In 1963, the first Montessori school was founded in the Twin Cities. Several families connected with this first school and committed to Montessori education for their children, founded a private, non-sectarian school for children in the Roseville area the following summer.

Oak Hill Montessori School thus came to be in 1964 in rented space at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Roseville with 30 children, ages 3 - 6 years.

After two years, the school outgrew its space and moved to lease two classrooms at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Shoreview. Continued growth and stability brought the number of classrooms up to four by 1969.

In 1971, Oak Hill Montessori School purchased its current facility at 4665 Hodgson Road, Shoreview, where we continue to flourish and serve Shoreview and the neighboring communities. 

Expansion and Growth Phase 1

Strong demand for an authentic Montessori elementary program led to Oak Hill's first expansion in the Fall of 1995, when we leased space off-site during the construction and remodeling of our existing facility. Completed in October 1996, the new facility offered expanded pre-school through kindergarten and elementary programs and has gained local and national prominence as a model for Montessori schools.

Again seeking to meet the needs of the community, Oak Hill founded our Infant and Toddler Community in the Fall of 1997, thereby fulfilling our vision to offer a full spectrum of Montessori from infancy through elementary.

Shared Vision 2000: Expansion & Growth Phase 2

But our vision was not complete. In April, 1999, Oak Hill embarked upon the development of a 5-year strategic plan, called "Shared Vision 2000." Our Oak Hill community carefully prepared for our second phase of controlled expansion and growth within the context of our long-range plan.

In the Fall of 2000, we expanded our elementary program by founding a second lower elementary classroom. In December 2000, Oak Hill purchased property adjacent to the school to be used for larger parking accommodations and outdoor field space.

In the Fall of 2002, we came back to our expanded facility that incorporates two new classrooms: a second upper elementary classroom and the founding of our Junior High program. It also includes tutorial, art and music space, as well as a large multi-purpose room for such activities as physical education, lunch, large group gatherings, and drama.

In the spring of 2007, Oak Hill had the unique opportunity to purchase the property just to the north of the school. Securing this property is in line with the long-term planning that has taken place at the Board level in close conjuction with the administration and teaching staff. Currently the on the property is rented out and the remainder of the land is used as additional play space and for a community garden. As longer range plans are developed for the school, the property will be vital to the school's ability to grow and be fully sustainable through the junior high years.