About Us

Our Vision
Montessori Academy guides children on their journey into a continually evolving, dynamic world that engages their minds and enlivens their imaginations. Each component of the educational journey instills a love of learning, high self-esteem, and positive values, resulting in high academic achievement.

Our Mission
We use the principles of Maria Montessori as the foundation of our educational philosophy in a manner that fosters and elicits learning. We create evolving environments, making each day a productive step in the journey to the ultimate goal: a child who is motivated, independent, and has a love of learning. 

Our Method
To unfold life is the basic task of the educator. Montessori Academy is a prepared environment for children. In Maria Montessori's time, it seemed miraculous that children of four and a half should be able to write, and that they should have learned without the feeling of having been taught. 

The teacher's task is not to talk, but to prepare and arrange a series of activities in the environment made for the child. Maria Montessori found that individual activity is the one factor that stimulates and produces development, and that this is not truer for the little ones of preschool age than it is for the junior elementary, senior elementary, and middle school children. 

Integrity
We maintain the highest level of individual and organizational integrity and are committed to doing what is right for the Montessori Academy community. Our decisions are driven by our vision and mission and guided by data to support the best outcomes for the students and stakeholders we serve. We strive to provide resources and support that are relevant and intentionally focused on our strategic plan. All business is conducted in an ethical and professional manner, with the goal of being the best possible community partner.

Leadership
We are passionate about the work inspired by our mission and dedicated to the students we serve. We foster a strong work ethic to deliver innovative resources to educators and students. As leaders in the community, we serve as a catalyst for forward-thinking programs and educational progress.

Student Achievement
We are committed to student achievement and maintain a student-centered approach that enhances our culture of teaching and learning. Montessori Academy guarantees that every student will meet state standards in reading, math, and writing—or demonstrate one year’s growth on the state-mandated assessment—in accordance with the Student-Parent-School Compact.

Spirit of Community
Strong community relationships and partnerships are essential to fulfilling our mission. We approach all endeavors with collaboration, seeking innovation and fostering teamwork.

Stewardship
As stewards of the community’s trust, we are accountable in both action and attitude for the resources entrusted to us. We earn goodwill by taking thoughtful, emotional, and fiscal care of these assets. Our decisions are guided by financial responsibility and long-term sustainability.

• Grass Athletic Fields and Multi-Use Sports Courts
  Our students have access to large grass fields and multi-use courts for physical education, team sports, and recreational activities.

• Two Crystal-Clear Swimming Pools
  Our two swimming pools are used for physical education and seasonal swim programs, helping students build water safety skills and confidence.

• Classroom Computers with Internet Access
  Each classroom is equipped with computers and internet access to support academic learning, research, and technology use.

• Garden Areas with Pond for Learning and Enjoyment
  Students explore science and nature through hands-on experiences in our garden areas, which include a pond for observation and outdoor learning.

• Large Covered Playgrounds and Picnic Areas
  Covered playgrounds and picnic areas provide space for outdoor play, lunch, and school activities throughout the year.

• Arts & Crafts Room and Work Areas
  A dedicated space for arts and crafts allows students to engage in creative projects and hands-on learning.

• Separate Car Lines
  To improve safety and efficiency, the school uses separate car lines for younger preschool students and older elementary and middle school students during drop-off and pick-up.

The Montessori Method vs. Traditional Education

Montessori and traditional education differ in several key ways, particularly in how students learn and teachers teach.

Student-Centered vs. Teacher-Directed
In Montessori classrooms, students are active participants in their learning. They follow personal interests, work at their own pace, and take responsibility for their growth. In contrast, traditional classrooms are typically teacher-directed, with all students following the same schedule and lessons.

Hands-On Materials vs. Passive Learning
Montessori students use concrete, hands-on materials to explore abstract concepts and develop deep understanding. Traditional classrooms often rely more on textbooks, lectures, and worksheets.

Multi-Age vs. Single-Age Classrooms
Montessori classrooms group children in multi-age communities, which encourages mentoring, leadership, and collaboration. Traditional classrooms usually consist of students of the same age, with fewer opportunities for peer learning.

Freedom Within Limits vs. Fixed Curriculum
Montessori students choose from a range of activities within a carefully structured environment, helping them build decision-making and time-management skills. Traditional education follows a set curriculum with limited flexibility or student input.

Whole-Child Development vs. Academic Focus
Montessori education supports growth in all areas—intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. Traditional education tends to emphasize academics, with less focus on emotional intelligence or life skills.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Montessori nurtures curiosity and self-motivation. Students are encouraged to find joy in learning itself. Traditional schools more commonly use grades, tests, and external rewards to motivate students.

Prepared Environment vs. Standard Layout
Montessori classrooms are calm, ordered spaces designed to support independence and movement. Traditional classrooms are often arranged in rows, with limited freedom of movement.

What Is the Montessori Method?
Montessori education is rooted in the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, an innovator who recognized the power of independent, hands-on learning. Her method emphasizes the importance of nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically—through a thoughtful, student-centered approach.

Rather than focusing on memorization or standardized testing, Montessori education helps students learn how to learn. Lessons are guided by the child's individual pace, interest, and developmental stage. With the support of trained educators and highly specialized materials, students engage in purposeful work that promotes concentration, independence, and intrinsic motivation.

Montessori teachers take a holistic view of each student’s growth. They foster an environment where children are encouraged to think critically, make healthy choices, and develop lifelong skills such as conflict resolution, self-regulation, and collaboration—skills that often fall outside the scope of traditional education.

Our school community is committed to sharing these values with families and the broader public. Through inclusive school events and ongoing dialogue, we strive to connect others with the lasting benefits of this time-tested educational method.

Montessori Preschool Boosts Brainpower and Closes the Achievement Gap

In this study, children who attended Montessori preschools made bigger improvements in reading, math, and social skills than children in regular programs. They also enjoyed school more and stayed focused longer. Kids from lower-income families did just as well as wealthier kids, helping close the learning gap.

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One Year of Montessori Pre-K Leads to Years of Academic Success

This study looked at low-income Latinx children who attended one year of Montessori preschool. They started kindergarten with stronger reading and math skills and continued to do better on state tests all the way through third grade. Even a short time in a Montessori classroom made a lasting difference.

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The Montessori Method Supports Brain Development and Intrinsic Motivation

Maria Montessori’s methods align closely with modern cognitive science, emphasizing focus, independence, and joy in learning. Research shows that Montessori classrooms naturally promote behaviors linked to long-term academic and personal success.

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Montessori Kids Excel in Reading, Math, and Social Skills 

Researchers followed students who got into Montessori schools through a lottery. By kindergarten, these children had stronger academic skills and were better at sharing, cooperating, and solving problems with others. By middle school, they were also more creative and felt more positive about school and friendships.

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Montessori Preschools Boost Academic and Social Growth

Montessori preschool students showed stronger academic achievement, better social understanding, and improved executive function compared to peers in traditional programs. The benefits were particularly significant for children from lower-income households and continued through elementary school.

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The Montessori Method Encourages Focus, Creativity, and Strong Social Skills 

Montessori students wrote more creative essays, demonstrated better reading and math skills, and showed advanced social problem-solving. The study found they were more fair and emotionally aware, with stronger executive function than students in conventional classrooms.

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2002
Founded by sisters Juli Newman and Krista Cross

February 28, 2002
Charter application submitted

June 10, 2002
Charter receives unanimous approval

June 17, 2002
Charter is signed

August 19, 2002
First day of school 

2003-2009
Rated Excelling multiple times by Arizona Department of Education

2010
Rated "Excelling" multiple times by Arizona Department of Education

August 2010
Phoenix Best Schools Magazine rates our middle school top 99% based on 2009 scores

Principal Juli Newman

Principal Juli Newman is the Executive Director, Principal, and Superintendent of Montessori Academy and is one of the school's charter representatives. She is also the proud mother of two Montessori-educated children. Juli is the author of several papers on transforming education. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Utah, a Masters of Arts in Education, Supervision, and Administration from the University of Phoenix, and is in the process of earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Juli attended the Center for Montessori Teacher Education and is certified in Montessori School Administration. Juli has attended more than 200 training courses in topics that include Special Education Law and Leadership in Technology. 

Krista Cross

Krista Cross is the prior Director of Education at Montessori Academy and the sister of Juli Newman. She received a Montessori education growing up in California. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences with an emphasis in Child Language Development. Krista earned her Montessori teaching credentials for Elementary I and II through the Center for Montessori Teacher Education (CMTE) and completed additional training from England in Early Childhood through St. Nicholas; both CMTE and St. Nicholas are certified by the American Montessori Society (AMS). Krista then earned her Master of Arts in Education degree in Curriculum Development from Sarasota University; she also obtained a Master of Arts in Education in Administrative Leadership. In 2015, she became a faculty and Advisory Board member at Sarasota University, teaching online coursework in the area of Brain-based Education. In 2000, Krista was one of four recipients in Arizona chosen by the Milken Family Foundation. to receive the National Educator Award. She has since retired from Montessori Academy.