- (941) 330-3110
- Kathy@firstmontessori.com
- 1661 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
For over 6 years, First Montessori Academy has provided authentic, faith-based Montessori education for children in Downtown Sarasota. Guided by experienced educators and rooted in Christian values, our school helps students develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
At First Montessori Academy, we believe education is about more than academics. It’s about helping every child discover their unique strengths while growing intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to foster independence, curiosity, creativity, and respect. Guided by authentic Montessori principles and Christian values, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop confidence, and build meaningful relationships within a supportive learning community.
Families choose First Montessori Academy because they value personalized education, experienced teachers, and an environment where every child is known, challenged, and celebrated.
At First Montessori Academy, we believe education is about more than academics. It’s about helping every child discover their unique strengths while growing intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to foster independence, curiosity, creativity, and respect. Guided by authentic Montessori principles and Christian values, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop confidence, and build meaningful relationships within a supportive learning community.
Families choose First Montessori Academy because they value personalized education, experienced teachers, and an environment where every child is known, challenged, and celebrated.
For more than 30 years, Kathy Lindaman has dedicated her career to Montessori education, helping children develop the confidence, independence, and character that prepare them for lifelong success.
Her passion for authentic Montessori learning, combined with her commitment to nurturing the whole child, has shaped the culture of First Montessori Academy into one where every student is encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Under Kathy’s leadership, the school continues to provide a personalized educational experience rooted in excellence, compassion, and faith.
For more than 30 years, Kathy Lindaman has dedicated her career to Montessori education, helping children develop the confidence, independence, and character that prepare them for lifelong success.
Her passion for authentic Montessori learning, combined with her commitment to nurturing the whole child, has shaped the culture of First Montessori Academy into one where every student is encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Under Kathy’s leadership, the school continues to provide a personalized educational experience rooted in excellence, compassion, and faith.
Taylor is an American Montessori Internationale certified teacher for ages 6-12 years of age. Her thirteen years of experience in Montessori includes lower and upper elementary students. Ms. Taylor enjoys all areas of the Montessori curriculum but she has a deep passion for Mathematics. Her family recently relocated from the Chicago suburbs to Florida. She has two children, Sawyer and Wyatt, and a dog named Wally.
Jessica Koch is a second-generation Montessori educator who has been immersed in the Montessori philosophy since childhood. She began working in Montessori classrooms as a high school student and brings over two decades of experience to her role as Lead Primary Teacher.
She earned her American Montessori Society (AMS) Primary Certification in 2007 from the Princeton Center for Teacher Education in Princeton, New Jersey. Jessica has guided countless children through their early years and previously served as the Director of Flemington Montessori School in New Jersey.
Jessica is passionate about fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in her students. She values strong partnerships with families and is dedicated to creating a warm, respectful, and enriching classroom environment that supports each child’s individual journey.
Outside of school, Jessica enjoys spending time on the boat with her family, embracing the outdoors and making lasting memories together.
Our mission is to provide an authentic Montessori education that inspires children to become confident learners, compassionate leaders, and responsible members of their community.
We believe every child deserves an environment where curiosity is encouraged, independence is celebrated, and learning becomes a joyful lifelong journey.
Faith is woven naturally into daily life at First Montessori Academy.
Students are encouraged to develop kindness, integrity, gratitude, respect, compassion, and responsibility while learning to serve others with humility and purpose.
Our faith-based approach complements authentic Montessori education by helping children grow not only academically but also spiritually and emotionally.
Faith is woven naturally into daily life at First Montessori Academy.
Students are encouraged to develop kindness, integrity, gratitude, respect, compassion, and responsibility while learning to serve others with humility and purpose.
Our faith-based approach complements authentic Montessori education by helping children grow not only academically but also spiritually and emotionally.
Programs for Every Stage
Of Montessori Leadership
Quality Business Award Winner
Conveniently Located
First Montessori Academy combines authentic Montessori education with a faith-based learning environment where every child is encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our individualized approach allows students to learn at their own pace while developing confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Yes. First Montessori Academy follows authentic Montessori principles using hands-on learning materials, mixed-age classrooms, individualized instruction, and child-centered learning experiences that encourage curiosity, responsibility, and independent thinking.
Yes. Faith is an important part of daily life at First Montessori Academy. Christian values such as kindness, integrity, respect, gratitude, compassion, and service are naturally woven into the learning environment while maintaining the authentic Montessori philosophy.
First Montessori Academy is led by Head of School Kathy Lindaman, who brings more than 30 years of Montessori education experience. Her leadership, passion for child development, and commitment to authentic Montessori learning have helped shape a nurturing educational environment where children thrive.
Our educators are passionate about Montessori education and are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. Under the leadership of Kathy Lindaman, our teaching team focuses on creating engaging classrooms that foster academic excellence, independence, confidence, and character.
Absolutely. We encourage every family to schedule a personal tour of our campus. Visiting First Montessori Academy allows you to meet our teachers, observe classrooms in action, ask questions, and experience our learning environment firsthand.
We believe children learn best when they are encouraged to explore, discover, and think independently. Our Montessori classrooms provide carefully prepared environments where students develop academic skills alongside confidence, responsibility, creativity, collaboration, and respect for others.
Families choose First Montessori Academy because of our authentic Montessori education, experienced leadership, faith-based values, personalized learning approach, and welcoming community. Our goal is to help every child become a confident learner, compassionate leader, and lifelong problem solver.
