Catholic education is stepping into fresh territory with a bold new initiative in North Dakota.
The University of Mary, a small liberal arts college known for blending tradition with innovation, has officially launched the world’s first Catholic Montessori Institute (CMI).
This is more than just a new academic program—it’s a major leap toward shaping how the next generation of Catholic educators will teach and nurture young minds.
Bridging Faith and Education Through Montessori
The Montessori method, created by Italian physician and devout Catholic Dr. Maria Montessori, has long been admired for its child-centered approach to learning.
Though widely embraced in secular classrooms, its roots in Catholic philosophy have been somewhat overlooked—until now.
The new institute at the University of Mary aims to change that by becoming the leading destination for Catholic Montessori training and certification.
In other words, it’s where Catholic educators can now go to get equipped in both Montessori principles and their spiritual foundation.
A Vision to Build a Global Catholic Montessori Network
At the heart of this effort is JoAnne Schulzetenberg, a longtime Montessori educator and the institute’s executive director.
With over two decades of experience under her belt, Schulzetenberg is passionate about building something that lasts.
Her dream? To create a worldwide network of Catholic Montessori educators—a community where teachers, school founders, and even parents can connect, mentor each other, and support one another in their mission to raise and educate children in faith.
“Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to improve an existing classroom, I want this to be a place where you feel supported,” she told CNA.
“A place where the tradition continues and thrives.”
Inspired by Real Success in Catholic Classrooms
The idea for the institute wasn’t born in theory—it grew from real success on the ground.
One of the major inspirations was Christ the King Catholic Montessori Grade School, where Montessori education has flourished in a Catholic setting.
There, teachers like Cate Zweber have guided students through learning with joy, freedom, and structure.
These classroom victories helped pave the way for the University of Mary’s new master’s degree in Montessori education, and now, the institute itself.
A Holistic Approach to Raising Children in Faith
Montessori isn’t just about academics. It’s about nurturing the whole child—emotionally, socially, cognitively, and spiritually.
According to Schulzetenberg, the Catholic Montessori Institute will focus on all of those areas, encouraging educators to form children into compassionate, thoughtful global citizens deeply rooted in faith.
“Montessori allows us to meet children where they are while helping them grow into who they’re meant to be—not just smart students, but loving, faith-filled people who care about the world around them,” she explained.