Place to Learn, Space to Grow: Jarrell Montessori Nurtures Students

Shannon Black knows well the struggle parents face when dropping their kids off at school. “Imagine taking your heart out of your chest and handing it to someone else to care for all day,” she says, remembering the search to find childcare after she and her husband moved with their young son to Austin. It’s even harder, she says, when parents aren’t able to find a school they feel is the right fit for their child. Both challenges led her to convert a house she leased in Round Rock into a Montessori school, bringing her vision of nurturing, child-centered education to life.

Shannon’s first Montessori venture in Round Rock flourished and grew into two schools but, after 16 years, the weight of the pandemic prompted her to sell her business and take a much-needed break. She directed her energy toward volunteering with SCORE, a nonprofit that provides mentorship and training to small business owners. Yet, the pull to return to education was strong, and she realized how much she missed the work of creating educational sanctuaries for families. She reached out to Laura FastHorse, director of Shannon’s former school, to see if she would be willing to partner once again.

They decided to open a Montessori school in Jarrell, this time working together as business partners— Laura running the day-to-day operations and Shannon behind the scenes.

HEART FOR JARRELL’S CHILDREN

For Shannon, the decision to open a school in Jarrell was a simple one. With the area’s rapid growth, she found existing childcare centers full, leaving many parents facing lengthy commutes to find care. “We identified four areas in the Austin metro, and Jarrell had the greatest need,” Shannon says, adding she also plans to bring her Montessori school experience to other growing communities like Liberty Hill, Kyle, and Bastrop. “Families are moving here for affordability—many did so during COVID when remote work opened new doors—but then they realized childcare isn’t available here.” Many parents have repeated that story, often driving to Georgetown just to drop off their kids at daycare. It’s one of the big reasons Shannon is excited to open Jarrell Montessori. “We’re offering a high-quality option right here in town. There are so many people who are excited they won’t have to make that drive anymore.”

MONTESSORI MISSION

At the heart of Jarrell Montessori is the Montessori method—a child-centered approach that promotes independence, self-direction, and respect for the environment. The curriculum is designed not just to educate but to prepare children for life. “If we can work with a child from 3 years old to elementary school, provided there are no learning disabilities, they’ll be reading at a second-grade level and adding and subtracting four-digit numbers entering kindergarten,” Shannon says. “It’s incredible what kids are able to accomplish in a Montessori preschool environment.”

The school’s motto, Where Families Belong, reflects Shannon’s commitment to creating a community that feels like a second home. It’s not just about education—it’s about creating a space where families feel comfortable and supported. “Entrusting someone else with your child is difficult. I want parents to feel comfortable dropping them off and also that they’re part of a bigger family, knowing their child is safe and getting an education from people who truly care for them.”

WELCOME TO JARRELL MONTESSORI

As the school gears up for its opening June 2, Shannon and Laura are inviting families to experience the school firsthand during pre-enrollment tours. The school will host a free community carnival 10am to noon on May 17, during which visitors can enjoy snow cones, a petting zoo, train rides, bounce houses, and a chance to meet the team behind the school.

Visit or register for a pre-enrollment tour at JarrellMontessori.com.

Jarrell Montessori • 540 Town Center Loop • Jarrell, TX 76537 • 512-591-0948 • JarrellMontessori.com