Elementary

Opening Fall 2026

Building on our vision and responding to strong community need, Creekside Montessori is excited to announce the opening of our elementary program in Fall 2026. Our mixed-age classroom will foster independence, collaboration, and a deep sense of curiosity in every child. Building on Creekside’s established foundation, the program will start with a small intentional cohort of 10 children, 1st through 3rd grade, to ensure a deeply personalized Montessori experience as we grow our elementary community.

We know selecting an elementary school for your child is a weighty decision. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our director, Anne Estes, at anne@cmsmpls.org to schedule a tour, get connected with current Creekside families, and discuss how Creekside Elementary might be the right fit for your family.

Why Montessori Elementary at Creekside?

Montessori elementary offers something deeply needed in today’s fast-moving and complex society: an environment where children develop strong academic foundations while growing in empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Dr. Montessori described children at this stage as "social newborns," eager to understand fairness, justice, and their place in the wider world. At Creekside, this developmental stage aligns beautifully with our mission to serve an economically and culturally diverse community. Our elementary students don't just learn about inclusivity, respect, and justice, they live these values daily in a welcoming environment that families say feels like a warm hug.

Our curriculum helps children become lifelong learners with both advanced academic readiness, a lifelong sense of curiosity and confidence in learning, and clarity in how they fit and can make a difference in their world.

What Makes Creekside Elementary Special:

• Integrated “Cosmic” Curriculum: Children explore how everything in the universe is connected, discovering the reasons behind facts rather than memorizing in isolation, perfectly suited to their drive to understand "why" and "how does this fit together?"
• Child-Driven Learning: Children pursue deep research projects based on their own questions and interests, developing self-motivation and self-discipline
• Mixed-Age Community and Individualized Pacing: Older students mentor younger ones; children learn at their own pace without grade-level constraints. Our elementary students serve as leaders and role models for the entire school community
• "Going Out" Experiences: Students plan and conduct field research in the real world, developing independence and practical life skills. With the creek right next door and our location in the community, authentic learning opportunities are at our doorstep
• Space for Deep Focus: The Montessori model allows for uninterrupted, extended periods for deep focus and self-directed exploration
• Collaborative Learning: Children work together on projects, developing social skills and learning from peers in an atmosphere of grace and courtesy
• Beautiful Outdoor Learning: Our enriching outdoor play space invites year-round exploration and connection to nature
• Strong Community Culture: Active parent involvement committee and a culture of friendliness, belonging, and mutual support that extends from our youngest learners through elementary

At Creekside Elementary, children become confident, compassionate problem-solvers who can think critically and care deeply—prepared for a healthy and productive life, regardless of background.

Meet Our Elementary Guide: Colleen Wilkinson

We are thrilled to introduce Colleen Wilkinson, the foundational guide leading the launch of Creekside's Elementary Program. Colleen brings an energizing blend of deep Montessori knowledge, decades of hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to nurturing every aspect of a child’s development: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and creative.

Over 20 years in education, including rising from assistant to Director of Early Childhood at one of Houston's most established Montessori schools

• AMI Elementary (6–12) Training (completing through Montessori Institute of North Texas) plus AMS 3–6 Early Childhood credential, ensuring seamless continuity from Primary years
• Public school experience teaching elementary grades and leading campus-wide initiatives
• BA in Liberal Studies with emphasis on Education, Sociology, and Psychology
• Published author and national presenter at Montessori conferences; contributor to AMS and AMI initiatives
• Creekside consultant for several years, providing expertise in trauma-informed practices and classroom management

As a parent of three, Colleen brings a strong partnership mindset, believing that a child's success is a shared goal built on transparent communication, mutual trust, and joyful curiosity.