“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” —Maria Montessori

A Natural Place to Grow

A child’s education begins early in life, and at the Montessori School of Greater Lafayette, our mission is to foster independence, confidence, and inspire a passion for learning in all of our students.

We are a not-for-profit, parent-owned Montessori school serving families throughout Tippecanoe County. Since 1972, we’ve provided a selection of Montessori education programs for children between the ages of one and 10 years.

Located in West Lafayette, IN, our beautiful campus overlooks the Wabash River Valley. We are a member of the American Montessori Society. We invite children throughout the Greater Lafayette area to join us and be a part of an immersive and enriching educational experience.

Our Programs

  • Parent/Infant Program

    Age 1 year old by September 1st
    Through observation and discussions, parents gain a better understanding of their child and learn to meet the true needs of the child without sacrificing their own and also a better understanding of Montessori methods and philosophy.

  • Toddler Program

    Age 2 years old by September 1st
    Children learn care of self, care of the environment, acceptable social interactions, and control of movement. Verbal language skills and physical skills are highlighted.

  • Early Childhood Program

    Ages 3 – 6 Years; must be 3 years old by September 1st
    The Montessori Early Childhood classroom is geared to the developmental stages of these children, giving them freedom in an environment prepared with attractive materials.

  • Kindergarten

    Age 5 years old by September 1st
    Our kindergarten program is part of our Early Childhood curriculum where the students focus on refining skills in math, language, and writing. This program helps the child make the transition from learning in the concrete to learning in the abstract.

  • Elementary

    1st Grade – 6th Grade
    As the elementary-aged child gradually moves from the concrete learning pathways of preschool to the more abstract ones of the elementary, Montessori meets their developmental needs each step of the way.

  • After Care

    Ages 3 – 10 Years
    Afternoon activities supplement the other Montessori programs. Nutrition, art, science, music, health, and safety activities are included. This program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why Choose a Montessori School?

Unlike traditional classrooms that adhere to rigid curriculums, a Montessori classroom promotes more movement, choice, hands-on learning, and personal responsibility. We take an individualized approach to your child’s education and provide them with a prepared and flexible environment where they can make their own choices and fulfill their natural curiosities.

Through this approach, we inspire young learners who are compassionate, responsible, successful, and grow up to be critical thinkers. At Montessori School of Greater Lafayette, we provide infant/parent programs, early childhood classes, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and after school care.

Begin your child’s educational journey with MSGL today!

Support MSGL!

Contributions to MSGL school help provide essential resources—such as specialized learning materials, trained educators, and classroom enrichment activities—that are central to this unique educational philosophy. Supporting a nonprofit Montessori school not only strengthens the school community but also contributes to a brighter, more compassionate future, as it empowers children to become confident, responsible, and creative thinkers. Consider donating today!

Current Campaigns:

Ink Cartridge Campaign

  • We provide a child-centered environment, facilitating independence and the joy of learning, guided by the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. With a foundation of respect for self and others, and a strong emphasis on cultural appreciation, our staff and parents create a supportive network for families to help children become well-rounded individuals.

  • A child is free to choose her own materials, to move about the room as she wishes, to work alone, to work with others, or to work with a teacher...

    Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator during the early 1900’s. She noted that young children have an “absorbent mind,” with which they learn through repeated activity and without effort. She observed that, given appropriate materials, children easily integrate new knowledge and master increasingly complex tasks. She developed the concept of a “prepared environment”, in which such materials are available. Within this prepared environment, great care is taken to lead the child through successive levels of educational activities without unnecessary help from the adult. A child is free to choose her own materials, to move about the room as she wishes, to work alone, to work with others, or to work with a teacher. In investigating this environment, the child develops an enthusiasm for knowledge that produces a confident, competent learner in later years.

  • Montessori School of Greater Lafayette does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, culture, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origins, or any other legally protected status.

“As a family that relocates frequently, we were blessed to have found MSGL when we moved from Connecticut (where we had already experienced the Montessori system). The teachers at MSGL are knowledgeable and involved and they played a key role in the adaptation of our daughter to the pre-primary program and our son to the toddlers program. The partnership between parents and teachers has fulfilled our highest expectations and the constant communication, advice, and feedback has positively impacted our children’s growth. Thank you MSGL!”
﹣Peter H. & Johanna M.