Welcome to

Faith-Based Montessori School in Downtown Sarasota

Helping children ages 18 months through 12 years build confidence character curiosity leadership kindness faith in a loving and safe environment

Award-Winning Education

2024 & 2025 Quality Business Award Winner

30+ Years of Montessori Leadership

Kathy Lindaman has dedicated over 30 years to education

Downtown Sarasota Campus

Conveniently Located on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota

Award-Winning Education

2024 & 2025 Quality Business Award Winner

30+ Years of Montessori Leadership

Kathy Lindaman has dedicated over 30 years to education

Downtown Sarasota Campus

Conveniently Located on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota

Our Programs

Programs Designed for

Every Stage of Childhood

From their first steps of independence to advanced leadership and critical thinking, our Montessori programs nurture the whole child: academically, socially, and spiritually.

Toddler Program: 18 Months - 3 Years

A nurturing environment where toddlers build independence, confidence, and a love for learning.

Primary Program: 3 - 6 Years

Hands-on learning that inspires curiosity, develops independence, and builds a strong foundation.

Lower Elementary: 6-9 Years

Students explore complex concepts, strengthen critical thinking, and grow in responsibility.

Upper Elementary: 9 - 12 Years

Leadership, collaboration, and real-world learning prepare students for success in middle school and beyond.

The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, The children are now working as if I did not exist."

Why Montessori

An Education for

Life, Not Just School

Montessori education nurtures the whole child, helping them become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. 

Hands-On Learning

Children learn through purposeful, hands-on activities that make abstract concepts concrete and understanding lasting

Independence

Students develop self-confidence and independence as they make choices and take ownership of their learning.

Critical Thinking

Montessori encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and creative thinking through exploration and discovery.

Respect & Compassion

Children learn to respect themselves, others, and the world around them, building a foundation for a kinder future.

Prepared for Tomorrow

Students graduate with strong academic skills, leadership qualities, and a lifelong love of learning.

The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, The children are now working as if I did not exist."

Why Montessori

An Education for

Life, Not Just School

Montessori education nurtures the whole child, helping them become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. 

Hands-On Learning

Children learn through purposeful, hands-on activities that make abstract concepts concrete and understanding lasting

Independence

Students develop self-confidence and independence as they make choices and take ownership of their learning.

Critical Thinking

Montessori encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and creative thinking through exploration and discovery.

Respect & Compassion

Children learn to respect themselves, others, and the world around them, building a foundation for a kinder future.

Prepared for Tomorrow

Students graduate with strong academic skills, leadership qualities, and a lifelong love of learning.

Meet Our Head of School

A Legacy of Experience.

A Passion for Children.

With more than 30 years dedicated to Montessori education, Kathy Lindaman brings a wealth of knowledge, heart, and leadership to First Montessori Academy. Her Commitment to honoring each child’s potential is the foundation of our school community in Sarasota.

Every child deserves an environment where curiosity is encouraged, independence is celebrated, and learning becomes a lifelong joy."

Meet Our Head of School

A Legacy of Experience.

A Passion for Children.

With more than 30 years dedicated to Montessori education, Kathy Lindaman brings a wealth of knowledge, heart, and leadership to First Montessori Academy. Her Commitment to honoring each child’s potential is the foundation of our school community in Sarasota.

Every child deserves an environment where curiosity is encouraged, independence is celebrated, and learning becomes a lifelong joy."

Our Location

A Montessori School In the Heart

Of Downtown Sarasota

Located on Main Street, First Montessori Academy serves families throughout downtown Sarasota and the surrounding area with convienient access and a welcoming community.

Easy Access For Families

Convenient drop-off and pick-up with nearby parking and quick access to major roads and bridges

Close to What Matters

Near local parks, libraries, and cultural venues, enriching learning beyond the classroom

Our Location

A Montessori School In the Heart

Of Downtown Sarasota

Located on Main Street, First Montessori Academy serves families throughout downtown Sarasota and the surrounding area with convienient access and a welcoming community.

Easy Access For Families

Convenient drop-off and pick-up with nearby parking and quick access to major roads and bridges

Close to What Matters

Near local parks, libraries, and cultural venues, enriching learning beyond the classroom

What Parents Are Saying

E. Buflaton
Hey! I just wanted to say thank you. I love everything this school stands for. It is truly such an amazing community. I absolutely adore you and all the teachers here. I’m so so grateful that my kids get to be surrounded by so many people with such beautiful and grounded values. I’ve seen both of my kids grow so much throughout this year. Thank you for accepting us into this school. I am so grateful.
Grace
My son is 8 years old and we are moving to Sarasota area in a few months. I was referred by Mr. Mayer who founded and owned Endeavor schools and said he bought his first school from you many years ago. He said you are a wonderful, wonderful school owner and I’m excited to meet you. When we move, I will reach out to you to come see your school. Mr. Mayer couldn’t have said nicer things about you and all the things he learned and said he built his endeavor schools to become a model of what you started.
Laci Schaible
We were warmly welcomed at First Montessori, moving back to the area after a period out of state. In no time, the school became our extended family, with the level of care for the whole child being unmatched to any other educational program by a landslide. Mrs. Lindaman and her whole staff invest a great deal into each student, and hold them to appropriately high standards, helping them to reach their fullest individual potential. First Montessori is a special place where they truly help bolster not only the child’s academic knowledge, but their life skills, Christian faith, and emotional intelligence as well. The school truly goes the extra mile, and I’ll forever be appreciative of how they helped shape my son and our family.
JB
Our daughter attended First Montessori Academy for two years before starting at Pine View School. Thanks to the individualized and incredibly high-quality education that she received at FMA, she was not only able to be admitted to Pine View but is thriving there and just made all A’s on her last report card! In addition to an outstanding educational experience, FMA also instilled Christian values and many valuable life skills that continue to serve and guide her as she develops as a person. Our younger son also continues to attend FMA and we couldn’t be more pleased with his educational experience as well. Now in his final year of preschool, we can really see his desire to learn taking off as he’s becoming more excited at his own progress in beginning to read larger words and sentences and completing more advanced math work. I highly recommend that other parents of preschool and elementary aged children consider First Montessori Academy for their children as well!
Sheridans
First Montessori has been such a positive and supportive school for our children to absolutely thrive in. Our children feel safe, encouraged and confident. As parents in today’s world, we feel beyond blessed. A heartfelt thank you for the dedication and enthusiam to all of the teachers and the entire community of families of the school. In addition to an outstanding educational experience, FMA also instilled Christian values and many valuable life skills that continue to serve and guide her as she develops as a person. Our younger son also continues to attend FMA and we couldn’t be more pleased with his educational experience as well. Now in his final year of preschool, we can really see his desire to learn taking off as he’s becoming more excited at his own progress in beginning to read larger words and sentences and completing more advanced math work. I highly recommend that other parents of preschool and elementary aged children consider First Montessori Academy for their children as well!
Zieglers
We are so incredibly grateful for the love, commitment and passion that our FMA teachers show our girls each day! Watching this school blossom into a special community of lifelong friendships for the children and adults is priceless. Even more priceless is witnessing all the childrens’ curiosity and love of learning flourish. FMA and their dedicated teachers are laying the critical foundation, during the most critical years of a child’s education, for vibrant lifelong learning! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this year and each year so special! In addition to an outstanding educational experience, FMA also instilled Christian values and many valuable life skills that continue to serve and guide her as she develops as a person. Our younger son also continues to attend FMA and we couldn’t be more pleased with his educational experience as well. Now in his final year of preschool, we can really see his desire to learn taking off as he’s becoming more excited at his own progress in beginning to read larger words and sentences and completing more advanced math work. I highly recommend that other parents of preschool and elementary aged children consider First Montessori Academy for their children as well!
Grasons
As parents we couldn’t be prouder of the growth we have witnessed in our children. First Montessori Academy has nurtured their love for learning, fostered their creativity and helped them become confident, well-rounded individuals. We have no doubt that the strong foundation they have received here will pave the way for a brighter future. We extend our deepest gratitude to First Montessori Academy for the increased education and spirtual growth our children have experienced. They are truly blessed to be a part of this faith-based academic community. We wholeheartedly recommend First Montessory Academy to any family seeking a nurturing and expectional educational journey.
Baldwin Family
First Montessori has been a true blessing to our family the past two years. While our two children are very different, the educational and emotional structure that they have recieved at FMA is exactly what they both needed. We are so grateful for the dedication that all of the staff provide. Their passion for teaching and nurturing young minds is truly inspiring. Thank you – not only for the academic education, but for being an excellent role model and for instilling important values in our children that will guide them through their life.
Michaela
I am so grateful for my Montessori experience and I truly think it enabled me to be successful in my future academics, especially in Mathematics and English Language Arts!

Ready to See First Montessori in Action?

The best way to experience our school is to walk through our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see Montessori education come to life. We'd love to welcome your family to campus and answer any questions you may have.