Founded in 2015, Montessori Plus International (MPI) is a state-licensed early childhood program serving children and families in Missoula, Montana. What began as one small bilingual preschool has grown into two school locations, including our expansion to Cold Springs in 2024.

            Our experienced team is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning community where children, families, and educators grow together. We combine the strengths of Montessori education with current research in child development, social-emotional learning, and responsive caregiving to support each child's unique path of development.

            At MPI, we believe that high-quality early childhood education is built on meaningful relationships. Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, capable, and respected while developing the confidence, curiosity, and skills needed for lifelong learning.

            We are grateful for the trust families place in us and remain committed to continually learning, growing, and strengthening our program for the children and community we serve.

Our Mission

            We recognize that early childhood is the most important stage of human development and deserves the most thoughtful care from qualified educators.

            Our mission is to provide exceptional early childhood education in a nurturing school family where children develop socially, emotionally, physically, academically, and creatively while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

Our Vision

            We envision a community where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to reach their fullest potential.

            We strive to create an environment where children are respected as capable individuals, families are valued as partners, and educators continue to grow professionally. Through responsive relationships, individualized guidance, and an enriching learning environment, we hope to inspire children to become confident, healthy, compassionate, and joyful lifelong learners.

We Believe

• Love, connection, and emotional security are the foundation of healthy development and lifelong learning.

• Following the lead of the child and respecting each child's unique pace of development are central to Montessori education.

• An enriched and well-prepared environment is very important for a satisfying experience for children at school.

• Social and emotional learning is essential for lifelong success.

• Diversity, inclusion, and belonging strengthen both our classrooms and our community.

• Bilingual experiences enrich children's cognitive, social, and cultural development.

• A healthy school culture begins with the adults. By supporting one another as a team, we create the safe, connected environment children need to thrive.

• Children, families, and educators grow together through trust, respect, and partnership. We are a school family.

Programs

            MPI offers programs for toddlers and preschool-aged children across two Missoula locations. Program availability varies by campus.

Original Campus (1535 Cooper Street, Missoula's historic Westside)
             Our original campus primarily serves children 3–6 years of age. If space is available, children who turn 3 by December 31 of the school year may begin at the start of the school year. Children are expected to be potty independent before their first day of school.

            Children who complete our preschool program may continue at MPI for Kindergarten (and, if desired by families, through 2nd grade).

MPI–Cold Springs Campus (2625 Briggs Street)
            Our Cold Springs campus serves both toddlers and preschoolers. Please visit the MPI–Cold Springs webpage for current program information, age groups, and other details.

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