The philosophy that guides Montessori academics is “cosmic education.” In other words, all subjects are interconnected and seamlessly flow together. At MRM, we strive for fluidity. One of the Great Lessons presented in Montessori is The Work of Water, especially the river. The children are continually reminded that rivers carve, carry, and deposit. These actions have powerfully shaped both our natural world and culture. Rivers also connect with the way Montessori education presents history through geography, as rivers bring people together. Most great civilizations were formed near a river or body of water.
Our amazing city of Duluth, Minnesota is built around many, many rivers. Our school, like a river, will shape the community around it — and this will become our history.
Our History
Many Rivers Montessori opened in September 2014. Led by our founding Head of School, Mark Niedermier, MRM achieved Montessori and independent school accreditation. We also moved from our first home, a rented facility at the Jefferson School in central Hillside, to our permanent home at the former Cobb School in Woodland in 2018. In 2023, Mark retired from MRM and from independent school leadership. His leadership in MRM’s first decade was crucial in bringing the grand vision of a small group of parents to life in starting a brand new world-class Montessori school in Duluth. As we look ahead to the next chapter in our school’s growth, we are currently seeking an Interim Head of School, as well as identifying a long-term leader to begin in the 2026–2027 school year. We are committed to finding individuals who bring deep Montessori expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a vision for innovation and long-term sustainability.
The teachers, parents, and community members that came together to found this non-profit private school welcome you. Educators at Many Rivers Montessori hold diplomas from Association Montessori International (AMI-USA), and the school is fully accredited through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Our dream is to sustain a highest-quality learning community that will enrich the educational environment for children in Duluth for generations to come
Our Campus
Many Rivers Montessori moved to the historic Cobb School building in Woodland in 2018. Located at 110 W. Redwing St and just blocks from Hartley Park, the building supports our enrollment of up to 200+ students, ranging in age from 16 months to 8th grade.
The building features sunny, spacious rooms set up as ideal Montessori learning environments; Toddler and Children’s House rooms that include in-room restrooms, laundry, kitchen work areas and dishwashers; a patio for each Children’s House room; dedicated Toddler and Children’s House outdoor play spaces; dedicated rooms for Spanish and Art, a fully-accessible elevator, and ample parking.
There is also a gym and a makers space. In Summer 2023, the school embarked on a $1 million expansion to create a second Upper Elementary classroom, a rooftop garden classroom, and a covered outdoor classroom space. The spaces opened during the fall of 2024 and have greatly enriched programming at MRM.
“As the parent of a former Montessori student and now the grandparent of a current Montessori student, I can attest to the benefits of an engaged and supportive community that allows and encourages our students to thrive and explore. My heart fills with joy when CC comes over and wants to help her Mimi – cleaning, cooking, drawing, painting and gardening are all things she loves which I know stem from her Montessori education. I am continuously amazed to discover the joy that learning brings to our children and grandchildren and equally, to us as their caring adults.”
~ Cammy Hansen, MRM Grandparent & Board of Trustees Member
Certifications and Accreditation
Many Rivers Montessori is a Recognized Montessori School with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) for its Primary (Children’s House) and Toddler programs. This means that MRM has achieved the stringent requirements set by this international Montessori accreditation body. Every one of our classrooms has a lead teacher, or guide, certified by the Association Montessori International/USA (AMI-USA). We currently employ eight AMI-certified guides, and the majority of our classroom assistants have AMI Montessori Assistant training.
Many Rivers Montessori is a Fully Accredited Member School of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). This affirms that we meet all of ISACS’ rigorous accreditation standards, including best practice standards for curriculum and instruction, governance, business operations, personnel management, community engagement, and more. ISACS is a membership organization of more than 230 independent schools from 13 states of the Midwest region, and promotes the development of strong learning communities characterized by high achievements, social responsibility, and independence of governance, programs and policies.
Many Rivers Montessori is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Many Rivers Montessori is licensed as a child care center by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Accreditation
