Marianne Dunlap founded Prairie Flower Montessori School in 1997 as a small Parent-Infant Community in her home. As the school grew, she added The Toddler Community, which allowed children to separate from their parents for a few mornings a week. In 2001, Mrs. Dunlap established a Primary Classroom for children ages 3-6. The school settled into its present two-and-a-half acres at 3130 Turpin Road in 2002, and a new addition in the summer of 2004 doubled the physical size of the school.

In August of 2020, Mrs. Dunlap retired and guides Kristine Hansen and Shannon Striglos assumed the titles of Head of School and Director of Development, respectively.