About
The Story of St. Helena Montessori
Founded in 1981 by Mrs. Elena Heil and Mrs. Olga McAdam, St. Helena Montessori was established to bring authentic Montessori education to Napa Valley — grounded in respect for the dignity of the human person and the natural development of the child.
What began as a single Primary classroom grew from a conviction that education must form the whole child: intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.
1985
In 1985, the school expanded to include an Elementary program, embracing Montessori’s pedagogy for the second plane of development and its emphasis on imagination, moral reasoning, and expansive intellectual inquiry. In 1989, St. Helena Montessori incorporated as a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation and established a Board of Directors to steward its mission and long-term sustainability.
2008
In 2008, the school launched its Adolescent Program / Farm School, rooted in Montessori’s vision of purposeful work, community life, and the formation of character during the third plane of development. Situated on the school’s 20-acre campus on the east side of St. Helena, the program integrates rigorous academics with land stewardship, economic responsibility, and meaningful contribution. In 2013, this campus became the permanent home of the entire school community.
Now
The school’s developmental continuum now begins with its Infant & Parent program, supporting families in the earliest months of life, and continues through Toddler (18 months–3 years), Primary (2½–6 years), Elementary (6–12 years), and Adolescent (12–18 years).
Each level is carefully prepared to meet the distinct needs of the first three planes of development, honoring Montessori’s understanding that education must follow the child.
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Rooted in the Catholic tradition, St. Helena Montessori understands education as the cultivation of an understanding of that which is Good, True, and Beautiful.
In this tradition, learning is not merely the acquisition of skills, but the formation of the intellect and the heart toward reality itself. The prepared environment invites inquiry, contemplation, and reverence, guiding students toward deeper recognition of meaning and order in the world around them.
While not a diocesan school, St. Helena Montessori draws deeply from the Catholic tradition in its understanding of the human person and the purpose of education. Spiritual formation is thoughtfully woven into the life of the school.
Through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, offered from Toddler through Elementary, children encounter Scripture and liturgy in a contemplative, carefully prepared manner that supports the child’s growing relationship with God. In the Adolescent program, this formation deepens into the study of Sacred Scripture and the integration of faith with intellectual life and opportunities for service. Sacramental preparation is offered in collaboration with the local parish for families who desire it.
The Adolescent Program Middle & High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and the High School curriculum is approved by the University of California system for A–G requirements, affirming its academic rigor and college-preparatory distinction.Across the school, we are committed to the highest standards of authentic Montessori practice, with each classroom and program led by Guides holding credentials from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
For more than four decades, St. Helena Montessori has remained committed to the integrity of Montessori pedagogy: highly trained guides, multi-age classrooms, and carefully prepared environments that support natural development.
Our graduates leave not only academically prepared, but formed in independence, responsibility, reverence, and a lifelong love of learning.
License Number: 283008671
EIN: 68-0187708
