Big Leaf Montessori School

Big Leaf Montessori School is a nonprofit preschool and elementary school in Longview, Washington, serving children from 30 months to 12 years. The school offers a Montessori education grounded in child-led learning, with a focus on creativity, independence, and respect for nature and humanity. Students engage in uninterrupted three-hour work periods, choose their activities within a structured environment, and receive individualized instruction tailored to their interests and developmental pace. The school is an Approved Private School through the State of Washington and serves families across Cowlitz County. With a strong emphasis on holistic development, the school fosters intellectual, emotional, and physical growth through hands-on learning and meaningful exploration.

Founded in 2014 by a group of parents gathered around a kitchen table, Big Leaf Montessori began as a vision for accessible, child-centered education and has since grown into a well-established program. The school’s philosophy centers on empowering children to lead their own learning, supported by trained guides who offer individualized lessons and encourage follow-up through creative projects. Each student’s academic journey is personalized, with balanced work across subjects and regular collaboration with peers. The school values community, inclusion, and environmental stewardship, reflected in its mission to inspire personal growth and empathy.

Located on 22nd Avenue in Longview, the school sits just a short walk from Vandercook Park and the OBEC Squirrel Bridge, both within a quarter-mile distance. It is also near Lake Sacajawea Park and the Bruce Kamp Memorial Squirrel Bridge, all within a half-mile radius. The campus shares space with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, with access via the alley behind the building.

Big Leaf Montessori is recognized for its strong reputation in the local education community, supported by a clean, well-structured website and consistently detailed public information. The school is known for its dedicated staff, thoughtful curriculum, and commitment to nurturing independent, compassionate learners. Families appreciate the school’s emphasis on individualized learning and its deep roots in the Longview community.

As a cornerstone of early education in Longview, Big Leaf Montessori stands out for blending rigorous academic development with a nurturing, nature-connected environment.