Michigan Online Montessori
Michigan’s First Public Tuition-Free Online Montessori School
A Public Montessori Program for Kindergarten–2nd Grade Students
Download the Montessori Parent Guide
Learn how the program works, what a typical learning day looks like, and whether Montessori learning may be the right fit for your child.
Many parents are drawn to Montessori education because it encourages independence, curiosity, and hands-on exploration.
But accessing a Montessori program has historically been difficult.
Families interested in Montessori education frequently encounter barriers such as:
Offered through Uplift Michigan Online School — a Cognia-accredited public online school serving students statewide — this program makes it possible for families to experience authentic Montessori learning at home, with the full structure and support of a public school education.
Families receive:
Is This Program Right for Your Child?
Michigan Online Montessori may be a great fit if you are looking for:
How Michigan Online Montessori Works
Hands-On Montessori Materials
Students receive a grade-specific Montessori materials kit delivered to their home before the school year begins. The kit includes hands-on learning tools aligned with their personalized learning plan and designed for use across multiple grade levels.
Michigan-Certified Montessori Teachers
Certified teachers serve as your child's primary guide. They deliver lessons, monitor each student's individualized learning plan, provide feedback, and stay in regular contact with families throughout the program. Think of them as your child's Montessori co-guide.
Live Lessons and Peer-to-Peer Connection
Students participate in daily virtual community meetings that provide connection, socialization, and a sense of classroom belonging. Small group lessons create collaborative learning opportunities where students work alongside peers at all age levels. These aren't just check-ins — they're a core part of the Montessori social curriculum.
A Real Learning Management System
Families access our learning management system (LMS) to stay organized, track assignments, connect with teachers, and monitor progress — all in one place. Students also use Seesaw, a digital learning platform familiar to many K–2 families, for select digital activities that complement hands-on work.
Flexible Learning Routines
Students engage in structured work cycles that encourage independence and focused exploration. Much of the learning day is spent offline, working through materials at their own pace — the way Montessori was designed to work.
Parent Learning Coach Support
Parents play an active role as learning coaches, supporting daily routines, observing their child’s progress, and partnering with teachers throughout the learning process. Teachers use these observations to personalize instruction and provide families with the guidance needed to support learning at home.
Multi-age Mixed-Grade Classroom
Like all Montessori programs, Michigan Online Montessori uses mixed-age classrooms — students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade learn together in a single community. Younger students gain role models in older peers. Older students deepen their understanding by teaching and leading. This mirrors how children naturally learn in real-world communities.
What a Montessori Learning Day Looks Like
Work Cycle
Students spend meaningful time exploring Montessori materials — working through math, language, science, history, and practical life activities at their own pace. Much of this time is offline and independent.
Independent Exploration
Children continue working through materials and self-selected activities, building concentration and self-direction. Teachers and parents observe this work to inform ongoing individualized planning.
Teacher Connection
Students connect with their teacher for individual guidance, feedback, and progress conversations. Parents receive updates through the LMS and direct teacher communication.
Small Group Lessons
Teachers work with small groups to introduce new concepts, check in on progress, and support collaborative learning. Students interact across grade levels, reinforcing the multi-age learning community.
Morning Community Meeting
Students gather virtually with their multi-age class community to start the day together — building social connection, sharing news, and grounding in the Montessori community.
What Students Learn: Lower Elementary Curriculum (K–2)
Michigan Online Montessori covers a full, standards-aligned curriculum using traditional Montessori materials and methods. Here's an overview of what students explore:
Math & Geometry
History & Geography
Biology & Science
Practical Life
Peace Education
What's in Your Child's Materials Kit?
Before the school year begins, every Michigan Online Montessori student receives a grade-specific materials kit delivered directly to their home.
Kits are curated to align with monthly work plans and include traditional Montessori materials for language, math, geometry, geography, and biology — selected from trusted Montessori suppliers. Many materials carry across grade levels, so families build on what they have rather than starting over each year.
Students also receive a free laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot if needed to connect with teachers and access digital learning tools.
Families interested in Montessori often explore several options. Here's how Michigan Online Montessori compares:
Michigan Online Montessori | Private Montessori School | Traditional Homeschool | Public Montessori School (In-Person) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cost | ||||
Montessori Materials | Delivered to your home | At School | You source them | At School |
Certified Montessori Teachers | ||||
Statewide Access | ||||
Mixed-Age Classroom | ||||
Live Peer Interaction | ||||
Flexible Schedule | ||||
Public Accreditation |
Traditional Online Learning
Structured virtual classrooms with teacher-led instruction and digital learning tools.
This model works well for students who thrive with schedules and structured lessons.
Montessori Online Learning
Hands-on exploration with Montessori materials and individualized pacing.
Technology supports communication and instruction, but much of the learning happens through real-world materials and activities.
Our enrollment team can help families explore which option may best support their child.
What Parents Love About Montessori
Parents who choose Montessori education for their children often value:
- Children developing confidence and independence
- Learning through hands-on exploration and creativity
- Progress at an individualized pace, without being labeled ahead or behind
- Strong concentration, focus, and self-direction
- Emotional regulation and conflict resolution as part of the curriculum
- A school environment that treats children as capable, curious people
Montessori learning encourages children to become active participants in their own education — and Michigan Online Montessori makes that possible for families across the state.
A Trusted Public School Option for Michigan Families
Michigan Online Montessori is offered through Uplift Michigan Online School, a Cognia-accredited public online school serving students across Michigan.
Families benefit from:
- Guidance from certified Montessori teachers
- A structured, Michigan-standards-aligned public school program
- Curriculum developed specifically for Kindergarten through 2nd grade learners
- Authentic Montessori learning designed for early elementary students
- Statewide access — open to any Michigan family
How to Get Started
Request Info
Talk to an Enrollment Specialist
Start Your Journey
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Online Montessori
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Is Michigan Online Montessori a free program?
What are the eligibility requirements to enroll?
What steps do I need to take to ensure I am fully enrolled?
Do you provide a laptop or help with internet access to connect with teachers?
Can I start at any time?
How do I contact the enrollment team with more questions?
PROGRAM DETAILS
Is this homeschool?
Will my child be on a computer all day?
What role do parents play?
What is the LMS and how does it work?
Our learning management system (LMS) is a digital platform where families can access assignments, track progress, communicate with teachers, and stay organized throughout the school year. It's designed to make the administrative side of school easy so your child can focus on learning.