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Common Roots – Cathedral Hill

Crafting a Learning Environment: The Bainey Group’s Construction of Common Roots Montessori – Cathedral Hill
Building Spaces That Nurture Young Minds

At The Bainey Group, we believe that the spaces where children learn and grow should be thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and independence. That’s why we are proud to have partnered with Common Roots Montessori School in the heart of Cathedral Hill to build a vibrant, nurturing environment for children from infancy through six years of age.

Common Roots Montessori is a family-founded nonprofit private school that provides an authentic Montessori education year-round. With programs ranging from half-day and full-day care for children aged 16 months to 6 years, as well as all-day kindergarten and extended childcare, the school needed a space that could accommodate the needs of both students and teachers while staying true to the Montessori philosophy of fostering independence and natural curiosity in children.

Creating a Space for Discovery and Growth

When Common Roots approached The Bainey Group to design and build their new Cathedral Hill location, our goal was to create an environment that reflected their values—one that was child-centered, supportive, and rich with opportunities for exploration. This project was about more than just constructing classrooms; it was about creating an inviting space where children could thrive in their critical early years.

Key Features of the Common Roots Montessori School Project:

  • Montessori-Inspired Design: The Montessori approach places a strong emphasis on the environment as a key part of the child’s learning experience. We worked closely with Common Roots leadership to ensure that every aspect of the space supported the Montessori philosophy. From natural materials and soft lighting to flexible, child-scaled furniture, every detail was chosen to inspire independence and hands-on learning.
  • Age-Appropriate Classrooms: Each classroom was carefully designed with the needs of specific age groups in mind, ensuring that children at different stages of development have the tools and space they need to learn and grow. The layout of the school promotes a calm and orderly environment, allowing children to move freely within their classrooms and choose activities that interest them.
  • Safe and Secure Outdoor Play Areas: At Common Roots Montessori, outdoor play is an essential part of the day. We constructed a secure, nature-inspired outdoor space where children can engage in physical activity, connect with nature, and explore the world around them. These outdoor areas complement the indoor learning environment and provide a safe space for children to develop motor skills and enjoy free play.
  • Sustainable, Community-Focused Design: The school’s values of community and environmental responsibility were reflected in the materials and sustainable building practices we used. By incorporating energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials, we ensured that the school not only serves its students but also positively impacts the community and environment for years to come.

A Collaborative Vision

The collaboration between Common Roots Montessori and The Bainey Group was key to the success of this project. We listened closely to the school’s leadership to fully understand their vision, and we integrated their educational philosophy into every aspect of the design and construction. From the layout of classrooms to the design of communal spaces, we ensured that the school’s core mission was reflected in the environment we created.

Supporting Families and Education

Common Roots Montessori’s new Cathedral Hill location serves families across St. Paul and the surrounding area, providing an exceptional educational experience for young children. With a 4-star Parent Aware rating and acceptance of CCAP from Ramsey County, the school is committed to making Montessori education accessible to more families by offering additional tuition aid to qualifying families.

The Bainey Group is proud to have contributed to this mission by building a space that embodies Common Roots Montessori’s values and provides a strong foundation for children’s lifelong love of learning. We are honored to support the work of this incredible school as it continues to nurture young minds and enrich the lives of families in the community.