Sowing the Seeds of Discovery

Montessori School in College Station, Texas

Nurturing Confident, Curious Learners Since 1985. For over 40 years, we’ve provided a warm, family-centered environment where children explore, learn, and thrive through a globally respected Montessori curriculum.

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★★★★★
Loved by BCS families since 1985
Children engaged in Montessori learning at Southwood Learning Center
Family-Centered School

Where children and families truly feel at home

Montessori Philosophy

Building independence, confidence, and a love of learning

Trusted Since 1985

Trusted by BCS families since 1985

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Serving BCS Families

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Years of Experience

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Montessori Classrooms

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Hour Days, 7am–6pm

Why Choose Us

A small-town family school with a global curriculum

Family Owned Since 1985

The oldest privately run family preschool in the BCS area, now second generation owned and operated.

Certified Montessori Teachers

Trained guides who recognize the individuality of each student and prepare classrooms of grace and courtesy.

Globally Accepted Curriculum

A Montessori program that prepares children for a lifetime love of learning and respect for self, others, and the environment.

Hands-On Discovery

Children explore math, language, science, geography, sensorial work, and practical life skills every day.

Independence Within Limits

Freedom to move, choose work, and grow at their own pace — with guidance, not lectures.

Year-Round Care

Convenient hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for infants through kindergarten.

Our Programs

A path for every stage of childhood

Montessori classrooms for infants through kindergarten, plus on-site extras that round out the day.

Sprouts infant program 6 wks – 18 mo

Sprouts

We partner with you to nurture your infant as they start their early education journey with us.

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Seedlings toddler program 18 mo – 2 yrs

Seedlings

A world of sensory awareness and patience as toddlers transition from home to preschool.

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Stepping Stones program 2 – 3 yrs

Stepping Stones

A classroom that fosters toddlers’ natural curiosity, independence, and exploration.

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Children's House program 3 – 6 yrs

Children's House

Freedom within limits as children move independently to learn about the world around them.

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Child exploring Montessori materials Teacher guiding a child
40+ Years in the BCS family

Our Story

From Kiddie Castle to Southwood Learning Center

In 1981, Syed and Muneer Hyder left all they knew behind to chase the American Dream. After time in the United Kingdom, they settled in College Station, Texas with their young family and high hopes for the future.

Muneer Hyder was a teacher whose mission was to positively impact the lives of young children. The couple bought a small run-down day care and poured their energy into making it one of Bryan’s best preschools — Kiddie Castle Children’s Center.

That south College Station location later became the Montessori school we now call Southwood Learning Center. Today we are proud to be second generation owned and operated.

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What Parents Say

Stories from our SWLC families

★★★★★

"We enjoy being part of the SWLC family because we know that our child is loved and well cared for. We love the Montessori curriculum because our child is gaining a strong education foundation and learning many life skills."

Sarah and Jason Brinker SWLC Parents
★★★★★

"We love the family-friendly atmosphere and the care provided to the children. The teachers at SWLC have always been receptive to our concerns, provide us lots of information on our child’s daily activities, and answer all our questions."

Priya and Arul Jayaraman SWLC Parents
★★★★★

"Southwood Learning Center isn’t just a babysitting service — the teachers are committed to developing art, language, and social skills. Ivy has become a better friend, a better artist, and a better talker since she’s been enrolled."

Kirsten Pullen and Josh Heuman Parents of Ivy
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Blogs & Resources

Guidance for curious parents

Montessori materials on a classroom shelf

April 19, 2026 · Education Methods

Montessori vs Waldorf

Learn about Montessori vs Waldorf from Southwood Learning. We cover education methods and provide expert insights to help you make the right choice for your child.

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Children exploring outdoors in spring

February 25, 2026 · Activities

Spring Time Activities for Children

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and endless opportunities for children to explore, learn, and grow after months spent indoors.

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FAQs

Questions families often ask

Can't find your answer? Call us at 979-693-6556 or send a message — we would love to help.

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Southwood Learning Center has been serving the children of BCS since 1985. Founded by Syed and Muneer Hyder, our mission is to positively impact the lives of young children by providing a nurturing environment and a globally accepted Montessori curriculum.

We combine a small-town family school atmosphere with a Montessori curriculum. Certified teachers create classrooms focused on grace and courtesy, recognizing each student’s individuality and fostering a love of learning, self-respect, respect for others, and environmental awareness.

Sprouts (6 weeks–18 months), Seedlings (18 months–2 years), Stepping Stones (2–3 years), and Children’s House (3–6 years), plus extra-curricular programs and on-site Soccer Shots.

Absolutely. We encourage you to tour our classrooms and see how a Montessori environment differs from traditional preschool. Contact us to arrange a convenient time.

We are open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Little steps, big support

Come see the difference a family Montessori school can make. Schedule a tour of Southwood Learning Center today.

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Schedule a Tour