how we started

Holy Trinity Montessori was founded as a non-profit school in 2009 by our Head of School, Kate Riley. A trained Montessori instructor with more than a decade of experience at the time, Kate had a dream to start a Montessori school with a faith-based element and an affordable tuition structure to serve families in the Bellevue area of Nashville. Kate approached a local church about sharing space to open her school, and in August of 2009, Holy Trinity Montessori welcomed our first twenty students.

We started with one toddler classroom and one primary classroom (for preschool aged children), but before long we expanded to serve more students, adding additional Primary classrooms as well as Lower and Upper Elementary. It quickly became evident that we needed our own space in order to accommodate our vibrant and growing community.

After several years of searching for the perfect spot, we purchased 38 acres of pristine land in the rolling hills of Bellevue and built our beautiful new campus. Classes officially began on our new property in January of 2017. Holy Trinity Montessori proudly serves children ranging in age from 18 months through Grade 8.

  • our mission

    To aide in the child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual development through the use of the Montessori method, including the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. To be a leader in the community of Montessori schools by a commitment to aid in the child’s spiritual development and the inherent value that comes with nurturing the child’s spirituality.


  • our vision

    Our vision is to provide a learning environment that allows each student to develop a love for learning, not only in his or her own self-development, but also in his or her outside world. Each child is guided to discover his or her own unique path in becoming a peaceful, spiritual, and involved member of society. 


    The goal of Holy Trinity Montessori is to maintain a reasonable tuition structure for young families. This goal can only be reached through the assistance and charitable giving of the school community, our extended families and friends, and other generous supporters.


  • statement of belonging

    We are a Christian Montessori community committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and denounce all acts of discrimination. We are dedicated to anti-oppressive practices and social justice. Led by our core Christian beliefs rooted in the concept of Imago Dei, we believe that black lives matter and affirm the dignity and worth of all people.


    We are dedicated to educating children to advocate for others as well as themselves. We recognize that diversity and equity are deep and complex and we seek to amplify the stories and experiences of those who have been overlooked and underrepresented. While recognizing we do not all start from the same place, we invite you to walk with us in compassionate curiosity, constructive conversation, peace, and faith.


Our Campus

In January of 2017 we opened our beautiful new campus, featuring 38 acres of pristine, undeveloped land in the burgeoning Bellevue area of Nashville near the Natchez Trace. 


In line with Montessori principles, this campus was designed to feature a community-centered “village” concept, which allows children of varying ages to interact throughout the day as they would in a family environment. Our thoughtfully prepared buildings and grounds comfortably accommodate an average of 150 students ranging in age from eighteen months through Grade 8, giving them plenty of room to run, play, explore, and discover the beauty and wonder of nature in a safe and secure setting.

our commitment

Sustainability | Responsibility | Conservation


At Holy Trinity Montessori, children are taught to respect and appreciate nature. We spend a lot of time playing and learning outdoors, working in our gardens, taking nature walks, and caring for the land. With open fields, wooded trails, and natural playscapes to encourage creative play and exploration, our young friends get to enjoy the imaginative wonder of childhood while they are at school.


Our 38-acre campus is the ideal setting in which to preserve the natural beauty of the gorgeous Tennessee hills around us. We are committed to the conservation of natural resources. Every element of our design, from our building materials to our garden, has been thoughtfully prepared with sustainability in mind.


In 2017, we welcomed our first farm animals to live at Holy Trinity Montessori. Children of all ages love to take care of our chickens and goats. This interaction teaches personal responsibility, respect for nature, and many more practical lessons which help us to become well-rounded and contributing members of society. Our middle school students are currently engaged in multiple microeconomy opportunities, such as selling eggs and harvested vegetables from our garden.

distinctions of our campus

Authentic Montessori Environments

Affordable Tuition Structure

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Multi-Age Classrooms

Low Teacher/Child Ratios

Montessori-Credentialed Teachers

Reading Proficiency Program

Small Class Sizes

Thoughtful Architectural Design

Community-Centered Campus

Indoor/ Outdoor Classroom Spaces

Organic Garden and Composting

Natural Outdoor Play Areas

38 Undeveloped Acres to Explore

Emphasis on Environmental Care

Hiking Trails

Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Leading School Safety Standards

Working Farm School

Supportive Family Community

Individualized Instruction

Extended Care Options

Specialized Music & Art Programs

Future Athletics and Arts Expansions

honoring our helpers

We are incredibly grateful to the following companies and individuals who helped us achieve our dreams of building our beautiful campus:


Wilson Bank and Trust

Earl Swenson and Associates (ESa)

Enfinity Engineering

Hodgson & Douglas

Structural Design Group

Stone + Howorth

Compass Partners, LLC

The Parkes Companies

Hannah Constructors

Athens Distributing Company

Specialty Coatings, Inc.

Nashville Overhead Door

Multiple Private Anonymous Donors