“OUR CARE OF THE CHILD SHOULD BE GOVERNED, NOT BY THE DESIRE TO MAKE HIM LEARN THINGS, BUT BY THE ENDEAVOR ALWAYS TO KEEP BURNING WITHIN HIM THAT LIGHT WHICH IS CALLED INTELLIGENCE.” - Maria Montessori
Simplicity is often associated with Zen. Zen is simply "being present here and now", which is not always easy in life. Fortunately, children have this ability from birth.
Our vision at Zen Montessori is to create a happy and diverse environment providing children the ability to be present and grow their intellect here and now.
The children have a unique opportunity to participate in our Suzuki Violin program. The violin teacher spends her morning in our music room adjacent to the classroom. The lessons are given to a small group and/or individually. It encourages learning and desire to share music with friends!
The Suzuki approach to music is absolutely compatible with the Montessori approach to education. Just as Dr. Montessori had discovered that by creating the right environment, she could achieve startling results with children, Shinichi Suzuki discovered, by observation and extraordinary insight, that even tone-deaf children could achieve a high level of musical ability.
Musical training, especially when started young, does far more than entertain. It strengthens the brain's structure, sharpens its functions, and enriches the emotional and social intelligence children need to succeed in every area of life. Learning music requires patience, persistence, and the ability to navigate frustration - qualities that build grit and emotional regulation over time. Children who practice an instrument under a guidance of our incredible teacher Ms. Rachel repeatedly confront mistakes, adjust, and try again. This cycle of failure and resilience cultivates mental endurance, a trait that serves them far beyond the music room. We have 2 recitals/year. It truly is a joy to see how excited the children are to share their violin skills and fun songs they learn.
"What is beyond dispute is the effect of intensive early musical training on the young, plastic brain. Tamiko Fujioka and her colleagues, using magnetoencehalography to examine auditory evoked potentials in the brain, have recorded striking changes in the left hemisphere of children who have had only a single year of violin training, compared to children with no training. For vast majority of students, music can be every bit as important educationally as reading or writing." - Musicophilia
9-12 Morning Work Cycle
Montessori curriculum + specialists: music, violin, art, movement/dance therapy/physical therapy
12 Half Day Dismissal/Lunch
12:30-3:30 Art, Outdoor Play, Story time, Naps
Morning Work Cycle: 9 am - noon $1000
+ includes Suzuki Violin tuition (4 lessons/week)
School Day: 9 am - 3:30 pm $1400
+ includes Suzuki Violin tuition (4 lessons/week)
It is an honor to be kindly mentioned in Steve Grove's new book "How I found myself in the midwest". Steve is a father of beautiful twins that attended the school + CEO and publisher of MN Star Tribune. Previously, he was Minnesota's commissioner of employment and economic development, founding director of the Google News Lab, YouTube's first head of news and politics.
"As the holidays approached, Natalya invited all the families to a holiday concert... after a few holiday songs, Luke and Violet walked onto the stage for a violin duet. Mary and I had no idea it was coming. As they pulled their little violins to their chins, my heart just about came out of my chest. Their music teacher led them through a rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," and I felt something I never had before: the pride of seeing your kid learn something new that you had no part in at all. I had to wipe the tears from my eyes before wrapping them both in a hug."
This is another fantastic read written by another parent at the school! Lindsay is a mother of two beautiful girls that attended/currently attend the school.
Lindsay Dahl is a nationally awarded environmental health and consumer safety expert. Over the last twenty years Dahl has helped pass over thirty state and federal laws that remove toxic chemicals from consumer products and our environment. Her activism and writing has been featured in the New York Times, Fast Company, and Vogue, among other publications. Dahl has worked across leadership positions for environmental health nonprofits including Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, and for leading consumer brands including: Ritual and Beautycounter. She sits on the board of directors for the nonprofits Toxic-Free Future and the Chamber of Mothers.
After spending years in a Montessori environment I was inspired to create an environment of my own!
It has been 10 years since the first children joined Zen Montessori. And the very first children that I had the privilege to spend days with are graduating High School and going on amazing adventures this year. Wow! 2025 is making me revisit
After spending years in a Montessori environment I was inspired to create an environment of my own!
It has been 10 years since the first children joined Zen Montessori. And the very first children that I had the privilege to spend days with are graduating High School and going on amazing adventures this year. Wow! 2025 is making me revisit lots of beautiful memories. It was time to update the profile picture too... my two boys aren't babies anymore! My passion for Montessori continues to grow after all these years. The idea of focusing on the whole child, fostering vigorous, self-motivated growth in all areas of development - cognitive, emotional, social, and physical is so clear why Montessori can make a significant and positive difference in children.
I am originally from Yoshkar-Ola, Russia, where I attended Mari-El State University 1998 -2001 studying linguistics and business. I came to the University of Minnesota in 2002, which lead me to a career in the business world. Allowing me to travel the world, meet many interesting people and most importantly learn about myself. In my spare time I started teaching science enrichment classes through the "Mad Science" organization at several schools in metro area (Kenwood Elementary, Bryn Mawr Elementary, Our Lady of Grace and Northrop Urban Environmental). I wanted to see if I would like it and it turned out that I loved it!
I found my passion was working with children. I feel fortunate to have found an assistant position at a neighborhood Montessori school. I had the pleasure of working with an AMI trained guide, Mary Gazca who has 17 years of experience. She patiently mentored me through observing and assessing children’s individual interests and abilities in order to provide an environment that stimulates and challenges them to learn. I fell in love with Montessori philosophy and enhanced my studies by taking the Association Montessori Internationale Primary Course in 2011-2012.
Kari is our art teacher! With over thirteen years of experience as a Children's House Guide, she offer a diverse curriculum that naturally incorporates much of the Montessori philosophy and methods.
Check out
http://createeverydayclassroom.blogspot.com for more info. about camps and classes.
Kari is also an artist. Regardless of subject, I c
Kari is our art teacher! With over thirteen years of experience as a Children's House Guide, she offer a diverse curriculum that naturally incorporates much of the Montessori philosophy and methods.
Check out
http://createeverydayclassroom.blogspot.com for more info. about camps and classes.
Kari is also an artist. Regardless of subject, I continue to find that my work is a reflection of where I have been or a hint of where I may be going. I work intuitively. With proper rest, solitude, meditation, affirmation and what seems like millions of collages, doodles, paintings and photographs gone to waste, a new body of work is born.
My most successful paintings occur when I lose all inhibitions and make a mess. I honor the days of creative freedom, when what is "wasted" is just as important as what remains. My challenge as an artist is to trust that this is part of my process, creating another layer of the story.
I try to allow the painting to lead the way. For me, this is when I become one with the process, and the painting takes on its own expression. When a painting is complete, it reveals an answer to a question or confirms a recent emotional or spiritual understanding or growth within myself.
Kari Maxwell is a self taught artist who lives and works out of her studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is represented by the Chait Galleries downtown in Iowa City, IA, the Fanny Garver Gallery in Madison, WI and The Grand Hand in St. Paul, MN.
Kayt is our art teacher too! And she is also the owner and lead “problem solver” at Kayt Joyce Design + Print, a creativity driven design + print studio whose mission is to simplify brand execution for creatives and businesses through unified marketing design, printed collateral and a little bit of SWAG. With majors in both photography an
Kayt is our art teacher too! And she is also the owner and lead “problem solver” at Kayt Joyce Design + Print, a creativity driven design + print studio whose mission is to simplify brand execution for creatives and businesses through unified marketing design, printed collateral and a little bit of SWAG. With majors in both photography and design, she has always had a passion for creativity through composition. Kayt has been designing and managing her own business for over 18 years. Along that journey she has had the opportunity to experience adventures in a wide range of specialties, including holding a title as a Creative Director for a custom promotional and retail product company, working directly with the Olympics on both a US National and International levels, Major Cruise Lines, the US National Park Systems and Sandals Resorts.
With a strong passion for simplicity and supporting small businesses, Kayt is all about the #locallove. She enjoys actively supporting various non-profit organizations through design, marketing, hands-on community work and animal rescue. In addition to being a collaborative member in her local creative community. Spending time outdoors with her family helps to keep her grounded and fuel her inspiration.
Kayt believes strongly in the importance of art and art education in the lives of students and all people. As creativity is an integral part of our world, no matter what the application. The creative process is encountered on a daily basis and can be seen in all aspects of life. Erin and Kayt have been partnering up via VIVA MUSICA to teach art classes in a variety of settings: public schools, retirement homes, and community education.
Caryn is one of our dance/movement educators! Caryn is also busy working as a therapist at Ellie Mental Health right now. Caryn started creative movement dance classes at 2 years old. Dance always brought a joy and a connection to others for Caryn. When she was old enough, she began to assist her dance teachers and as she entered college
Caryn is one of our dance/movement educators! Caryn is also busy working as a therapist at Ellie Mental Health right now. Caryn started creative movement dance classes at 2 years old. Dance always brought a joy and a connection to others for Caryn. When she was old enough, she began to assist her dance teachers and as she entered college she sought out a minor in Dance Education. During her college years, she began to explore Dance/movement Therapy. In 2001, she attended a summer on the Duke campus at the American Dance Festival, where she learned from world renowned facilitators of Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. This solidified her love of bringing movement to a broader range of populations. Moving and exploring concepts to create stories through movement left Caryn in awe and ignited a desire to make this her life's work. From that point on, Caryn continued to immerse her self in ways to bring "dance" to various populations and learn as much as she could. Throughout the past 20 years, she has learned, interned, volunteered, and worked in a variety of settings: Karios Dance Theatre - Elderly; Abbott NorthWestern Behavioral Health Unit - Adults who exhibit mental health disorders; University of River Falls, WI - received BS in Sociology & minor in Dance Education; Hawn Foundation workshop - Mindfulness for Children; Education in Dance & The Related Arts of New York City - early childhood movement classes; 14th St Y of New York City - creative movement class 5-8 year olds; HeadStart of Anoka/Ramsey County - 3-5 year olds; 92nd St Y of New York City Intensive Workshop with Dianne Duggan - Dance for Students with Special Needs; Intensive Workshop in San Francisco; Young Dance Outreach - Boys & Girls Club of Minneapolis, Highland Friendship Club, Bridgeview - middle school & high school students with disabilities, Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Homeschool, Wilder Preschool; S.T.E.P.S. Outreach - Touchstone Mental Health Facility, In 2009, Caryn received her Masters in Arts from Columbia College Chicago, and she is currently a registered Dance/movement Therapist, (R-DMT).
Through all these experiences, Caryn learned that there is no movement too small or big. Movement can be on or off rhythm, with hesitation or confidence. Everything is part of the dance. Simply showing up - whether to participate or observe - becomes a part of the story.
Jocelyn is a trained Montessori teacher, Suzuki trained violin player and the kindest person I know. Jocelyn had a 3rd baby not that long ago, but we are excited to reconnect someday soon!
CARLA BODE
Originally from New Ulm, Carla Bode has duel degrees in Dance & Theater Education and English Education and a Holistic Health Studies Master’s Certificate from Saint Catherine University. She is also a certified RYT 200 yoga teacher.
Carla has served as a dance specialist for several arts magnet middle and high schools. She has
CARLA BODE
Originally from New Ulm, Carla Bode has duel degrees in Dance & Theater Education and English Education and a Holistic Health Studies Master’s Certificate from Saint Catherine University. She is also a certified RYT 200 yoga teacher.
Carla has served as a dance specialist for several arts magnet middle and high schools. She has also taught for many various non-profits, colleges, and private schools in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. She also creates and performs with the Rural Route Dance Ensemble.
Currently, she teaches creative movement at several early childhood schools in Minneapolis, and is thrilled to be teaching Tappy Hours and community education classes for Keane Sense of Rhythm.
You can find her teaching, creating choreography, and performing with KSR as a faculty member while also using her strategic communication skills within the KSR Marketing Team and at Save the Boundary Waters in Ely, MN. Carla also just became a physical therapist!
RUTH BERGMAN
Violinist Ruth Bergman is a dedicated teacher and a seasoned performer. With over ten years of teaching experience, she has held positions on the faculty of nationally respected Suzuki programs, including the Hartt Community Division in Hartford. Ruth has also taught as a guest at Western Springs School of Talent Education and
RUTH BERGMAN
Violinist Ruth Bergman is a dedicated teacher and a seasoned performer. With over ten years of teaching experience, she has held positions on the faculty of nationally respected Suzuki programs, including the Hartt Community Division in Hartford. Ruth has also taught as a guest at Western Springs School of Talent Education and the Augsburg College Suzuki Talent Education.
She is an active member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) and Suzuki Association of Minnesota (SAM). Ruth holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance and a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from The Hartt School, with additional collegiate studies at Lawrence University. She has long-term violin pedagogy training with Teri Einfeldt and Suzuki Early Childhood training with Sharon Jones. Other influences on Ruth’s teaching include Diane Slone, Melinda Daetsch, and Kathy Wood.
A passionate advocate for Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE), Ruth is gaining a strong reputation for her work with the youngest students in the Suzuki community. Supported by scholarships from the American Suzuki Foundation, Ruth has undertaken three levels of SECE training, has taught Suzuki baby classes in several programs, and has experienced these classes from the parent perspective. She deeply believes in the mission of the class to teach musical, language, and other life skills through the creation of a positive, nurturing environment. Ruth enjoys applying aspects of the SECE curriculum to her work with very young instrumental students.
As a performer, Ruth has a diverse experience, ranging from symphony orchestras to musical theater. She especially enjoys collaborating as a chamber musician. She has performed with the Hartford Symphony, Eastern Connecticut Symphony, Fox Valley Symphony, the Bishop String Quartet, and Rhymes with Opera, among many other ensembles. In 2012, Ruth and her sister, cellist Leah Bergman, toured five States, giving eight recitals across New England and the Midwest. Ruth’s primary teachers have been Katie Lansdale, Anton Miller, and Allen Ohmes.
Ruth lives in Minneapolis, MN with her husband, and two children. Since her older daughter studies Suzuki piano, Ruth now has experience as a Suzuki parent, as well as teacher. Ruth currently teaches at MacPhail Center for Music. When she is not teaching, Ruth enjoys baking, hiking, and reading with her family.
Favorite non-musical hobby: Baking
Mary is the reason I fell in love with Montessori. She had her own program years ago when Montessori was a hippy thing to do in early childhood education:), I had a privilege to work as her assistant years ago that inspired me to seek more education. We have stayed connected throughout the years as she opened and ran other programs and wa
Mary is the reason I fell in love with Montessori. She had her own program years ago when Montessori was a hippy thing to do in early childhood education:), I had a privilege to work as her assistant years ago that inspired me to seek more education. We have stayed connected throughout the years as she opened and ran other programs and was even a nanny for my youngest son for couple years. She is family. I count my blessing on the days she comes to help out with lunch and outdoor playtime. Eventually I will get around to getting her real bio on here with all of her incredible accomplishments and talents.