The idea for the school grew out of both parish growth and the strong response to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), which is now in its third year at the parish. Parish leaders saw an opportunity to expand offerings for families by creating a weekday program that unites Montessori education with Catholic formation, helping children develop independence, concentration and a love of learning while building a strong foundation in Christ.

“We will now be able to offer a faithful Catholic Montessori program throughout the week so that children can build a strong foundation in Christ and enjoy an educational environment that supports independence and concentration amidst the very distracted culture of today’s world,” said Head of School Meghan Jackson.

Light of Christ will use the full suite of Montessori materials, including language, mathematics, sensorial and practical life works, together with Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). CGS was developed by Montessori-trained Catholic scholars and is designed to immerse young children in Scripture, liturgy and the life of the church through hands-on materials and reflective presentations. Students will participate in weekly liturgy and celebrate the church’s liturgical seasons as part of the rhythm of the school year. The program will operate alongside the parish’s existing preschool, which has served families for more than 20 years.

The school will be housed in a renovated cottage on the parish grounds. The building is located near the wooded edge of the property, which is intended to provide a peaceful, nature-connected environment for young learners.

The school will open with two mixed-age classrooms serving children ages 3 to 6, each enrolling approximately 20 to 25 students and led by a trained Montessori guide and assistant. Students will remain in the same classroom with the same guide for three years, fostering close relationships, continuity and a strong sense of community and belonging.

A central component of the program will be the CGS atrium, a prepared religious environment for children ages 3 to 6. In the atrium, children learn about Jesus, the Mass, baptism, key Gospel parables and the geography of the Holy Land through tactile materials and guided reflection. Lessons invite personal response through artwork, prayer and purposeful activity. Practical life exercises, such as careful handwork, cleaning and food preparation, are also emphasized, helping children grow in responsibility, coordination and service to others while laying foundations for later vocational awareness and discipleship.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools Misty Poe said Montessori education offers a distinct approach compared to traditional preschool models because it is built around developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning and deep concentration. She noted that Montessori education and Catholic formation are especially complementary because both seek to form the whole child and emphasize wonder, order, discipline and respect for the dignity of each person. When paired with CGS, liturgy and the celebration of the church year, Montessori environments help children connect faith with daily life and learning.

“Montessori education and Catholicism naturally complement one another because both seek to form the whole child, intellectually, spiritually and morally,” Poe said.

Poe also highlighted Dr. Maria Montessori’s own Catholic faith, noting that her spiritual life and daily Mass attendance shaped her understanding of the teacher’s role and the dignity of the child.

The Office of Catholic Schools has supported the project from its earliest stages, providing guidance on policies, accreditation standards, leadership development and Catholic identity. The school will begin the accreditation process with the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department after opening and working through initial operational benchmarks. Accreditation will also position the school to participate in future Texas education funding programs available to approved providers.

Light of Christ is not the first Catholic Montessori program connected to a parish in the diocese. St. Louis Catholic School in Austin has successfully offered a Catholic Montessori program for several years, demonstrating both the sustainability of the model and its appeal to families seeking academically strong and spiritually rich early education.

Jackson, who has Montessori credentials, a master’s degree in education and CGS formation, said the school represents the convergence of her professional training and long-standing desire to unite Montessori education with Catholic faith formation.

“This school is a dream come true, not only for me, but for others who have joined this project,” Jackson said.

She also emphasized that parish leadership has been essential to the school’s launch, especially the support and encouragement of pastor Father Dean Wilhelm, who has prioritized faithful Catholic education and expanded opportunities for young families.

Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School will offer a Monday-Friday program from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for children ages 3 to 4½ and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for children up to age 6. The school is currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year.

Families can learn more, schedule a visit, or apply at www.LOCaustin.org or by contacting Meghan Jackson at mjackson@sjnaustin.org.