Authentic Montessori Education in Mount Clemens - Nurturing Lifelong Learners for Over 40 Years

Montessori Stepping Stones began in 1984, when Ms. Diane opened her first preschool and kindergarten classroom in a rented room at the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Clemens – as she recalls, “with a tiny bit of savings and an abundance of determination.” That first year, three preschool and kindergarten classrooms quickly grew, and by the second year she opened the elementary classroom.

The school expanded to 178 Cass Avenue, and in 1998 Ms. Diane acquired the lot at 174 Cass Avenue. When funds ran short mid-project, a volunteer from the First Presbyterian Church – an “angel,” as she calls him – was so moved by her mission that he donated enough to complete the main building. Since then, we’ve grown to serve children from six weeks through eighth grade across three Mount Clemens locations.

From your child’s earliest months through the pivotal middle school years, Montessori Stepping Stones offers a continuous, authentic Montessori path. Each classroom is thoughtfully prepared and led by certified Montessori educators who meet children exactly where they are.

Choosing care for your infant or toddler is one of the biggest decisions a parent makes – and our nurturing daycare program is designed to earn that trust. In our warm, home-like classrooms, caregivers support your child’s earliest development through gentle routines, sensory-rich Montessori materials, and plenty of one-on-one connection.

Little ones build motor skills, language, and confidence at their own pace in a safe, calm environment that feels like a natural extension of home. We opened our first infant and toddler room in 2005 and have since grown to three dedicated rooms in our Infant & Toddler Building at 178 Cass Avenue. We’re currently welcoming new infant and toddler families – spaces are limited, so we encourage you to schedule a tour soon.

Learn more about our Infant & Toddler Daycare!

The preschool years are when curiosity truly takes flight. In our Primary classrooms, children ages 3 to 5 move freely through hands-on Montessori materials that build practical life skills, early literacy and math, sensorial awareness, and a genuine love of learning. Mixed-age classrooms let younger children learn from older peers and give older children the confidence that comes from leading – a hallmark of authentic Montessori.

Guided by certified Montessori teachers, your child develops independence, focus, and social grace that prepare them beautifully for kindergarten and beyond. Enrollment for our preschool and Pre-K program is open now, and tours are the best way to see our prepared environment in action.

Explore our Preschool Program!

Kindergarten is the capstone of the Montessori Primary years – the moment when everything a child has absorbed comes together. As the eldest in their mixed-age classroom, kindergartners take on leadership roles, tackle more advanced reading, writing, and mathematics, and develop the self-direction that sets Montessori graduates apart. Rather than simply preparing children for a test, we prepare them for a lifetime of confident, independent learning.

Families exploring kindergarten options in Macomb County are warmly invited to visit and see the difference an authentic Montessori environment makes.

Discover our Kindergarten program!

Our elementary program channels the natural curiosity of school-age children into deep, interconnected learning. Through Montessori’s “cosmic education,” students explore how subjects like history, science, geography, and mathematics fit together, following their questions through hands-on research and collaborative projects.

Lower and upper elementary classrooms encourage independence, critical thinking, and a strong sense of community. Our upper elementary students learn in the Next Step Building at 67 Union Street, a space built in 2019 to support their growing independence.

See our Elementary Program!

Opened in 2016 and led by Ms. Cyndi, our middle school program guides early adolescents through one of the most pivotal stages of development. Following Dr. Montessori’s vision for this age, students engage in real-world, hands-on learning that builds critical thinking, independence, and social responsibility.

Small class sizes allow our certified educators to mentor each student individually – supporting them academically and emotionally as they prepare for high school and adult life. Housed in our Next Step Building at 67 Union Street, the program offers a collaborative, respectful environment where curiosity and self-direction continue to flourish through the adolescent years.

Learn about our Middle School!

• Authentic Montessori since 1984 – 40+ years of experience rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy and methods.
• One continuous journey – your child can grow with us from six weeks old through eighth grade, without disruptive transitions between schools.
• Certified Montessori educators – our teachers are the heart of the school, trained in child development and genuinely devoted to your child.
• A caring, family-like community – children are treated with dignity and respect in a warm, non-judgmental environment.
• Convenient Mount Clemens location – proudly serving families throughout Macomb County, including Clinton Township, Harrison Township, and the surrounding areas.