Montessori Education is offered in a safe and nurturing environment housed in a beautiful, appealing classroom. The program provides an individualized, student-directed, challenging program that is built on the core values of independence, love of learning, and respect. The school culture supports each child’s creativity, natural curiosity, and self-confidence. 

Highly trained, caring teachers provide structure and order which allows students to learn with guidance through hands-on, independently paced lessons with specifically designed instructional materials. The program provides opportunities for social interaction and confidence building. Our curriculum focuses on the whole child – every phase of development is nurtured. 

Inside our mixed-age classrooms, you'll feel an air of excitement and curiosity and will find thoughtfully designed learning environments that cultivate a love for learning with children working independently and often in groups with peers. You'll notice various activity stations for children to engage with throughout the day. You'll see our teachers guiding students along their educational journey, encouraging them to ask questions, and providing them the creative freedom they need to develop and learn at their own individual pace. Because learning is student-directed, children make choices regarding their academic work based on preferred learning styles, student interest, talent, and areas of giftedness.

Depending on the age level, a student’s day includes hands on learning activities in language arts, mathematics, practical arts, geography, STEM, fine arts and physical education.

Mary Raber Montessori provides families a child-centered educational choice that engages young learners with a love of learning, natural curiosity and creativity.

Our learners are independent, confident learners connected to new ideas, skills, and knowledge through self-motivation, self-regulation, and respect.

Mary Raber Montessori transforms lives and learning.

Mary Raber is conveniently located in the central section of Columbia City. This outstanding facility has been renovated for the Montessori program.  The school boasts eighteen large classrooms with sinks and allows ample space for the specialized and unique materials and school equipment for Montessori lessons. In addition to retrofitting classrooms for the unique Montessori program, a newly designed playground and an area to add a garden were added.

The facility has been newly renovated for the Montessori program and features eighteen classrooms with sinks. Along with specialized spaces for STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math), fine arts, and music, Mary Raber School is easily the best choice to promote the Montessori model.

Families of 3-4 year olds must provide their own transportation. K-5 students at Mary Raber Montessori living within the WCCS district may use school transportation, provided they are outside the walk zone. Shuttle buses serve the CES, LTES, and NHES districts; please be aware that the shuttle schedule results in a shortened school day due to late arrival and early dismissal.

*Important Notice regarding Shuttles: Because the shuttle bus arrives after school begins and dismisses early, the instructional day will be shortened for students using this service.

Eligibility & Applications WCCS families with children aged 3 years through fourth grade (by August 1, 2026) are invited to apply for our Montessori program for the 2026–2027 school year. We offer placement in both our Early Childhood and Lower Elementary (Pre-K through 4th Grade) classrooms.

Application Window: January 5, 2026 – February 28, 2026 Space is limited. Parents will be notified of their acceptance status prior to the WCCS Kindergarten Round-Up.

Program Growth & Priority To ensure a high-quality experience, our program continues to expand by adding one grade level each year as our students progress. To ensure a seamless educational journey, current students enrolled in the Early Childhood or Lower Elementary programs receive priority placement for the following school year.

Current School Year (2025–2026)

For families currently enrolled in the Mary Raber Montessori program.