 guide to every 5 students, each child is introduced to the 5 areas of the Montessori curriculum. The design of the Toddler classroom, and the educational materials within, reflect these interests and provide rich opportunities for learning that nurture children’s complete development.
In the Primary environment, children range in age from 3 to 6 years old. With a ratio of 1 guide to every 10 students, each child cultivates their knowledge in the 5 areas of the Montessori curriculum. The environment allows them many opportunities for their own independence, including making their own snacks and learning at their own pace.
“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony, & the beauty in nature.”
—Maria Montessori
outdoor spaceAt Cathedral Montessori, we have outdoor spaces designed specifically for children to learn, play, and explore the natural environment: Montessori playgrounds and a beautiful garden.
Studies show that nature play is a valuable and important part of childhood. Did you know children are happier, healthier, more resilient, and demonstrate better academic outcomes as result of increased nature play?
Our playground was designed by Green Space Learning. Green Space Nature Playgrounds are handcrafted from the highest quality materials, exceeding safety standards and compliance regulations. All of our pressure-treated pine play structures are pressure treated with only child safe and non-toxic materials. Alternatively, our Western Red Cedar play structures are naturally non-toxic and even bug-repellant.
“Not only do the principles of human justice interest them, but a simple love of Jesus is born in their hearts and with it a great desire for purification. The soul of the child is capable of high aspirations which are reflected in his behavior and his acts.”
—Maria Montessori
st. matthew's cathedralCathedral Montessori is a mission of St. Matthew’s Cathedral, an Episcopal church located in the heart of Old East Dallas. From our roots as both an Anglican Church and an authentic Montessori program, we believe and affirm the inherent dignity of each child. All are welcome and celebrated at Cathedral Montessori.
Learn more about the connections between Montessori philosophy and Anglican spirituality:
Central to both Anglican theology and Montessori principles, all people are worthy of respect. The Montessori classroom centers and uplifts each individual to make choices, to respect one another, and to practice grace and courtesy.
Montessori curriculum emphasizes habits of attention, order, self-discipline, and care for others. These foundational skills create moral and spiritual dispositions that prepare a child for a life of learning and community.
Montessori education, especially in the crucial ages of 0-6 years old, is profoundly incarnational. Children learn through touch, movement, and concrete materials. Meaning is encountered through the physical world as real objects and images instead of abstractions or illustrations, very much in keeping with the sacramental imagination of the Episcopal church.
Montessori prepared environments create spaces where children have freedom within limits. Anglican theology focuses on freedom ordered towards love to God. In both, freedom allows for choice, curiosity, and independence. The prepared environment, clear boundaries, and gentle authority of the Montessori guide reflect this shared belief.
Montessori classrooms are built around small, ordered communities for children to learn responsibility, both for themselves and others. This mirrors the Anglican vision of the Church as a community of diverse, interdependent people oriented towards love and respect.
As an Anglican Montessori school, we offer a place of community and an environment of beauty, care, and excellence, serving families both inside and outside of the church. With our incredible guides, light-filled classrooms, green outdoor spaces, and respect for each individual child, we are a school where all can flourish.
