Stepping Stones Montessori School in East Lansing

🌿 Now Enrolling - Authentic Montessori Education Rooted in Curiosity & Growth🌿

At Stepping Stones Montessori School in East Lansing, we follow the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori - nurturing independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on experiences and meaningful exploration.

What makes our school special?

⭐️Child-led learning in a carefully prepared environment
⭐️Outdoor education and environmental stewardship
⭐️Development of independence and responsibility
⭐️Supportive, respectful community
⭐️Montessori-certified teachers
⭐️An American Montessori Society Membership School

Now accepting enrollments for ages 3 - 12yrs.
Message us to learn more or to book a tour!

ssmeastlansing.org

Watch your child grow the Montessori way!

Imagine a place where curiosity leads the way, confidence blossoms naturally, and learning is a joyful adventure. At our Montessori School in East Lansing, children develop independence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

We are now accepting applications for fall 2026 in our Primary and Elementary Programs! 📲Message us today to schedule a tour and learn more. Spaces are limited.

We are so proud of our talented students at Stepping Stones Montessori in East Lansing for sharing their wonderful artwork and creative journeys on WILX. Congratulations on representing our school and community so beautifully!

Schools Rule! East Lansing students transform downtown into art gallery “We all have to start somewhere with our work to actually put it out somewhere,” said Frankie Sprague, a 4th grader.

Looking for more than just traditional education?

Our Montessori school helps children develop:

- Independence
- Learn through hands-on discovery
- Strong reading and math skills
- Focus and self-discipline
- Leadership and collaboration

Our Montessori trained and credentialed teachers prepare classrooms where children thrive, engage in hands-on learning, and at their own pace. They build practical life skills that last a lifetime.

Now enrolling for the upcoming school year. Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour.

ssmeastlansing.org

Join us for Stepping Stones Bagel Cafe! 🥯☕️

On February 5th, from 7:30-9am, come in for a delicious bagel to start your day. Parents are welcome to enjoy this breakfast with their child!

In a rush? 🏃‍♀️ Use our NEW Mobile Order option by scanning the QR code or following this link here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPvAo0oYS6w9xzMPWt-OnD98Iaqh57bcdYwG8tJI_TX7DiQQ/viewform

*We can accept cash & check!

(All money raised will be spent on the elementary ice skating field trip.)

WE ARE HIRING!

Teacher Assistant Position

Pay: From $15.00 per hour, to commensurate with experience.

Job description:

Stepping Stones Montessori School in East Lansing seeks a Montessori Classroom Assistant to join our community for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. The ideal candidate will be a person who has experience and enjoys working with young children, 3-6 years old, and is eager to collaborate with a dedicated educational team to provide a nurturing, authentic Montessori program for students. The Assistant will contribute to the warm, supportive atmosphere of our school. We provide training.

Start Date: January 2026

Mon. - Fri. 8am - 4pm according to the school year calendar.

Interested candidates should send a letter of application and a resume to:

Tanya VanElls, Head of School

[email protected]

About Stepping Stones Montessori in East Lansing: Founded 43 years ago, we are a member of the American Montessori Society, abiding by high standards of teacher training and program requirements. We are a community school, serving East Lansing, Michigan State University staff, and the greater Lansing community. We serve children 18 months-12 years of age. We have a total student population averaging 80 students per year. We are located a few blocks north of the campus of Michigan State University, in the Bailey neighborhood of East Lansing.

Required Qualifications:

Experience caring for and working with young children

Must be 18 years of age

Authorization to work in the U.S.

Meets physical requirements to perform all job duties

CPR/First Aid Training (can be provided)

Criminal Background check ( provided)

Preferred Qualifications:

Montessori classroom experience

Child Development coursework

Some understanding of the differences between Montessori and other programs.

Job Type: Full Time

Benefits:

Paid time off
Professional development assistance

Schedule:

Day shift

Work Location: In person

Today we celebrate a special and revolutionary moment in education! On January 6, 1907, Dr. Maria Montessori opened the very first Montessori classroom for children.

Dr. Maria Montessori transformed education worldwide. She showed that children learn best when they are respected and their learning is supported through hands-on experiences. Dr. Montessori's work shifted education from teacher-led instruction to child-centered learning. Over a century later, Montessori continues to influence classrooms, schools, and educational practices across the globe today.

About Dr. Maria Montessori On January 6, 1907, she opened the Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in Rome, which quickly gained attention. Her extensive writing and travel led to the global spread of Montessori […]

School is closed today, Wednesday, December 10, due to the current road and weather conditions. Stay safe and cozy!

This Friday, Dec 5th, is our SPAGHETTI LUNCH! 🍝

As a reminder, this lunch is for children only. Parents who signed up will be receiving a to-go container, as we only have enough room for our students to gather in our hallway. 🍽️

Thank you to all of our parent volunteers for signing up to help us out. We appreciate your involvement in our community and look forward to sharing this fun afternoon together! 🙌

Please reach out with any questions you may have via Procare message or by calling us at (517) 336-0422 📲

Montessori has taught me that education is far more than the transmission of knowledge - it is the nurturing of independence, confidence, and a deep love of learning. After nearly 30 years in education, it is the Montessori classrooms, the beautiful materials, the lessons, and the quiet magic of "follow the child" that have shaped me as a Montessorian, just as they have shaped the children.

Please join me in our Annual Giving campaign and donate to something that truly matters and serves our children and the community. Every donation will go toward our learning environments, including our outdoor spaces dedicated to environmental education.

I am convinced that when we prepare the environment with love and care, and invest in the children, remarkable things happen.

To learn more and to donate, visit our website at https://www.ssmeastlansing.org/

Thank-you,
warm regards,
Tanya VanElls