About Us

“Free the child’s potential and you will transform him into the world,”

~The Discovery of the Child

At Bay Area Montessori House, children are nurtured like a garden in bloom—each growing at their own pace, guided by curiosity, care, and a foundation of faith. As a private school serving ages 2½ through 8th grade, and accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale, we are rooted in authentic Montessori principles that cultivate independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in an environment where every child is seen, supported, and encouraged to flourish. To grow not only academically, but as kind and capable individuals.

-Our Story-

Bay Area Montessori House began classes in September 1988. The school was founded by Melinda Nielsen and Tommie Hebert. After moving to the Clear Lake area in 1987, Melinda realized there was not an accredited A.M.I. school in the area. Wanting an A.M.I. Montessori education for her children, Melinda and her mother, Tommie Hebert, began working to open Bay Area Montessori House.

The first school location was in a leased strip office space on Kings Row street in Webster. The 1400 square feet provided enough space for a Primary Class, office-observation room and storeroom. Classes began in September 1988 with six students. In 1991 the school leased a larger space on Oakgrove street which enabled the school to have two Primary classrooms, an office, an Atrium-Library, and a multi-purpose room.

The present location was purchased in 1995 initially with 7,600 square feet which was expanded by another 6,800 square feet in 2004 with the two story addition. Our space has grown to encompass an impressive 14,400 square feet. includes several large classrooms, multi-purpose spaces, a full kitchen, a library, and an atrium room. We also offer dedicated areas for before and after care, multiple storerooms, a laundry room, a makers space, and facilities to support a dynamic and engaging environment for all.

In addition to our spacious indoor classrooms, we offer beautiful outdoor spaces for each class, a chicken coup, an outdoor play area including a basketball court and numerous gardens. Our unique location on a bayou provides a wonderful opportunity for students to observe nature and study our ecosystem, enriching their educational experience in a hands-on way.

-Our Mission-

Our Mission at BAMH is to focus upon the child by providing instruction in an authentic Montessori environment including educational, cultural, and Christian materials to further the child’s developmental journey into adulthood.
At BAMH, we embrace Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy of “following the child.” We strive, as she believed, to provide a loving and nurturing environment, such that the child’s innate ability to discover and develop will be encouraged. As a small community, in many ways we consider ourselves to be a family, welcoming newcomers with open arms.