About Northern Blooms
At Northern Blooms Montessori, we provide a nurturing & innovative early education experience for children ages 12 months to 6 years old. As a non-profit Montessori school, our two multi-age classrooms foster independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Located near downtown Traverse City in the Commongrounds Cooperative building, we are part of a vibrant and inclusive community space that welcomes all.
Why Choose Montessori?
Montessori education is designed to nurture the whole child - intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Our thoughtfully prepared classrooms and hands-on materials support each stage of their development, encouraging individuality, creativity, & self-direction.
At Northern Blooms, children thrive in an environment that includes:
Mixed-age classrooms that promote mentorship and collaboration
Multi-sensory learning to engage curiosity and deepen understanding
A child-centered community where respect and self-motivation flourish
Individualized guidance through continuous observation and personalized learning experiences
With a foundation in scientific human development, our experienced educators empower children to become confident, capable, and compassionate lifelong learners.
Toddler Classroom
8 children aged 12-36 months old; must be steadily walking
Our toddler classroom is a calm, thoughtfully-prepared environment that supports independence, movement, and exploration. With child-sized furniture, open shelves, and authentic Montessori materials, the classroom invites hands-on learning and purposeful play.
Daily activities focus on practical life skills, sensory experiences, language development, and coordination, allowing toddlers to move freely, make choices, and build confidence at their own pace. Teachers emphasize consistency, respect, and gentle guidance, creating a secure foundation for curiosity, concentration, and early social development.
Primary Classroom
15 children aged 36 months - 6 years old; children as young as 30 months may be considered based on classroom readiness
Our primary classroom offers a rich, engaging environment that supports curiosity, concentration, and independence. Carefully prepared learning areas include hands-on materials for practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, and cultural studies, all arranged on open shelves and accessible to children.
In this mixed-age setting, students learn through self-directed work, collaboration, and repetition, developing confidence, responsibility, and a love of learning. Teachers serve as attentive guides, fostering respect, focus, and joy as children deepen their skills and understanding at their own pace.
Outdoor Play Area & Neighborhood
Extending our Montessori classrooms outdoors, our play area offers children daily opportunities for movement & exploration with natural elements that encourage gross motor development, sensory discovery, and practical life experiences.
Our walkable location near downtown Traverse City, TART Trails, and the Boardman-Ottaway River allows children to safely engage with their surrounding neighborhood and natural world. Regular outings to nearby F & M Park and the Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden deepen children’s connection to their community, supporting stewardship and meaningful real-world learning.