About Montessori Children’s Garden
Cultivating Curiosity, Independence, and Community
Montessori Children’s Garden in North Liberty, Iowa, provides a nurturing, child-centered environment where young learners ages 3 to 6 are free to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
Following the time-tested Montessori philosophy, our multi-age classrooms and Nature Explore certified outdoor space help children develop a lifelong love of learning, deep self-reliance, and a profound respect for the world around them.
We guide each child with a focus on consistent care, autonomy, and natural discovery, driven by an enduring commitment to our community.
What Makes Our Garden Grow
Teacher-Owned
Our school was built on a foundation of authentic Montessori practice by educators who brought decades of formal training and hands-on classroom experience to North Liberty. We intentionally chose a teacher-owned, for-profit structure to keep ownership in the hands of educators who work in our classrooms every day.
Consistency in the Classroom
Preschool-aged children stay with the same teacher in a mixed-age classroom for three consecutive years. This structure prioritizes consistency of care and meaningful relationships over rigid, age-based grouping. Your child is known, understood, and supported across every stage of their early development.
Freedom of Choice
We honor your child’s instincts, giving them the freedom to choose work they’re drawn to and to move when their bodies tell them to. Our teachers closely observe each child’s interests and developmental needs, guiding them toward work and lessons that meet them exactly where they are. This blend of freedom and thoughtful guidance transforms learning into an exciting, internal pursuit.
Autonomy & Independence
Every classroom activity is designed for independent execution, supporting perceptual-motor development alongside intellectual growth. When children work through tasks independently with minimal interruptions, they build autonomy, confidence, deep focus, and a lifelong love of learning.
Nature-Focused
Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our spaces flow into the outdoors, featuring a fully certified Nature Explore Classroom and an active garden that our students and staff tend together, fostering a lifelong bond with the Earth.
Built on Family & Community
For over two decades, Montessori Children’s Garden has thrived in North Liberty primarily through word-of-mouth recommendations. We’re proud of our local reputation and our mission to generate a sense of community among our children, teachers, and families.
“Sending my boys to the Montessori Children’s Garden is the best thing I have ever done. The teachers are experienced, patient, loving, and strive to make a difference.”
“This school is beyond amazing. I have recommended this school to everyone I know and will continue to do so.”
“The teachers are kind and caring and are so good at what they do. I highly recommend this place and the nursery next to them to anyone looking!”
Our Story So Far
2003: Planting Roots
Sandra Honey, Jane Jones, and Shirley Harrison started the Montessori Children’s Garden, a teacher-owned school run by educators with firsthand classroom knowledge and a child-first philosophy.
Emily Jones was with the school from its early days in Coralville, carrying that same commitment forward as the school grew.
2004-2007: The Growth
The Garden expanded from three to four classrooms to meet local demand. Around this time, Jane Jones’ daughter, Emily, joined the school, bringing her own energy and dedication.
The Garden also established its Kindergarten Enrichment Program as a bridge to traditional schooling and built a culture of long-tenured teachers, cementing the school’s welcoming presence in the community.
2007-2008: New Roots
Tina Lemburg joined the Garden after returning from her service in the Peace Corps, bringing a global perspective to the classroom.
Meanwhile, Emily continued deepening her role in the school’s culture and operations, a foundation that would carry her toward ownership years later.
2010: The Explorers Program Begins
The school launched a dedicated summer program to provide year-round care and extend the Montessori philosophy beyond the school walls. The Explorers program gives older children a hands-on sense of place in the broader North Liberty community.
2012: Nature Explore Certification
The Garden’s outdoor space was formally certified as a Nature Explore Classroom by the Arbor Day Foundation, one of the few in the region. The school has proudly recertified every year since, deepening its commitment to environmental education.
2021: Next Generation of Ownership
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily stepped into her role as sole owner, guided by the steady mentorship of Ms. Kelley, a former teacher-turned-beloved director.
Tina supported the transition through her administrative work, while the Garden remained rooted in the same philosophy it held when it opened its doors two decades earlier.
2023: Monarch Tagging
The Garden became a certified monarch butterfly tagging program, deepening a connection to monarchs that’s been part of our story since the garden opened.
Initiated by a former student and her mother, the project successfully tagged 13 monarchs in its first full season.
2025: The Worm Farm
Thanks to a generous donation from a former parent and founder of Iowa Worm Farm, the Garden introduced 25,000 worms to the school garden, giving students a front-row seat to the wonders of composting and life cycles.
2026: Tina Assumes Ownership
Tina became the sole owner of the Montessori Children’s Garden, carrying forward more than 23 years of tradition, relationships, and child-centered philosophy.
Meet Our Educators
Our classrooms are led by dedicated, certified Montessori educators who bring decades of combined experience to the school. Many of our staff members share a multi-generational bond with the Garden as former students, parents, and educators.
Ms. Rochelle, Early Morning Teacher
Background: Daughter of one of the school's founders who started teaching Montessori in the summers during high school; full-time job as a social worker providing counseling for people of all ages
Years at the Garden: 20 years
Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology and Therapeutic Recreation, Masters in Social Work and Health & Disability Rights
Favorite Book to Read at Circle Time: I love so many books that I can't choose one!
Favorite Activities Outside of School: Reading, playing viola, spending time in nature and with my pets, exercise, and Hawkeye sports
Samah Ayoub, Assistant Teacher
Education: Master’s in Industrial Psychology; currently an OTA student; CDA credentials for preschool
Years at the Garden: 1
Favorite Subjects to Teach: Science and art
Favorite Book to Read at Circle Time: Dragons Love Tacos
Favorite Activities Outside of School: Nature walks, kayaking, painting, and photography
Ms. Faith, Lead Teacher
Education: B.A. Elementary Education, Birth-to-3 Inclusive Setting Endorsement; Montessori Early Childhood Certification
Years at the Garden: 3
Favorite Subjects to Teach: Science and social-emotional
Favorite Book to Read at Circle Time: Thank You, Omu!
Favorite Activities Outside of School: Building plastic models, crocheting/knitting, reading, and being in nature
Ms. Hope, Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Elementary Education and 6 years working with 3- to 5-year olds
Years at the Garden: 3 months
Favorite Subject to Teach: Social-emotional
Favorite Book to Read at Circle Time: Frog and Toad
Favorite Activities Outside of School: Knitting
Ms. Katrina, Director
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in Textile Chemistry, 13 years working in special education and with 16-month-olds to 3-year-olds; AMS Infant/Toddler certification
Years at the Garden: 1
Favorite Subjects to Teach: Practical life and toilet training
Favorite Activities Outside of School: Hiking, camping, being in nature, painting, yoga, and reading
Ms. Tina, Owner & Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Health Promotion: Women’s Health/Wellness & Fitness; AMS Early Childhood certification in 2008; Peace Corps Kenya Volunteer 2003-2005: Teacher and Health Educator
Years at the Garden: 19
Favorite Subjects to Teach: Science, geography, math, story time, moving our bodies
Favorite Book to Read at Circle Time: Bear Shadow by Frank Asch; White Rabbit’s Many Colored Days
Favorite Activities Outside of School: Gardening, knitting, listening to music, being outside, and dancing
Ms. Liz, Assistant Teacher
Background: Assistant teacher in Montessori schools for over 20 years; at the garden for 10+ years
Favorite Activity to Do with Kids: Playing games and helping kids become independent
Favorite Activities Outside of School: Following Iowa basketball and spending time with grandkids
Theo, Assistant/Lead in Training
Background:
Education:
Favorite Book to Read at Circle Time:
Favorite Activities Outside of School:
Blair, Assistant Teacher
Ms. Rachel, Assistant Teacher
Ms. Angie, Toddler Lead
Maria, Assistant Teacher
Yamina, Assistant Teacher
Retired But Forever Rooted
Though we don’t see their faces in the classroom every day, the original owners remain a cherished and active part of the community they helped build.
Sandra Honey
After nearly four decades in the classroom, Sandra is enjoying retirement. The University of Iowa alumna holds a Montessori certification from her time studying in London under a teacher who studied under Maria Montessori. Sanda spends her time between her home in Iowa and Chile, where her youngest daughter lives and works. She still helps out in the classroom and continues to provide treasured works and materials to the school from her long teaching career.
Jane Jones
Jane capped off nearly three decades of teaching with a well-earned retirement. A highly trained educator, she holds two separate Montessori certifications covering both preschool and early elementary development. Jane and her husband, Marvin, live in Tipton and have three grown children (including Ms. Emily). When she isn't busy watching other people exercise, Jane is an obsessed, voracious reader. She continues to mentor and help out at the school periodically.
Shirley Harrison
A former teacher and lifetime resident of Iowa City, Shirley obtained her Montessori credentials from the St. Nicholas Training Centre. She taught at the Garden for X years from its founding in 2003 until XXXX, helping shape the school's early years before departing to pursue a new opportunity.