Common Roots Montessori School

Our mission is to provide a safe, beautiful, and authentic Montessori learning environment; to cultivate an inclusive, accessible, and diverse community in which all members feel a sense of belonging; and to support children in becoming confident, independent, and compassionate members of the world.

Welcome to Common Roots Montessori School!

CRMS is a family-founded nonprofit offering authentic, year-round Montessori education from 16 months to 6 years of age. We serve families across St. Paul and the surrounding area with half-day, full-day, and extended care options.

✦ Accredited by AMI/USA
✦ 4-Star Parent Aware rated
✦ Accept CCAP and ThinkSmall Scholarships
✦ Tuition aid available to qualifying families

get to know us

Our Programs

We offer half-day and full-day options for children 16 months to 6 years, along with extended care and an all-day Kindergarten program.

Toddler Community

16 – 36 months

Children’s House

3 – 6 years

Kindergarten

5 – 6 years

Extended Care

2.5 – 6 years

How to Apply

1

Schedule a Tour

View our classrooms and learn more about Montessori

2

Submit an Application

After your tour you’re invited to apply for your child.

3

Join the Community!

Meet other new parents and connect on social media.

start with a tour

What Families Say

“Our family has been part of the Common Roots Community for almost 2 years. When looking for child care for our 16-month-old, I was struck by our first visit — calm, clean rooms with children working independently, and guides who talked to our daughter like a capable person, not an incapable child. She quickly became more confident and curious at home. We’ve continued bringing her even after moving to Eagan, and just enrolled her younger brother. I highly recommend Common Roots to families looking for an inclusive environment for their kids to become confident, caring, curious people.”

Melissa

Former Parent

“CRMS is a really special place. With encouragement from the adults and children in her community, our 2-year-old is learning to be independent, creative, focused, and brave. She’s building emotional and social intelligence — navigating conflict and mistakes, taking turns, asking for help, naming feelings, calming her body, and the joy of singing, moving, and making friends. These are the skills we need to make the world better, and we’re so happy to be part of this community!”

Becky

Toddler Community Parent

Our two kids in the Children’s House program have grown so much in this beautiful environment. They feel like part of a community, helping care for it through lunch service, plant work, and more — skills that carry forward into our home routines. They’re developing a love of learning across reading, math, art, and geography, and we love hearing about their self-chosen “research projects.” The teachers truly care and help each child pursue their unique interests.

Our son was one of CRMS’s first students when it opened in 2011. Over 4 years, from Toddler Community through Children’s House, he was given a calm, nurturing space that cultivated confidence, independence, and respect. The authentic Montessori experience helped him develop a love of learning, lasting friendships, and life skills that still serve him today. We’ll forever be grateful to CRMS!

Educationfor Life