Home-Based montessori preschool

Run a small Montessori morning program for a handful of local toddlers and preschoolers in a dedicated space at home.

Young children working with wooden educational toys in a Montessori classroom.
Startup cost$3k to $15k
Monthly revenue$2k to $8k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • From home
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

82,162 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year

NAICS 624410 “Child day care services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small, licensed program for children aged roughly 2.5 to 6 in a prepared space at home, using Montessori materials, mixed ages and child-led work periods.

Your first three steps

  1. Contact your state child care licensing agency to learn the rules and group size limits for home-based programs
  2. Enroll in a Montessori teacher training course (AMI, AMS or similar) if you are not already trained
  3. Set up one room with shelves and core materials, then invite local parents to a small open house
Who pays

Parents who want a Montessori approach and a small group setting close to home, usually paying monthly tuition.

How it makes money

Monthly tuition per child, often with a registration fee and extra for full-day or extended care. Income depends on how many children your license allows.

Skills that help
  • Montessori training or willingness to complete it
  • Patience and calm with young children
  • Clear communication with parents
  • Organizing a tidy, well-prepared space
Watch out for
  • Child care licensing, check your state's rules on home-based programs, ratios and staff qualifications
  • Background checks, first aid and CPR training requirements
  • Zoning, home occupation permits, HOA or lease restrictions
  • Liability insurance and any extra coverage for child care
  • The name 'Montessori' is not legally protected in the US, but parents often look for AMI or AMS recognition

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: home-based Montessori preschool

Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a home Montessori preschool?

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your space, materials and insurance. These are estimates, so check what your state requires before you buy anything.

How much can a home Montessori preschool earn per month?

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many children enroll and the tuition you charge. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and the program can start at around 20 hours a week.

Do I need a license to run a Montessori preschool at home?

Check your state's child care licensing rules for home-based programs, including ratios and staff qualifications. Also check background checks, first aid and CPR training, zoning or home occupation permits, HOA or lease limits, and insurance.

Other ways to run this business

Montessori preschool in rented premises

Open a small Montessori school in a rented space with a trained lead guide, an assistant and a full class of children.

  • $25k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
82,162 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year

Similar teaching and tutoring ideas

A smiling nanny playing with a young child in a family living room.

Babysitter and backup care staffing agency

Employ vetted sitters and nannies and send them to families, hotels and events on short notice or by the hour.

  • $4k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
7,679 US businesses with employees in this field, +9.2% in a year
Children feeding goats and lambs at a family farm visitor area.

Farm workshops and school visits

Host booked groups and small workshops on a hobby farm where kids meet animals and learn where food comes from.

  • $3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Own premises
797 US businesses with employees in this field, +7.0% in a year
A childminder playing with toddlers on a rug in a cosy home setting.

Licensed family child care at home

Look after a small group of young children in your own home while their parents work.

  • $3k-12k
  • Full-time
  • From home
82,162 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year

Mobile behind-the-wheel driving instructor

Teach teens, adults and nervous drivers behind the wheel in a dual-brake car, picking them up near home.

  • $2.5k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
2,648 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.4% in a year

Summer day camp in a rented space

Run weekly themed day camps for local kids in a rented church hall, community center or park during school breaks.

  • $3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
2,967 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year

Licensed drop-off playgroup for young children

Run a small, licensed morning playgroup where parents drop off children for supervised play and early learning.

  • $2k-10k
  • Part-time
  • From home
82,162 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.5% in a year

Photo: Liza on Pixabay

More ideas →