Dr. Maria Montessori established her child-centered Montessori philosophy in early-1900s Rome. “Adults move because their will directs them,” she explained. “The small child is urged by nature.”

By the 1960s, children in Europe, India, and the U.S. thrived in Montessori schools, moving freely through multi-age classrooms and choosing hands-on lessons and learning materials that spark their natural curiosity.

Today’s MPS Montessori student explores math and literacy, language and science, the humanities and global economies during teacher-led lessons and through uninterrupted, self-guided work time. From the ages of 3 to 18, these students develop community-building and problem-solving skills by sharing classroom responsibilities, participating in meaningful routines, and learning, working, and researching during group and individual projects.

About MPS Montessori

Milwaukee Public Schools provides an authentic, world-class Montessori education in eight tuition-free schools. From 1973 to today, our district has implemented enduring Montessori methods while innovating as America’s largest family of public Montessori schools. Educating more than 4,000 students annually, these eight schools make unique and historic contributions to Wisconsin’s education landscape:

After more than a century of practice, research, and global growth, Montessori methods remain relevant, effective, and support Milwaukee Public Schools’ mission to prepare students for success in higher education, post-education opportunities, work, and citizenship.

• Classrooms are stocked with learning materials, books, and self-guided activities that bring lessons to life and stimulate curiosity and creativity.
• Educators model peaceful communication, active listening, and thoughtful problem-solving techniques in multi-age classrooms.
• Students explore careers and develop pre-professional skills that prepare them for the workforce before graduation day.

We invite you to explore the MPS Montessori family and begin your child’s enrollment process today.

Tuition-Free Enrollment

A Milwaukee Public Schools Montessori education is authentic and accessible. Our educators are Montessori-credentialed and licensed by the State of Wisconsin. MPS Montessori schools do not charge tuition.

K3/K4 Enrollment

Any child who will be age three or four by September 1 is eligible to apply for the Montessori program during the kindergarten enrollment period. Seats are assigned at random. Sibling preference and the number of openings at each school helps determine student placement.

Please note that K3 and K4 Montessori students attend school for three hours each day.

K5 to Eighth-Grade Enrollment

Students older than age four may be enrolled in MPS Montessori schools as seats are available using the following specifications:

• Students with verified continuous, previous Montessori experience shall receive Montessori enrollment preference.
• Students without Montessori experience and students with limited Montessori experience may be enrolled as seats are available following an intake conference with the school principal.

Montessori students move to a full-day schedule (approximately seven hours) once they are officially registered K5 students.

High School Enrollment

Students who successfully complete year eight in a Montessori school receive preference when they complete an enrollment application for MacDowell Montessori School, home to the district’s only high-school Montessori program. High school enrollment is open from late September through October.

• If MacDowell Montessori School receives more high-school applicants than there are available seats, the board-established composite score is used to order the applicants without Montessori experience, filling the school with the highest-scoring students first until the school’s available seats are filled.
• Grades 10, 11, and 12 are filled in the same manner as K5 through eighth grade: Students are placed on the waiting list, and the school conducts an intake interview with the parent/guardian and student.

Visit mpsmke.com/enroll to enroll your child.

Montessori Occupations

By accumulating academic knowledge, practicing strong communication skills, and developing their personal learning style and interests, older Montessori students prepare for advanced responsibilities within their school community. Known as “occupations,” these responsibilities reinforce Montessori lessons and instill a sense of purpose and professionalism among students.

MacDowell secondary and high-school students choose one occupations elective per semester. Students may choose a new occupation every semester or repeat a favorite occupation.

MacDowell Occupations

MacDowell occupations are led by teachers during the school day, powered by students, follow Montessori philosophy, and support the MPS mission to prepare students for success in higher education, post-education opportunities, work, and citizenship. Seventh and eighth graders engage in occupations from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Ninth through twelfth graders engage in occupations from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Athletic Assistants – Support MacDowell/Juneau athletic programs by planning and promoting pep rallies, school dances, game-day activities, and even recruiting high-school athletes.
• DIY – Anything from carving spoons and creating resin keychains to crafting holiday gifts is possible with advanced DIY skills. Students also develop business acumen as they market and sell DIY creations.
• Green Team – Outdoor and indoor gardening, hydroponics, recycling, composting, and other environmentally conscious activities give students the opportunity to create and grow in many ways.
• Mobile Library Assistant – Students learn to navigate the Destiny Online Public Access catalog that inventories K-12 library collections, helping fellow MacDowell students browse and check out books during classroom visits. This occupation led to increased library circulation school-wide.
• National Honors Society – This service-oriented group coordinates school and community service projects.
• Photography and Videography – Students learn skills related to photography, videography, and video editing working on promotional videos for school events, interviews and coverage of sports, and creative personal projects.
• School Store – Bucky’s Corner, the MacDowell school store, accepts applications each semester to fill essential operations and management positions.
• Stage Crew – Stage crew students run point during all MacDowell productions, from the annual musical to holiday events and awards ceremonies. Lighting, set design, and managing the school’s youngest performers are all part of the job description.
• Student Government – Electing their own representatives brings students into the democratic process. Officers are role models and leaders who help plan and promote school events and more.
• 3D Printing Design – Students learn 3D-printing fundamentals by creating products for sale and for school use.
• Woodworking – Students design and manufacture handicrafts using fabrication tools and technologies and sell their goods to benefit MacDowell Montessori School.
• Yearbook – Yearbook staff photograph school events and activities, use computer software to arrange pages for the official yearbook, and learn valuable skills related to professional design and product development.