The Story We Share

For more than 30 years, St. Croix Montessori has been a place where children discover not only knowledge but also themselves. Founded in 1993 with a vision to bring authentic Montessori education to the St. Croix River Valley, our school has grown from a small community of dedicated families into a thriving, accredited program serving children from toddlerhood through adolescence. Along the way, we’ve expanded our campus to 17 acres of farm and forest, weaving nature into the heart of learning and creating an environment unlike any other. While our facilities and programs have evolved, our commitment remains the same: to provide a nurturing, academically rich Montessori education that empowers children to grow with independence, purpose, and joy.

“Together we are committed to helping each child realize their unlimited potential and individual success.”

At the heart of our approach is the belief that each child is a unique individual with their own interests, strengths, and pace of learning. We adhere to the Montessori principles of child-centered education, where students are encouraged to take charge of their own learning journey. Our classrooms are designed to promote exploration and discovery, allowing children to engage with hands-on materials and collaborate with peers in a mixed-age setting. This method fosters independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

At St. Croix Montessori, our values shape every aspect of our community. We honor respect as the foundation of Montessori’s education for peace, cultivating an environment where empathy, understanding, and mutual care guide interactions among students, educators, and families. We embrace community by fostering meaningful connections within our school and beyond, recognizing that collaboration and support enrich the educational journey for everyone. And we are dedicated to growth, nurturing the holistic development of each child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Through a curriculum that blends academic challenge with confidence-building experiences, we inspire resilience, curiosity, and the skills needed to thrive in both school and life.

At St. Croix Montessori, leadership is more than administration—it’s stewardship of a community where children, families, and educators flourish. Our leadership team brings together decades of experience, a deep commitment to Montessori principles, and a shared vision of cultivating a thriving, connected school environment. With a balance of expertise, compassion, and innovation, they guide our community forward while honoring the timeless values of Montessori education.

Valerie Olson, Head of School
With more than 25 years of experience in education, Valerie is both a visionary leader and a steadfast advocate for Montessori learning. Her leadership is grounded in a profound respect for each child’s potential and a belief in the power of community. Valerie has guided the growth of St. Croix Montessori with dedication and heart, ensuring that our programs not only meet the highest standards of academic rigor but also reflect the warmth, joy, and respect that define Montessori education.

St. Croix Montessori is an independent, non-profit school guided by a committed Board of Trustees. Made up of parents, community leaders, and our Head of School, the Board provides strategic oversight and ensures that our mission continues to thrive for generations to come. Their role is to safeguard the long-term health of the school—financially, operationally, and philosophically—while supporting our leadership team in bringing the Montessori vision to life each day.

Trustees bring a balance of professional expertise and personal passion. Together, they focus on big-picture priorities: advancing our strategic plan, stewarding resources wisely, and nurturing the strong, vibrant community that defines SCMS.