Emerald Hills International Montessori
Where love of learning takes root.
Small Class Sizes | Individualized Attention | Inclusive Classrooms | Play-Based Montessori Curriculum | Hands-On Learning | Reggio-Emilia Enhanced
Toddler Class: Ages 16 months - 2.5 Years | Preschool Class: Ages 2.5 - 5 Years | Kindergarten Class: 5 - 6 Years
Taekwondo | Sports Education | Kinyarwanda Dance | Gardening | Arts & Crafts
Bilingual French & English
What Our Families Are Saying…
“My son has been going to this school for a year now and he absolutely loves it - the teachers have been very instrumental in his learning, eating habits and development. It’s a very safe environment and with a small class size each child gets the focus and attention needed.”
— N.S: Mom of Student 2025“Emerald Hills Montessori feels like family! Our child has really blossomed since joining Emerald Hills, both socially and academically. All of the teachers and staff at the school really help children develop confidence and independence… We are lucky to have found this school and would 100% recommend it to any family settling here in Kigali.”
— E.R: Mom of Student 2026“We enrolled our 20-month-old at Emerald Hills because we love the Montessori teaching. She has already picked up on new words & potty training cues in the first few weeks (learning from the older kids!) She’s becoming more independent and confident in herself & in her playing. It’s fun to see her growing and learning so much in such a small amount of time. The teachers are all very kind, patient & attentive. We get updates through the day with photos, and it really helps the mama heart, plus getting to see all the activities they are doing is wonderful!”
— M.B: Mom of Student 2026“My 4-year-old has greatly benefitted from his time at Emerald Hills and can’t stop talking about how much he enjoys his time at school. I strongly suggest checking it out especially if your child would benefit from a smaller, hands-on program.”
— C.J.R: Dad of Student 2026“Emerald Hills has been such a warm and caring environment for our son, Sage. The teachers are patient, attentive, and genuinely loving with the children. We’ve seen so much growth, confidence, and happiness in him since joining. It truly feels like a supportive little community, and we’re very grateful to be part of it”
— S.B: Mom of Student 2026OUR VALUES
We develop the whole child.
Academic readiness is only part of the picture. We invest equally in social-emotional development, physical wellbeing, creative expression, and cultural connection. From Taekwondo and sports education to Kinyarwanda dance, gardening, yoga, and arts and crafts — our specialty program are not extras. They are central to how we develop confident, capable, well-rounded children.
We nourish, inside and out.
Our in-house chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily using locally sourced ingredients, included in full-day tuition. We believe that a well-fed child is a focused, happy child. Mealtimes are also Montessori moments: children practice grace, independence, and community at the table just as they do in the classroom.
We are rooted in Rwanda.
We are proud to be part of the Gacuriro community and the broader Kigali family. Rwandan culture, language, and values are woven into our program, through Kinyarwanda language exposure, traditional dance, our monthly Umuganda community project, and a deep respect for the world our children will grow up in. Our students leave us as global citizens with strong local roots.
We keep ratios small and learning individualized.
Low student-to-teacher ratios are not a feature; they are a commitment. They are what allow our educators to truly observe each child, identify where they are developmentally, and meet them there. Every child at EHIM receives individualized attention. No child is lost in the room.
We are genuinely inclusive.
The Montessori method is, by design, one of the most inclusive educational approaches in the world. Individualized pacing, flexible learning, and a non-competitive environment mean children of different abilities, backgrounds, and learning profiles can thrive alongside one another. Our principal's specialization in special needs education means we are equipped — not just willing — to support a wide range of learners.
We follow the child.
Every child is born curious. Our role is not to direct that curiosity but to honor it. In our prepared Montessori environment, children choose their work, move at their own pace, and build genuine concentration, not because they're told to, but because the work is meaningful to them. This is how intrinsic motivation, independence, and a true love of learning take root.
We are guided by research.
Every decision we make is intentional. Rather than chasing educational trends, we rely on authentic Montessori philosophy, careful observation, and well-established research in child development to create a learning environment that is purposeful, responsive, and designed to help children flourish.
OUR MISSION
At Emerald Hills International Montessori, we believe exceptional early childhood education is never accidental. It is built through intention, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality over quantity.
Our mission is to provide an early learning community where every child is deeply known, genuinely valued, and supported as an individual. We thoughtfully blend the structure and independence of authentic Montessori education with the creativity, collaboration, and wonder of the Reggio Emilia approach, creating a learning environment that is both purposeful and inspiring.
Every decision we make, from our intentionally capped program, carefully prepared classrooms and low student-to-teacher ratios to our curriculum and daily experiences, is guided by child development research, careful observation, and a deep respect for how young children learn best.
We believe that supporting children means supporting the families who raise them. Through meaningful partnerships, open communication, educational workshops, and community resources, we strive to empower parents and cultivate a connected community dedicated to giving every child the strongest possible foundation.
We are committed to nurturing confident, compassionate, and capable children by fostering independence, curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in a community where meaningful relationships, joyful exploration, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do.
Because when children are given strong roots, joyful experiences, and a love of learning, they develop the confidence and capability to thrive wherever life leads them.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.”
— Maria Montessori