ABOUT

Our school is based on the Montessori method: Students learn at their own pace in multi-grade classrooms, independently cultivating their interests and natural abilities.

Teachers help students choose their work in carefully prepared, peaceful environments; students use beautifully designed hands-on materials to practice and understand skills and concepts. Teachers are Montessori certified and use the Montessori philosophy to guide instruction. Nokomis has an active PTO that provides many opportunities for families to be involved each year with community-building activities such as the Harvest Festival, Hmong New Year, Family Art Night and Book Exchange, and a Spring Fun Fair. 

Classrooms are organized into three levels and students attend school with different age groups:

• Children's House classrooms have Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
• Elementary 1 classrooms have grades 1,2, and 3.
• Elementary 2 classrooms have grades 4 and 5.

Students stay with the same teacher and peers for two to three years. The Montessori teaching style and classroom organization also has a positive effect on the school learning environment and student behavior.

Montessori Education is a method of learning founded by Dr. Maria Montessori. Nokomis Montessori is one of five Public Montessori Programs in the Saint Paul Public School district.

Nokomis Montessori provides instruction in multi-age classrooms emphasizing the Montessori method blending in components of reader’s workshop and writer’s workshop. Students learn in a non-competitive environment and use special Montessori materials that help them understand concepts and skills. Differentiated instruction is embedded in the Montessori methodology. Students in a Montessori environment learn strategies to think and work independently. The Montessori teaching style and classroom organization maximizes the school learning environment and student behavior. 

Special Features: 

• All classroom teachers are Montessori certified providing the school community with a common philosophy and structure.
• Nokomis has a high stability rate for both students and staff.
• Nokomis provides a strong writer’s workshop and reader’s workshop curriculum. Students participate in small reading groups providing opportunities for students to work at their own instructional level.
• Enrichment and extended learning opportunities are incorporated into the Montessori curriculum for our gifted and talented students. Enrichment activities include, for example, literacy/reading groups, writer’s workshop, and science fair projects.
• We are using a collaborative model of ELL service with our students. ELL teachers provide instruction to students learning English as another language.
• Students participate in Physical Education, Technology, and Science specialty classes on a rotating basis.
• ALC Extended Day classes meet twice a week to provide additional academic support for our students.
• Parent involvement opportunities include PTO, many volunteer opportunities, and frequent school-family events.
• The school is peaceful and attractive.