The Way of the Shepherd Catholic Montessori School

Discover why The Way of the Shepherd provides a remarkable education that motivates your child's potential and helps them thrive both intellectually and spiritually.

Contribute today to The Way of the Shepherd Annual Fund!

Help us provide a unique education signaled out in the Twin Cities and the nation for its innovative Catholic Montessori education model. Founded in 1998 , we are  recognized by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and accredited by MNSAA. The Way of the Shepherd combines the individualized education methods of Dr. Maria Montessori with the teachings of the Catholic Church to provide a solid foundation of faith and learning for children ages 3 through grade 8.

The Way of the Shepherd academic program provides:

• Guidance that encourages a child’s passion for learning
• Opportunities for problem-solving and creative thinking
• An inquiry based curriculum
• High development of a child’s executive brain functions
• Collaborative learning communities
• Beautiful, ordered, indoor and outdoor learning environments
• A solid base of practical skills
• An emphasis on concentration, repetition, and mastery
• Controlled movement within the classroom
• A commitment to good nutrition and healthy activity
• Freedom and self-discipline to complete and honor the child’s work

As an evangelical body of the Roman Catholic Church, children at The Way of the Shepherd are offered an authentic Catholic Education, including:

• Learning how they are loved by Christ as the Good Shepherd through a unique religious educational program
• A beautiful space called the atrium for them to learn the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith formation program. 
• Experiences of prayer and worship that foster the child’s innate spirit of wonder towards God
• Frequent opportunities to receive the Sacraments
• A foundation for a meaningful relationship with God that will last a lifetime

We need your help to continue with our signature education. 

While most Catholic schools have a larger parish community to help support their efforts, The Way of the Shepherd is an entirely independent Catholic school. We rely on the generosity of our benefactors and supporters. While we charge tuition for each student, that amount does not cover the operational costs of the school. Only through generous donations to The Way of the Shepherd Annual Fund is it possible for our school to continue its mission of “cooperating with God’s plan for the salvation of souls  by educating children according to the Catholic Faith and the Montessori philosophy."  We seek a new "springtime of faith," to bring the Kingdom of God into the lives of the children and families we serve.  

Our families, and the broader community, are embracing our vision that implements the tried and true Montessori education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Montessori education is based on the belief that children have a natural love for learning and thrive in an environment tailored to their specific needs. In conjunction, students participate  in a distinctive faith formation program, The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, based upon Dr. Maria Montessori’s teachings on the religious potential of the child. Developed by Sophia Cavaletti and Gianna Gobi, and approved by the bishops of Rome in 1954, it combines Sacred Scripture and Liturgy  in a beautiful learning environment called “the Atrium.” This place of prayer and meditation nurtures the spiritual development of the child through presentations aimed at teaching the Catholic faith while encouraging continual contemplation of the religious life. It is within this environment  that the children develop a deep love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, often times before they realize that He is the Shepherd and they are His sheep.

Striving to make our Atrium a professional model for other Atriums throughout the country, we allow the community, parishes, and other schools to learn about the Catechesis  of the Good Shepherd Program after our normal school hours.

Now is the time to help us:

• Move all our classrooms and facilities to one campus to encourage community and sustained growth
• Engage an active alumni network to keep our community connected
• Nurture our Adolescent Program for grades 7 & 8 
• Become a new model for Catholic education

 Come see us! Stop in for a tour of our amazing school. We welcome and need volunteers for many areas.

Please consider becoming an annual supporter of The Way of the Shepherd Catholic Montessori School because we want to continue our mission of educating children to succeed. Thank you for "Giving to the Max" today!

The Way of the Shepherd, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax deductible.