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For those new to the world of Catholic Montessori, check out these informative and beautiful talks by Maggie Radzik at Siena Academy in Washington DC.  

 

Overview/Four Stages of the Human Person

The Prepared Environment

Discipline

Prepare the Child for School, Prepare the Child for Life

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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Mission Statement

 

We are a cooperative school embracing the Montessori method and the richness of Catholicism. We believe the environment of the home and the environment of the school are deeply complementary in the formation of the whole child. Our selection of materials, our style of teaching and the design of the school environment reflect our vision of a child centered, joyful community that leads each person to his or her unique vocation of holiness and a lifelong love of learning.

Why Montessori?

For those new to the world of Catholic Montessori education, we encourage you to learn more about this beautiful and transformative method.  Maggie Radzik, founder and long time Montessori educator at Siena Academy in Washington DC, offers some insightful and informative talks on several key topics below.  

 

Overview / Four Stages of the Human Person
 

The Prepared Environment
 

Discipline
 

Prepare the Child for School, Prepare the Child for Life
 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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Welcome to Saint Joseph Montessori

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Saint Joseph Montessori School was founded by two young mothers back in 2016. We had been full-time Montessori teachers but believed it was time to focus on our own families and the home. We wanted our children to receive the loving, orderly approach to learning that the Montessori method provides, and trying to do it alone made us both throw up our hands. 

 

Inviting other families to join allowed us to spread out the work. Soon we were growing and hiring a Guide to take our places in the classroom. Becoming a nonprofit allowed me to step away, return as head of school for a season, and now serve on the Board of Directors.   

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Complementing and not replacing the home has been our mission since day one. We believe in the power of community to give our children not only the gift of friendship and life-long learning, but also give our families the blessing of doing the hardest work together: bringing our children into the faith that will root their lives in God's peace. Thanks to the legacy of Dr. Maria Montessori and the model of our holy patron, St. Joseph, we are thrilled to welcome many of you into this beautiful work. 

Claire Fyrqvist, Founder

Meet Our Staff

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Administrator

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Guide

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Assistant

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Development Director

Board of Directors

Beth Capdevielle | PhD, ND Writing Center​ & Montessori-trained (P)

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DJ Charmat | AIA, NCARB, Jones Petrie Rafinski

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Claire Fyrqvist, President | Founder & Montessori-trained (A)

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Ray Korson, Secretary | CEBS, Gibson 

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Trevor Sorensen, Treasurer | MS, CFO Seton Education Partners

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Mary Ann Wilson, Vice-President | ND Masters of Divinity

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Andrew Weiss | Advisor, Knights of Columbus 

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Saint Joseph Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, disability, color, national or ethnic origin in its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to admission policies, treatment of students, hiring or firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and community.

We are a 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax-deductible. EIN: 83-0697224

Contact Us

© 2025 Saint Joseph Montessori

Location

St. Patrick School Building

308 S. Scott St

South Bend, IN 46601

Mailing Address: 
P.O. Box 11688
South Bend, IN 46634

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