“Let us give the child a vision of the whole universe… for all things are connected to form one whole unity.”

Dr. Maria Montessori

Registration for the 2025/2026 school year begins Jan. 6 for current MCH families and Jan. 15 for the general public!

Registration for the 2025/2026 school year begins Jan. 6 for current MCH families and Jan. 15 for the general public!

December Month-at-a-Glance!

Our Programs

  • Toddler Programs

    Montessori Children’s House is excited to offer four options for the family with an early preschool child.

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  • Primary Programs

    Montessori Children’s House offers both part-time and full-time options for this age group.

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  • Lower Elementary

    We offer this classroom only to students who have been previously enrolled in another class here.

    Learn More

  • Summer Programs

    Our Summer Adventures Programs are held from June through mid-August.

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  • Enrichment

    Programs designed to provide a series of cultural activities each week throughout the school year.

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  • Before & After Care

    To better serve our families, before and after care programs are available.

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Hear what people have to say!

  • "All four of our children have attended or are currently attending Montessori Children's House, and we would recommend the school to any family. The teachers at MCH are absolute experts who do an amazing job helping the children grow to achieve their full potential. The teachers also provide love and support to the children and make MCH a place children look forward to going to. The staff and administration are also wonderful. The community at MCH is something you don't find other places, and it's nice to know that the other families are very involved, with everyone working together for our children."

    Parent / Guardian

  • "I can say with 100% certainty that my child would not be as healthy, happy, and independent today if not for Montessori Children's House. Caring teachers, good communication, and a wonderful community of families. 100% recommend."

    Parent / Guardian

  • “I am so glad someone told me about this school. I went for a tour and moved all my kids from daycare to MCH s as soon as I could. My children are learning in all disciplines and are so excited to talk about their work. The staff are so helpful and have so much experience with children and the curriculum. The administration has listened to all my questions and quickly addressed any situation brought to their attention. You know it’s a great school when your children are excited in the morning and are begging to stay longer in the evening.”

    Parent / Guardian

  • “This place is a rare gem in the crowded childcare space. MCH boasts highly experienced staff who are truly passionate about education and childcare. We've had all three of our children enrolled at MCH over the past three years, and I can't say enough positive things about our experience. Our kids love it here and are always excited to go to school. We’re consistently kept informed about their progress, and MCH provides plenty of opportunities for us to stay engaged and involved throughout the year.”

    Parent / Guardian

  • “We are so impressed with this Montessori school! The teachers go above and beyond to create a welcoming and inspiring environment where our child feels valued and excited to learn each day. The school’s approach to hands-on learning has sparked such creativity and independence in our 4-year-old. It’s truly amazing to see how much growth happens here. We highly recommend this school to any parents looking for a place where their child can thrive!”

    Parent / Guardian

Our Philosophy

Montessori Children’s House is dedicated to providing a high-quality, private education based on the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, instilling a desire for life-long learning and developing respectful, responsible and self-reliant individuals.
To accomplish our goal, Montessori Children’s House seeks to meet the social, intellectual, and emotional needs of each child by providing an individualized, child-directed, hands-on learning experience.
We are committed to providing a prepared classroom environment designed to meet the needs of the 18-month through seven-year-old child, fostering a desire to learn and where learning becomes its own reward.
We believe the principle of freedom within limits guides independent learning. We expect each person in our Montessori community to accept that freedom with due responsibility and respect. We value the contributions of our students, teachers, administrators, parents, and board of directors.
Together, we will continue to provide a high quality, safe, nurturing Montessori environment.

What Makes Our School Unique?

Montessori Children’s House has served as a 501(c)(3) private non-profit the children and families of the Des Moines area for over 50 years. Founded in the fall of 1968 by Dora and George Fowler, the school began with approximately 40 students and two classrooms as The Greater Des Moines Montessori Association, Inc.  The first school was housed in a Presbyterian church in West Des Moines.
In 2005 Montessori Children’s House moved into its own building at 1505 42nd Street in West Des Moines. Today, MCH has grown to over 175 students with nine classrooms and 12 classes.
A classroom where students are exposed to Spanish starting at the age of 3.

Primary Spanish Immersion

An early preschool classroom starting at the age of 18 months.

Toddler Classroom

Specials

In addition to the Montessori prepared environment, children will receive instruction from specialist teachers in music, Spanish, and art.

Lower Elementary

A special program for students ready for Kindergarten through 1st grade that will challenge and prepare them for Elementary School.

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Contact Us

For school program or tuition information please complete an Inquiry here.

We schedule tours and observations between 9:00am and 11:00am Monday through Friday during the children’s morning work cycle.