The Houston Foundation for Child Development was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1971, to develop and assist institutions that were concerned with child care; including schools, child care centers, and teacher education centers.

Palmer Montessori School operated under the auspices of the Houston Foundation for Child Development beginning in 1971. In 1973, the Foundation began operation of Houston Montessori Center, a Montessori teacher education center. The first course began in 1974. It was evaluated by a team from the American Montessori Society and Texas Education Agency (TEA) and received accreditation status from the American Montessori Society and approval to operate from TEA.

Houston Montessori Center (HMC) separated from the Foundation in 1974 and became a separate legal entity, moving its location to Kipling Street. Education courses were expanded to include courses for the elementary teachers as well as for early childhood teachers. From 1984 through 1988, an infant and toddler course was also offered. In November, 1993, the Center moved to a new and larger facility at 9601 Katy Freeway, Suite 170. In June, 1993, a Secondary I course for 12 through 15 was added. Larger facilities at 9601 Katy Freeway were leased in June, 1995, and HMC moved to Suite 350. In June of 2004, Secondary II course for 15-18 was added as well as an administrators course for school leaders.

Houston Montessori Center responded to requests to staff numerous out-of-state Montessori training programs and continues to do so at this time. Courses have been operated at Tulane University, New Orleans; College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis; Fort Worth Independent School District; Houston Independent School District; Victoria Independent School District; Yakima Independent School District, Cincinnati Independent School District, Waco Independent School District, and Baylor University, Waco. Staff members also serve as workshop leaders at AMS meetings, seminars and for individual schools.

Members of the teaching staff for all courses have been seminar presenters, on the board of the American Montessori Society, including president, chair of the AMS Teacher Education Committee, consultants to schools, and chairpersons of numerous curriculum development committees and AMS conferences. Staff members give generously of their time to fulfill the purposes and education goals of Houston Montessori Center. Houston Montessori is dedicated to the advocacy of children and adolescents through Montessori education consistent with the philosophy and practices exemplified by the American Montessori Society (AMS). The goal of Montessori education, as stated in the key concepts and practices of the American Montessori Society, is to prepare persons to be independent, competent, responsible, and caring persons who are life-long learners.