In 1970, a group of parents and community members interested in the Montessori method got together and decided they wanted to help start a Montessori school in the Edwardsville, Illinois area.

In September 1971, the first primary class opened as The Children’s House in Edwardsville, Illinois. A second primary class was added in September 1973. At the urging of Montessori parents the Elementary program began in 1975 with 6 years olds only. A grade was added each year until 1980 to complete our Lower and Upper Elementary programs (first through sixth grade).

In 1978, a Before and After school program was added to assist working parents of Montessori students.

In September 1980, a satellite campus was opened in Belleville, Illinois. The Children’s House, St. Clair’s primary class, was located in the William Holliday School in Fairview Heights.

In 1982, our school moved its Edwardsville location to a newly renovated school building on Highway 162 near Granite City, Illinois. The school name was changed to Montessori School and the Belleville campus to Montessori School-St. Clair.

In 1992, the Montessori School-St. Clair campus moved to 2360 Country Road in Belleville and in 1995 a second primary classroom was added.

In 2011, the school name was changed to Metro East Montessori School, and we celebrated 40 years of Montessori education in the metro east.