At Montessori Kids Universe Short Pump, we believe every child is born with limitless potential. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to nurture independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Guided by the Montessori philosophy and inspired by Reggio Emilia, we create an environment where curiosity thrives and confidence grows.
We are more than just a school—we are a community that values individuality, celebrates diversity, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Our authentic Montessori curriculum, combined with DaVinci Kids (MKU’s proprietary Reggio Emilia inspired program), ensures your child receives a well-rounded, modern foundation that prepares them for a bright future.
From young infants to kindergarten aged children, we provide a safe, warm, and supportive environment tailored to their unique developmental needs. Your child will feel valued and cared for every step of the way.
Our Montessori classrooms and natural play spaces ignite curiosity and creativity. Children explore, question, and learn at their own pace, building confidence and a love for discovery.
With individualized lessons, hands-on learning, and a strong foundation in core academics, we ensure your child gains the skills and knowledge they need for future success.
As a Women, Asian, Latino, and Family–owned school, MKU Short Pump prides itself on offering:
At MKU Short Pump, every child benefits from a rich variety of extracurricular activities at no extra cost. Our proprietary enrichment curriculum includes cooking, gardening, yoga, music, and foreign language—offering hands-on experiences that promote creativity, independence, and curiosity across all age levels.
We’re more than a school—we’re a supportive, close-knit community. As a locally owned school, we understand the importance of trust, communication, and partnership with parents. Families feel seen, supported, and truly part of their child’s educational journey.
Our team is composed of Montessori-trained professionals dedicated to nurturing the whole child. From fostering independence to encouraging emotional growth, our educators create thoughtful, prepared environments where each child can thrive.
Conveniently located at 3450A Lauderdale Dr, Richmond, VA 23233, our school is just minutes from Short Pump, Innsbrook, and Tuckahoe, as well as highways I-64 and VA-288—making daily drop-off and pick-up stress-free for busy families.
We proudly serve children from 6 weeks to 5 years, offering Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Private Kindergarten programs. Each classroom is thoughtfully designed to meet your child at their unique developmental stage—fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning through our Montessori + Reggio Emilia approach.
We invite you to schedule a tour and experience how Montessori Kids Universe Short Pump is preparing today’s children to become tomorrow’s confident, compassionate leaders.
At MKU Short Pump, our infant care environment is cozy, warm, and specially designed for mobility.
The toddler years are the time when children use their bodies, senses and emerging problem-solving skills to make sense of their world, in ways most meaningful and effective for them.
Our Pre-Primary program is far more than childcare or a traditional classroom. While your little ones will be in a safe, age-appropriate setting, they’ll also be able to satisfy their curiosity and learn about the world around them.
Our Primary program (ages 3–5) offers a mixed-age Montessori classroom where children learn through hands-on, individualized, and one-on-one experiences that support growth at their own pace.
During the summer our children pack their suitcases, grab their passports, and take a fantasy trip through-out the world in our Around-the-World summer curriculum.
DaVinci Kids, the MKU proprietary enrichment curriculum was developed with the objective to foster creativity in our children through the arts and sciences.
Learning at MKU goes beyond early math and language. Our students explore a rich variety of enrichment activities that expand on traditional Montessori education—each designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Open Monday - Friday From 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
We are proud to nurture, inspire and educate children, intrinsically developing a lifelong love of learning. Contact Montessori Kids Universe Short Pump with the contact information below.
