Our Programs

Montessori Programs for Every Stage of Childhood

In Sarasota

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

Toddler

18 Months - 3 Years

Primary

3 - 6 Years

Lower Elementary

6 - 9 Years

Upper Elementary

9 - 12 Years

Toddler

18 Months - 3 Years

Primary

3 - 6 Years

Lower Elementary

6 - 9 Years

Upper Elementary

9 - 12 Years

18 Months - 3 Years

Toddler Program

A Nurturing Start to Lifelong Learning

The Toddler Program at First Montessori Academy in Downtown Sarasota is designed for children ages 18 months through 3 years. In a calm, safe, and loving classroom, toddlers begin developing independence, confidence, language, movement, and social skills through hands-on Montessori activities.

Our toddler environment supports each child’s natural curiosity while helping them build the foundation for future learning. With gentle guidance from experienced Montessori teachers, children learn to make choices, care for their environment, interact with others, and explore the world around them at their own pace.

Learning Outcomes

18 Months - 3 Years

Toddler Program

A Nurturing Start to Lifelong Learning

The Toddler Program at First Montessori Academy in Downtown Sarasota is designed for children ages 18 months through 3 years. In a calm, safe, and loving classroom, toddlers begin developing independence, confidence, language, movement, and social skills through hands-on Montessori activities.

Our toddler environment supports each child’s natural curiosity while helping them build the foundation for future learning. With gentle guidance from experienced Montessori teachers, children learn to make choices, care for their environment, interact with others, and explore the world around them at their own pace.

Learning Outcomes

3-6 YEARS

Primary Montessori Program

Building Curious Minds Through Purposeful Learning

The Primary Program at First Montessori Academy provides an authentic Montessori education for children ages 3 through 6 in a carefully prepared classroom that encourages curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. During these important early years, children develop academic, social, emotional, and practical life skills through hands-on exploration and individualized instruction.

Our experienced Montessori teachers guide each child at their own pace, allowing them to build confidence while mastering foundational concepts in reading, mathematics, science, language, and cultural studies. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, children are encouraged to discover, ask questions, solve problems, and develop a genuine excitement for learning.

By combining authentic Montessori principles with a nurturing, faith-based environment, our Primary Program helps children become independent thinkers who are prepared for elementary education and everyday life.

Learning Outcomes

3-6 YEARS

Primary Montessori Program

Building Curious Minds Through Purposeful Learning

The Primary Program at First Montessori Academy provides an authentic Montessori education for children ages 3 through 6 in a carefully prepared classroom that encourages curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. During these important early years, children develop academic, social, emotional, and practical life skills through hands-on exploration and individualized instruction.

Our experienced Montessori teachers guide each child at their own pace, allowing them to build confidence while mastering foundational concepts in reading, mathematics, science, language, and cultural studies. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, children are encouraged to discover, ask questions, solve problems, and develop a genuine excitement for learning.

By combining authentic Montessori principles with a nurturing, faith-based environment, our Primary Program helps children become independent thinkers who are prepared for elementary education and everyday life.

Learning Outcomes

Elementary Student
6-9 Years

Lower Elementary Montessori Program

Encouraging Independent Thinkers, Confident Learners, and Lifelong Problem Solvers

The Lower Elementary Program at First Montessori Academy serves children ages 6 through 9 by building upon the strong academic and personal foundation developed during the early Montessori years. Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, collaborate with classmates, and take greater ownership of their education in an engaging, faith-based learning environment.

Our authentic Montessori curriculum allows each child to progress at an individualized pace while exploring advanced concepts in language arts, mathematics, science, geography, history, and cultural studies. Through hands-on learning experiences, meaningful discussions, and real-world exploration, students develop confidence as independent learners while strengthening their academic skills.

As children grow, they also develop leadership, responsibility, and compassion. Our Lower Elementary classrooms foster curiosity, respect, and collaboration while preparing students for continued academic success and a lifelong love of learning.

Learning Outcomes

Elementary Student
6-9 Years

Lower Elementary Montessori Program

Encouraging Independent Thinkers, Confident Learners, and Lifelong Problem Solvers

The Lower Elementary Program at First Montessori Academy serves children ages 6 through 9 by building upon the strong academic and personal foundation developed during the early Montessori years. Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, collaborate with classmates, and take greater ownership of their education in an engaging, faith-based learning environment.

Our authentic Montessori curriculum allows each child to progress at an individualized pace while exploring advanced concepts in language arts, mathematics, science, geography, history, and cultural studies. Through hands-on learning experiences, meaningful discussions, and real-world exploration, students develop confidence as independent learners while strengthening their academic skills.

As children grow, they also develop leadership, responsibility, and compassion. Our Lower Elementary classrooms foster curiosity, respect, and collaboration while preparing students for continued academic success and a lifelong love of learning.

Learning Outcomes

9-12 YEARS

Upper Elementary Montessori Program

Preparing Confident Leaders for Middle School, High School, and Beyond

The Upper Elementary Program at First Montessori Academy serves students ages 9 through 12 by fostering academic excellence, personal responsibility, leadership, and independent thinking. During these formative years, students are encouraged to take ownership of their education while developing the confidence and character needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Our authentic Montessori curriculum challenges students through advanced studies in language arts, mathematics, science, history, geography, and cultural exploration. Students engage in collaborative projects, independent research, presentations, and real-world learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

As students prepare for middle school, they continue to develop strong organizational habits, effective communication skills, and a lifelong passion for learning. Within our nurturing, faith-based environment, children are encouraged to lead with integrity, serve others with compassion, and embrace new challenges with confidence.

Learning Outcomes

9-12 YEARS

Upper Elementary Montessori Program

Preparing Confident Leaders for Middle School, High School, and Beyond

The Upper Elementary Program at First Montessori Academy serves students ages 9 through 12 by fostering academic excellence, personal responsibility, leadership, and independent thinking. During these formative years, students are encouraged to take ownership of their education while developing the confidence and character needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Our authentic Montessori curriculum challenges students through advanced studies in language arts, mathematics, science, history, geography, and cultural exploration. Students engage in collaborative projects, independent research, presentations, and real-world learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

As students prepare for middle school, they continue to develop strong organizational habits, effective communication skills, and a lifelong passion for learning. Within our nurturing, faith-based environment, children are encouraged to lead with integrity, serve others with compassion, and embrace new challenges with confidence.

Learning Outcomes

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Learning Continues After the School Day Ends

Learning doesn't stop when classes end. First Montessori Academy offers enriching after-school programs that encourage students to discover new interests, build confidence, develop practical skills, and continue growing in a fun, supportive environment.

PRIMARY • Ages 3–6

After-School Programs

  • Soccer
  • Ballet
  • Cooking I
ELEMENTARY • Ages 6–12

After-School Programs

  • Modern Dance
  • Coding
  • Cooking II
Programs begin after 4:00 PM and are designed to provide additional opportunities for creativity, movement, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Offerings may vary throughout the school year based on instructor availability and student interest.

BEYOND THE MONTESSORI CURRICULUM

Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom

At First Montessori Academy, education goes beyond traditional academics. Students have opportunities to strengthen character, develop practical life skills, explore new interests, and build confidence through enriching experiences that support the whole child.

Life Skills & Character

Students develop practical life skills, etiquette, communication, decision-making, financial awareness, time management, and social confidence that prepare them for success both inside and outside the classroom.

  • Etiquette & Manners
  • Social Skills
  • Decision Making
  • Financial Awareness
  • Time Management

Physical Education

Students participate in age-appropriate physical education designed to improve coordination, teamwork, physical fitness, motor skills, and healthy lifelong habits.

  • Motor Skill Development
  • Fitness & Wellness
  • Movement Activities
  • Teamwork
  • Healthy Habits

Spanish Language

Students are introduced to Spanish through engaging lessons that build listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural understanding as they progress through each level.

  • Conversational Spanish
  • Reading & Writing
  • Cultural Studies
  • Interactive Learning
  • Language Confidence

Faith Formation

Christian values are integrated throughout the school experience while students explore biblical teachings, character development, compassion, service, and spiritual growth.

  • Bible Study
  • Christian Character
  • Prayer
  • Service
  • Leadership

Practical Life

Hands-on experiences encourage responsibility, independence, creativity, and confidence while helping students apply real-world skills in meaningful ways.

  • Cooking
  • Independence
  • Responsibility
  • Problem Solving
  • Hands-On Learning

Technology & AI Literacy

Students build digital confidence through keyboarding, computer technology, and age-appropriate learning tools that encourage responsible technology use and critical thinking.

  • Keyboarding
  • Computer Skills
  • Digital Citizenship
  • AI Learning Tools
  • Independent Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Programs FAQ

First Montessori Academy serves children from toddler age through elementary school, with Montessori programs designed for children ages 18 months through 12 years. Our programs include Toddler, Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary levels.

First Montessori Academy offers a Toddler Program, Primary Montessori Program, Lower Elementary Program, and Upper Elementary Program. Each program is designed around the child’s age, developmental stage, learning style, and growing independence.

The Montessori method uses hands-on materials, individualized instruction, mixed-age classrooms, and self-directed learning to help children build independence, confidence, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Instead of every child moving through the same lesson at the same time, Montessori students are guided to progress at their own pace while developing a deeper understanding of each subject.

 

Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared environments where children can choose purposeful work, receive individual or small-group lessons, and practice independence throughout the day. Classrooms are organized with Montessori materials for practical life, language, math, science, geography, culture, and sensory exploration.

 

Montessori classrooms are active, but they are typically calm and purposeful rather than chaotic. Children are moving, choosing work, speaking with teachers, and collaborating with classmates, but they are also learning grace, courtesy, concentration, and respect for the classroom environment.

 

Yes. First Montessori Academy offers both Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary programs. These programs help students strengthen academic skills, critical thinking, research, collaboration, leadership, and personal responsibility through authentic Montessori education.

 

The Toddler Program supports children ages 18 months through 3 years as they develop independence, language, movement, social skills, and practical life habits. The Primary Program serves children ages 3 through 6 and introduces more advanced Montessori materials in reading, math, science, practical life, culture, and early academic development.

 

Yes. First Montessori Academy provides a faith-based Montessori education in Downtown Sarasota. Students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in a nurturing environment rooted in Christian values.

 

The best way to determine the right program is to schedule a tour and speak with the Head of School or admissions team. They can learn more about your child’s age, development, personality, and educational needs, then help guide you toward the appropriate Montessori program.

 

Families can schedule a tour through the website or contact First Montessori Academy directly. During your visit, you can see the classrooms, meet the staff, ask questions, and learn more about which program is the best fit for your child.

 

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.