The Roots Montessori founding story

How it all began

A small idea, deeply rooted

Roots Montessori began with a simple conviction: that every child, given the right environment and genuine respect, will flourish. What started as a single classroom grew — quietly, steadily, family by family — into the warm, trusted community it is today.

"We didn't set out to build something big. We set out to build something good — and trust that the rest would follow."

Our founding educators believed that quality could never be compromised for convenience. Every decision, from the materials on our shelves to the educators we hire, has been guided by that same uncompromising standard from day one.

Today, that founding spirit lives on across two locations — Cartmell Place in Edmonton and Pioneer in Spruce Grove — each carrying forward the same philosophy, the same warmth and the same name: Roots, because that is exactly what we believe every child deserves — something strong, nourishing and steady to grow from.

Our journey

From one root to two — our story of growth

Every milestone in our journey has been driven by one thing: families asking us to bring Roots Montessori closer to them.

Cartmell Place

Where it all started

Our original centre opens in Edmonton. A handful of families place their trust in a small team with a big philosophy — and the Roots Montessori story begins.

Growth

A community takes root

Word spreads. Families refer friends, friends refer neighbours, and Cartmell Place becomes a genuine community hub — not just a daycare, but a second home for dozens of Edmonton families.

Pioneer

A second home, in Spruce Grove

Families in Spruce Grove ask for the same Roots experience closer to home. Pioneer opens — built with everything we learned at Cartmell Place, carrying the same philosophy forward.

What we stand for

Our values — the same at every Roots Montessori centre

These are not words on a wall. They are the standard every educator at Cartmell Place and Pioneer is held to, every single day.

❤️

Genuine warmth

Every child is greeted, seen and known by name. We hire for kindness first — expertise can be trained, but warmth cannot.

📚

Uncompromising quality

Authentic Montessori materials, fully qualified educators, and a curriculum we never water down to cut costs.

🌍

Community first

We are not a franchise chasing growth for its own sake. We grow only when our community asks us to — and never faster than we can do it well.

🔍

Radical transparency

Daily updates, honest conversations and an open-door policy at both locations. You will always know exactly how your child's day went.

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Respect for childhood

We never rush a child to grow up faster. Every stage of childhood is honoured for what it is — not treated as a hurdle to the next one.

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Consistency across centres

Whether your family chooses Cartmell Place or Pioneer, the standard, the philosophy and the care are exactly the same.

Our people

The educators behind Roots Montessori

Every educator across both our locations holds Early Childhood Education qualifications and ongoing Montessori-specific training. But more than that — every single one of them genuinely loves this work. That is something you cannot train, and something every family who walks through our doors can feel immediately.

Roots Montessori educator with a child
Centre Director
Centre Director
Leadership & Operations

Oversees both Cartmell Place and Pioneer, ensuring every family receives the same exceptional standard of care.

Both Locations
Lead Infant Educator
Lead Infant Educator
Infant Programme

Brings years of experience nurturing our youngest learners with patience and genuine warmth.

Cartmell Place
Lead Toddler Educator
Lead Toddler Educator
Toddler Programme

Specialises in language development and the joyful independence of the toddler years.

Pioneer
Lead Preschool Educator
Lead Preschool Educator
Preschool Programme

Passionate about kindergarten readiness and helping every child discover a love of learning.

Both Locations

From our families

"Roots Montessori isn't just where our children go during the day. It's become part of our family — at both locations we've called home."

— A Roots Montessori parent, Edmonton & Spruce Grove

Join our story

Become part of the Roots Montessori family

We'd love to welcome your child to either of our centres. Come and meet our team, see our classrooms, and feel the warmth for yourself.