Mississippi Valley Montessori School logo design and branding by Allie Marie Design.

Mississippi Valley Montessori School

INDUSTRY: Non-Profit, Education
SERVICES: Branding, Stationery, Social Media Templates, Brochure, Squarespace Website

BRAND TONE
Approachable, Community-Driven, Refined, Nature-Inspired, Purposeful, Compassionate

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Founded in 1967, Mississippi Valley Montessori School is an AMI-accredited non-profit organization that provides respectful, supportive, child-led learning in thoughtfully prepared and inspirational classrooms, allowing children to explore their natural curiosities, gain confidence, and follow a path to independence. By fostering an inclusive community of learners where every child is celebrated and respected, they help children not only thrive academically but also feel a sense of belonging, understand their role in the world around them, and become their best selves.

MVMS wanted to transform their brand and finally "look the part" as an established and well-loved authentic Montessori school (the second oldest in Minnesota). Our goal was to strengthen their brand presence with a warm, intentional, down-to-earth visual identity and modern, easy-to-navigate website that helps the school increase enrollment, attract more like-minded families who share their ethos, and prepare to expand their program to serve younger children when they open a toddler classroom.

Branding Photos by Terra Sura Photography
Website Strategy + Copywriting by Kayla Hollatz

Brand logo showcasing Mississippi Valley Montessori School's branding in context
Child learning in a bright Montessori classroom
Logo for Mississippi Valley Montessori School, featuring a nature-inspired design with hills, a sun, and a river.

INSPO BEHIND THE DESIGN

Contemporary yet timeless, the brand engages you with its blend of nature-inspired colors and details, and clean, approachable lettering. It truly shines a light on the heart of the school — the refined styling speaking to MVMS’s high quality programing, their focus on community, and the sense of home that they create for students and families.

Mississippi Valley Montessori School branded business card and stationery, showing logo, contact information, and design elements.
Mississippi Valley Montessori School logo icon variations in copper, silver, olive, and gold tones, showcasing brand flexibility.
Desktop view of the Mississippi Valley Montessori School website, showcasing its modern design, branding, and "Encouraging your child's love of learning" message with a tour scheduling button.
Montessori teacher guiding a young child during a hands-on learning activity in a classroom.
Full logo for Mississippi Valley Montessori School, established 1967, showing a stylized landscape icon with sun, hills, and river on a dark green background.
Mississippi Valley Montessori School branded canvas tote bag featuring the full circular logo, showcasing merchandise design.
Mississippi Valley Montessori School branded letterhead featuring the logo, contact information, and subtle design elements, showcased with a pencil and envelope.
Montessori teacher leading a group of young children in a collaborative activity on a classroom rug, demonstrating interactive learning.
Mississippi Valley Montessori School branded envelopes, a marketing card, and custom MVM logo stickers, showcasing comprehensive stationery design.

INSPO BEHIND THE DESIGN

The illustrative symbol is the star of the show, giving a nod to the previous MVMS logo and their location along the Mississippi. The winding river speaks to the school’s child-led approach, the journey of learning, the importance of nature in the Montessori method, and guiding children as they follow their curiosities and grow into the people they’re meant to be.

Collection of Mississippi Valley Montessori School social media graphics, showcasing branding, inspiring quotes about child development, children engaged in outdoor play, and announcements for registration and programs.
Mississippi Valley Montessori School tri-fold brochure, open to display program information, about Montessori content, and testimonials, with a closed brochure showing the cover.
Mockups of Mississippi Valley Montessori School social media posts on iPhone screens, showing designs for a "Fly-Up Ceremony," parent testimonials, calls to action, and an informational post about AMI accreditation.
Dark teal green t-shirt featuring the white outline logo of Mississippi Valley Montessori School, showcasing branded apparel.
Two olive green travel tumblers or water bottles, each prominently displaying the Mississippi Valley Montessori School logo as branded merchandise.
Inspirational quote by Dr. Maria Montessori: "The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence," displayed on a textured green background.
Child's hands engaged in a fine motor skill activity with small objects on a patterned blue tray, demonstrating a Montessori practical life exercise.
Mississippi Valley Montessori School branded banner with the school name in a cream font on a terracotta background, featuring subtle design elements.
Mississippi Valley Montessori School website pages, including a homepage with a banner "Empowering young minds," AMI accreditation, and program overviews, alongside a page detailing full-day programs and parent testimonials.
Two pages from the Mississippi Valley Montessori School brand style guide, illustrating photography principles, digital branding assets, and a full suite of branded stationery designs.

Ready for a stunning brand that (finally) reflects who you are and connects with your people?