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Considering mind and heart, right from the start.

At its heart, the Montessori approach is all about nurturing the whole student—academically, socially and emotionally. Here, a child-led, hands-on, curiosity-inspired approach to education encourages kids to think unalike and follow their own interests, which helps nurture a love for learning that can last a lifetime.

Sunny Hollow Montessori is dedicated to high standards and a broad range of educational experiences that support the intellectual, emotional, and social well-being of children and adolescents. We are a member school of the American Montessori Society (AMS) and recognized by the Association of Montessori Internationale (AMI).

We’re proud to be the an authentic Montessori option, serving Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and our surrounding areas.

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Learning beyond Desks and Textbooks

What sets the Montessori Method apart from other learning methods? Here are the proven principles behind the method. It’s a small, but powerful glimpse into what you’ll find in every classroom at Sunny Hollow. Different from most? Definitely. Take a moment to browse the slider.

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Montessori classrooms are designed for discovery—no rows of desks, no lectures, and no worksheets.  Students move freely through the space, choosing where to work and how to engage with materials. The result is a calm, focused environment where learning is joyful and self-driven.
Yes! Children are wildly capable. In a Montessori environment, they’re trusted with real responsibility—zipping coats, choosing challenging work, and caring for their classroom community. Independence isn’t just encouraged; it’s celebrated.
Not at all. Montessori classrooms are intentionally structured to support freedom within limits. Students take initiative—not because they’re told to, but because they want to. Visit a classroom and you’ll see calm focus and genuine engagement—proof that autonomy builds concentration, not chaos.

Montessori education materials turn abstract ideas into concrete understanding. Sandpaper letters build fine motor skills and muscle memory for writing; golden beads represent numbers and place value, making math a multisensory experience. These tactile lessons help children internalize concepts deeply and joyfully.

Montessori teachers know each child deeply. Through daily observation and individualized lessons, they track mastery in real time. Instead of waiting for tests to reveal gaps, teachers adjust lessons continually—so every child is seen, challenged, and supported exactly where they are.
Yes. Sunny Hollow students transition smoothly—and often stand out. They bring strong academic skills and the executive functioning, empathy, and self-direction that help them thrive anywhere. Teachers tell us our alumni are independent thinkers and kind leaders in every setting.