The Montessori Experience at Lion’s Heart
Our program seamlessly blends the Montessori method with Christian principles, creating a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to flourish. We do not teach bible subjects separately but bring in Christian values into the classroom. Developed by dedicated, licensed professionals with years of specialized experience, we take a personalized approach to nurture each student’s unique strengths and support their individual journey to success.
Morning Group Time
Each day begins with a brief gathering where we share a story or reflection highlighting values such as kindness, gratitude, or perseverance. These moments set a positive tone for the day and help children connect everyday actions with Biblical principles.
Grace & Courtesy
Montessori Grace & Courtesy lessons emphasize serving others and treating everyone as created in God’s image. Whether helping a friend tie a shoe, cleaning up a spill, or greeting visitors respectfully, children are encouraged to practice compassion, stewardship, and thoughtfulness in tangible ways.
A Thoughtful and Engaging Learning Environment
Students explore a wide range of academic opportunities, both through individual discovery and collaborative group activities. Hands-on experiences and attentive guidance ignite curiosity, encourage critical and creative thinking, and spark a lifelong passion for learning. The Montessori method promotes self-direction, responsibility, and emotional growth, allowing children to progress at their own pace while building resilience and confidence.
A Loving and Peaceful Community
At the heart of our program, Christian values are interwoven throughout the curriculum, helping students develop strong character, integrity, and a peaceful perspective that guides them in daily life. Children are encouraged to treat one another with kindness, use gentle words, and practice forgiveness, reflecting the love your neighbors as yourself value. Our goal is to create a peaceful, loving environment that fosters unity while honoring each child’s unique journey.
CORE VALUES
• Learning can only begin when children feel safe, secure, and loved, so it is best to use a warm, loving, and responsive approach to each child's needs.
• Cooperative relationships between parents and teachers are vital to a child’s focus, security, learning, and achievement.
• Children benefit from the unique experiences of forming long-term relationships with their teachers and thrive in small, consistent, mixed-age group settings.
• Children are successful and flourish when the rules, expectations, and schedules at home & school are consistent and similar.
• Engaging academics, individual attention, and the opportunity to discover unique interests can help children develop confidence and lifelong learning.
Carol Kilpatrick – Owner & Director
With over 25 years of dedication to education, Carol Kilpatrick brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Owner and Director. A certified Missouri Director, child advocate, published author, and proud grandmother, Carol has served in commercial, private, and non-profit educational settings.
She is a firm believer in the Montessori philosophy and envisions Lion’s Heart to be a place where children not only learn, but are deeply seen, heard, and valued from their very first steps into school. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to create an environment that sparks curiosity and nurtures a lifelong love of learning.
Carol has long been a dedicated advocate for families and is committed to fostering a warm, welcoming space where both children and parents feel supported. She is actively involved with the Justice Society, an organization focused on preventing child trafficking and advocating for vulnerable children.