History

Saint Catherine's Montessori School was founded in 1966, by Sister Edna Ann Hebert, O.P. and Sister Shirley Owens, O.P., to serve families searching for quality educational and religious programs responsive to the individual needs of the child. Formerly known as Dominican Montessori, it is the third oldest Montessori school in Houston and the first Montessori school to include basic religious doctrine in its curriculum. Sisters Edna Ann and Shirley both hold diplomas from The Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) and serve as lifetime members of the Board of Directors.

In 1973, the school formed a non-profit corporation to receive and maintain funds for educational purposes. Sustained by the motivation and work of dedicated parents and friends, it is financially supported by benefactors, grants, and private donations.

Over its history, Saint Catherine's Montessori School has been located in four different sites. It was first located at the old St. Agnes Academy building until it was sold in 1974. It then moved to a building at Holy Rosary Parish, where the primary classes were located, and eventually expanded to another building at Bering Memorial Methodist Church where the Elementary classes were located. In 1983 the school moved to 2510 Westridge, where they occupied a 20,000 sq.ft. castle-inspired building.

In August of 2006 St. Catherine's moved to its fourth and final location located at 9821 Timberside, near 610 S between Stella Link and S. Main. St. Catherine's Montessori occupies a beautiful new building on 7.4 acres and is in the process of applying for LEED certification. Special features include a gymnasium, sports field, beautiful gardens, and water and land areas for the study of plant and animal life.

Saint Catherine's Montessori School is affiliated with the Catholic School District of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston and is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department which is recognized by the Texas Education Agency.