Are you a parents of a young child looking for an alternative way for them to receive education? Then you are in the right place. I am a parent myself and as a family photographer in OKC I work with many families that have little children and are searching for different schools for their littles. I have gathered info from several alternative schools in the metro Oklahoma City area for families that are looking for Montessori, Waldorf or other wholistic schooling approaches!

What is a Montessori Schools in OKC?

The Montessori approach to education was developed over 100 years ago by Maria Montessori. At the heart is a focus on child-centered learning and holistic development. It empowers children to become lifelong learners, independent thinkers, and become individuals who are kind and compassionate.

The commitment to child-centered education gives a classroom environment that is structured yet flexible. Educators observe each child and tailor their teaching to ensure that each child receives the support they need to excel and grow rather than a one size fits all. With a focus on personal responsibility their students gain a strong sense of self-motivation and self-confidence.

Benefits of a Montessori Education

Hands On Learning – Toys and materials that promote beauty, sensory exploration and real life situations give children learning in a real and practical way. Open-ended play and activities allow children to develop their creativity and foster innovative thinking.

Personalized Learning – Montessori classrooms are centered around serving each child’s individual needs, learning style and development needs. The highly trained teachers carefully observe and assess each student.

Development of Independence and Self-Confidence – with the strong emphasis on personal responsibility the child developed the essential life skills giving them a sense of self confidence to take on the responsibilities and needs of the world.

Love of Nature – a deep respect for nature is instilled into children as they are empowered to become responsible stewards of the environment.

Multi-Age Classrooms – this setup allows children of varying ages to observe, learn and work together.

Below is a list of several montessori schools in OKC area. I reached out to a few of them and loved hearing their personal responses to my questions!

Little Wanderers Learning Studio located in Moore, OK accepts children ages 2-7. I reached out to their staff and received some great info about their school!

Why do you think the Montessori approach works well for children?

Montessori education works well for children because, children learn through hands on manipulation and investigating the world around them. 

What are the benefits in this hands on education?

Children are free to learn and explore on their own terms with the help of a teacher who guides them along their educational journey.  

What is the “goal” (vision) for each child within the school? How do you assess their academic growth?

Our goal is for them to achieve something new each day, and develop a true love for learning. We assess mostly through observation of the child as they conquer new tasks and use their problem solving strategies to understand the world around them. 

What is the child/caregiver ratio?

Our ratio is 1/7, we maintain small class sizes so that we are better able to facilitate learning for each individual learner. 

What made you decide to open a school like this?

I have taught in public schools, and have seen the detrimental effects that excessive testing and lecture can have on a child. Children learn best through play and hands on learning. I wanted to create a space in which children could learn at their own pace and in their own ways. Opening my own school was a hard decision and a huge risk, but I truly believe it will all be worth it. If I help just one child develop a love for learning, it will be worth it. 

Tuition & Fees – We have a low monthly tuition rate. We offer both full and part time classes.

OKC Heartland Montessori School has beens serving the metro OKC area since 2017. Their mission “is to provide a loving, secure, and well-prepared Montessori environment for every child to learn, to develop, and to grow into an independent and confident person who enjoys learning, loves people, and appreciates mother nature.” 

They serve families with children from 3 to 6 years old. They offer multi-age fully integrated Montessori classrooms with providing child-centered learning along with individualized instruction based on their whole – child observations.

Through beautiful hands – on materials that are scientifically designed to help your children learn and grow, group play together and a focus on the child rather than the teacher, the certified teachers at OKC Heartland help your children to reach their unique, individual growth goals.

Village Montessori School is located in NW OKC and takes children ages 18 months to 5 years. Reach out via their FB page for more info.

Guidepost Montessori located in Edmond, OK takes children 6 weeks to 5 years. This school allows infants in their program. They create an engaging environment to provide a high quality education to each child. Students have the opportunity to explore, discover and develop skills through hands-on learning experiences.

This school is part of the nation wide Guidepost Montessori schools that has over 120 locations across the country. They seek to provide children with 4 core values: a love of learning, a love of effort, a love of leading their own life and a love of connecting with others. Read more about excentally developed program here.

Classen Montessori School located in Norman, OK is located on beautiful grounds and provides a safe, authentic, and creative Montessori community for learning for children 3 to 12 years old. This school has been serving students since 1971.