Our Mission

Our Mission

Our Mission

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

Our Values

Community through diversity, dynamic learning, service
Character in personal empowerment, integrity, accountability
Authenticity in Montessori curriculum, philosophy, method
Respect for self, others, the environment
Excellence in academics, leadership, and accreditation

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

Richmond Montessori School recognizes the Montessori Method as an educational philosophy rooted in the desire for respect, equity, and justice, and we commit to the challenging work of ensuring we abide by these principles as a school community. This commitment leads us to view diversity and inclusion not as a goal, but rather as a starting point on a path to excellence. Having a diverse and inclusive community allows us to intentionally teach students to value and learn from their differences and to conduct the work that we know will lead to the lasting peace Dr. Montessori envisioned. It enables our staff and leadership to bring a multitude of perspectives and experiences to solving any challenges we face in the future. And it helps us to make a broader and more-complete impact on the world around us.  

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.

Our History

Montessori was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator and innovator, who developed a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adolescence.

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.

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

RMS has grown from its two original classes to 17 classes over two adjacent campuses, which serve the current program for approximately 315 students hailing from over 31 nationalities and 42 different zip codes around the Greater Richmond area. RMS admits students and administers its policies and programs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, or any other protected class. In addition to an undergraduate degree, RMS lead teachers hold AMS and/or Association Montessori International (AMI) teacher certification.