Business Details
41 Years
experience
Authentic Montessori Education in Salt Lake City
Foothill Montessori of Salt Lake has been dedicated to authentic Montessori education since 1985, serving children from infancy through sixth grade. Our mission centers on nurturing the holistic development of each child, fostering a lifelong love of learning, and promoting peaceful relationships within a diverse community. Accredited by the International Montessori Council, we maintain rigorous educational standards supported by Montessori-trained faculty with decades of cumulative experience. Our programs emphasize self-directed learning, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth within a structured, child-centered environment. With over 35 years of service in Salt Lake City, we combine historical expertise with continuous adaptation to meet evolving educational needs.Our co-teacher model ensures personalized attention, while our commitment to diversity reflects the broader community we serve. We adhere to strict licensing requirements and maintain partnerships with leading Montessori organizations to uphold our educational philosophy. Parents consistently praise our ability to create a supportive, enriching atmosphere where children thrive academically and personally. Our facility's central location and flexible scheduling options enhance accessibility for local families. Through transparent communication and evidence-based practices, we build trust with generations of parents seeking exceptional early childhood and elementary education.
Services
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Early Childhood Education
Elementary School
Montessori 101 Sessions
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of authentic Montessori expertise since 1985
- Our faculty includes Montessori-certified teachers with 8-33 years tenure
- International Montessori Council accreditation ensures educational excellence
- Co-teacher model provides personalized attention in every classroom
- Diverse community reflects Salt Lake City's cultural and socioeconomic variety
Associations and certifications
- International Montessori Council
- Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)
What people say
Loved my children
Greatest decisions
Amazing experience
Constant caring
Positive change
Services
Infant Program
Our Infant Program (3-18 months) provides a secure, stimulating environment for early development. Certified Montessori guides use specialized materials to support motor skills, language acquisition, and sensory exploration. Parents appreciate our nurturing approach that respects each child's unique developmental pace while building foundational learning habits.
Toddler Program
The Toddler Program (18 months-3 years) fosters independence through practical life activities and sensorial materials. Our trained educators guide children in developing fine motor skills, language, and social interaction within a prepared environment. Families value our structured yet flexible approach that adapts to toddlers' evolving needs.
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Program (3-6 years) emphasizes self-directed learning with authentic Montessori materials. Children develop reading, math, and cultural awareness at their own pace while building concentration and responsibility. Parents report exceptional academic preparation and social growth in our mixed-age classroom settings.
Elementary School
The Elementary Program (6-12 years) cultivates critical thinking through interdisciplinary projects and advanced Montessori materials. Our curriculum promotes time management, research skills, and collaborative problem-solving. Graduates consistently demonstrate superior academic performance and self-motivation compared to traditional school peers.
Montessori 101 Sessions
Montessori 101 information sessions introduce parents to core Montessori principles and pedagogy. Led by our Head of School, these workshops explain the method's benefits for child development and provide practical home implementation strategies. Prospective families particularly value this transparent introduction to our educational philosophy.
People
Robyn Eriwata-Buchanan
Founder
Co-founder with 35+ years Montessori experience, establishing Salt Lake City's first dedicated Montessori programs in 1985. Continues shaping educational vision while mentoring faculty in authentic Montessori practices.
Bob Buchanan
Co-founder
Co-founder instrumental in developing Salt Lake City's Montessori infrastructure since 1985. Oversaw campus expansions and program development through middle school implementation, maintaining financial stewardship of multiple facilities.
Catherine Mathews
Head of School
Veteran Montessori Guide leading school operations with MACTE-certified expertise. Directs curriculum development and teacher training while maintaining daily classroom engagement with students across all programs.
Questions
What ages does Foothill Montessori serve?
We serve children from 3 months through 6th grade (12 years old), offering continuous Montessori education across all developmental stages.
Is your school accredited?
Yes, we're accredited by the International Montessori Council and maintain affiliations with Utah Montessori Council and MACTE-certified teaching staff.
What makes your Montessori program unique?
Our authentic Montessori approach combines 35+ years experience with certified teachers in each classroom, using original Montessori materials and proven mixed-age learning environments.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Limited tuition assistance is available for qualifying households through our admissions department's confidential application process.
How do I start the enrollment process?
Begin by scheduling a school tour through our website, followed by submitting an application with required documentation and participation in parent interviews.
Are your teachers Montessori-certified?
Every classroom has at least one MACTE-certified Montessori teacher, with many instructors holding additional specialized credentials and decades of experience.
Reviews (6)
Rees Bandley
Oct 04, 2019
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If you're looking for a real Montessori School and not just a brand; this could be the school for your student, very authentic and does a very good job of staying true to the Montessori-Method. Both of my daughters attended this school they now share a lifelong love of learning! And my life has been most positively impacted by the Montessori Community. Thank you!
Carla Moquin
Oct 29, 2016
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Our two daughters started attending MCS in 2012 when they were entering second grade and sixth grade. They had previously attended a Sudbury-model school that was focused on student-directed learning and had no set curriculum. They enjoyed their time there and learned, particularly when they were in a larger school with a well-established culture of learning, but when they were 7 and 11 years old, we were becoming concerned that they were missing a lot of knowledge that would become harder to catch up on as they got older. After researching virtually every private school in the Salt Lake City
Stephanie Grimme
Dec 24, 2014
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Our daughter is finishing up her first year in the toddler program at MCS and is thriving at the school. I credit the multiage classrooms with the social strides she has made in the last year; she has many close friends there and has a growing confidence. The teachers in her classroom are caring and seem to appreciate her unique personality. There are multiple community-building opportunities throughout the year to get to know other families. It's just a warm, supportive, loving environment, a place I am happy to send my daughter everyday.
Kindra Fehr
Oct 11, 2014
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My daughter is in 5th grade here and has been here since she was 3 years old. She's informed me that she is going to go to this school "until they kick me out" because she loves it that much! Our experience with both of our children is that each has been seen for their unique selves and teaching to the individual child has been upheld.
Annette Ephroni
Oct 10, 2014
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We moved our son to this school at age 3 after a disappointing experience at a different early childhood program What a difference!! Teachers at MCS are professionally trained Montessori teachers, most of whom have been teaching this program for years, often decades. Equally important, the continuing education is clearly rigorous and ongoing, and the teachers remain PASSIONATE about what they do--which is clearly transmitted in a palpable, excited-about-learning feel as soon as you enter the building. My son is now in his fourth year--completing first grade-- and we couldn't be happier for several
Payam Soltanzadeh
Sep 17, 2014
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Our son enjoys attending his school everyday. The presence of preschool kids with different ages in two levels, allows them to interact with older and younger peers and improve their social skills. The also like the dual language set up of his class where he is learning Spanish. The fun activities make school a favorable environment for kids at this age.
