Our Mission

Richmond Montessori School is a premier Montessori community, inspiring academic excellence and nurturing human potential.

Our Values

Our Vision

RMS will become a beacon of excellence, positively impacting the broader Richmond community and influencing the field of Montessori education.

Our View on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

"The needs of [humankind] are universal. Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet. The Montessori child should come to relish the texture of diversity." - Dr. Maria Montessori

Richmond Montessori School recognizes that the Montessori Method is an educational philosophy deeply rooted in a celebration of diversity, respect for the individual child, and a desire for peace, equity, and justice around the world. In support of our mission, vision, values, and strategic plan, Richmond Montessori School is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where every member of our community feels welcomed and respected for who they are including in regard to age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, and ability. We expect all members of the RMS community to show respect and kindess toward each other and to be accepting of differences. We believe that cultivating an environment of belonging is essential to educating and empowering students to become compassionate, informed, and engaged global citizens. It helps all of us to make a broader impact on the world around us by fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity, moving closer to the lasting peace Dr. Montessori envisioned.

Accreditation Matters

“Montessori” is a term that is used broadly in the public domain. It is often applied as an adjective to describe qualities that a school has incorporated such as learning centers, freedom of choice and hands-on activities. The Montessori form of education is not trademarked, copyrighted or franchised. The only way a parent can ensure that their child is receiving an authentic Montessori education is through enrollment in an accredited school.

Founded in 1965, Richmond Montessori School is the only Montessori school in the Richmond area and surrounding counties that is fully accredited by two external organizations – the American Montessori Society and Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

These agencies establish and oversee standards of excellence for Montessori and independent schools. Accreditation is a voluntary and rigorous process that demonstrates an unparalleled level of excellence in the implementation of Montessori education and continuous improvement.

Many schools indicate their level of involvement (full, associate, satellite, initiate, et. al.) with AMS and VAIS. However, unless the school is fully accredited, there is no guarantee that the school practices the authentic educational philosophy and practices of Maria Montessori, nor that it demonstrates compliance with the rigorous standards that have been established by AMS or VAIS.

Since 1991, Richmond Montessori School has been accredited by AMS. In 2002, it achieved VAIS accreditation. Richmond Montessori School is one of only four AMS accredited schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of just two schools with dual AMS/VAIS accreditation.

A Legacy of Learning

Richmond Montessori School Throughout the Years

RMS was founded in 1965 by a group of parents dedicated to the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952). In the fifty years since its founding, the School has moved and expanded in order to accommodate its growth. The School’s growth includes:

Its first home in Richmond’s “Fan” district in 1966
A move to its current location on Parham Road in 1974
The purchase of an adjacent property in 1995
A facility expansion in 1997
The addition of a dedicated Science building in 2004
The purchase of the adjacent Seldondale property in 2008
The purchase of the 501 North Parham Road campus in 2009
The expansion of the 501 North Parham Road campus from 2012-2014
The dedication of a new academic building on the north campus in 2014

Richmond Montessori School (RMS) has grown from its humble beginnings of two original classes to an expansive community with 17 classes across two adjacent campuses. Our current program serves approximately 315 students, representing over 31 nationalities and 42 different zip codes from around the Greater Richmond area. Our dedicated lead teachers hold AMS and/or Association Montessori International (AMI) teacher certification, ensuring a high-quality Montessori education for every student.