Business Details
45 Years
experience
Authentic Montessori Education in Arlington, TX
The Montessori Academy Of Arlington has been nurturing the whole child since 1981, offering a unique educational experience rooted in Maria Montessori's philosophy of respect for the child's natural development. Our 13-acre campus provides an inspiring environment where students engage in hands-on learning both indoors and outdoors, working with scientifically developed materials that translate abstract concepts into concrete understanding. With a commitment to individualized learning, our multiage classrooms allow children to progress at their own pace while developing independence, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship. Our dedicated faculty, with an average tenure of 7.5 years, creates prepared environments that foster social-emotional growth alongside academic excellence.As one of only four fully accredited schools by the American Montessori Society in the DFW area, we maintain rigorous standards while preparing students for success beyond traditional testing metrics. Our community extends beyond the classroom through animal care programs, gardening initiatives, and a 5-acre wildscape that deepens children's connection to nature. This holistic approach ensures students develop into confident, self-directed learners ready to thrive in any future educational setting.
Services
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Early Childhood Education
Upper Elementary
Extended Day Care
Summer Programs
Parent Education
Community Service
Enrichment Classes
Alumni Support
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer AMS-accredited Montessori programs with 40+ years of educational excellence
- Our faculty maintains an average tenure of 7.5 years with specialized Montessori training
- We provide 13-acre campus with outdoor classrooms, gardens, and animal care programs
- Our multiage classrooms support individualized learning at each child's natural pace
- We maintain low student-teacher ratios (1:4 infant to 1:18 elementary) with additional support staff
Associations and certifications
- American Montessori Society
What people say
Outdoor learning opportunities
Dedicated teachers
Nurturing environment
Authentic Montessori
Academic preparation
Services
Infant Program
Our Infant Program supports children from 6 weeks to 18 months in a nurturing environment designed for their developmental needs. We provide individualized care with a 1:4 teacher-child ratio, creating a peaceful atmosphere that promotes physical, social, and emotional growth. The prepared environment includes sensory-rich materials and safe spaces for both non-mobile and walking infants.
Toddler Program
The Toddler Program serves children 18 months to 3 years with developmentally appropriate materials that foster language development and independence. Our 1:8 ratio classrooms emphasize practical life skills and social interaction through hands-on activities. Outdoor learning spaces support gross motor development while indoor environments cultivate early academic concepts.
Early Childhood Education
Our three-year Early Childhood program (ages 3-6) combines challenging academics with enrichment experiences. Students engage with Montessori materials that transform abstract concepts into concrete understanding while developing fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. The curriculum emphasizes self-directed learning within a 1:12 teacher-child ratio framework that encourages exploration and discovery.
Upper Elementary
The Upper School program serves children 6-12 years old with a three-year curriculum that builds on foundational skills. Students develop leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking through project-based learning while maintaining a 1:18 teacher-child ratio. The program emphasizes time management and organizational skills to prepare students for successful transitions to traditional educational settings.
Extended Day Care
Our Extended Day program provides care from 3:30-6:00 pm with structured activities and free play. Certified teachers supervise homework completion while enrichment opportunities include gardening, animal care, and outdoor exploration. The program maintains continuity with Montessori principles while offering flexible scheduling options for working families.
People
Crystal Jordan
Head of School
With over 15 years of Montessori experience, Crystal Jordan leads TMA's educational vision. She began teaching in 2011 and joined TMA in 2025, bringing expertise in authentic Montessori implementation and school leadership. Her focus on child-centered education aligns with TMA's mission to nurture the whole child.
Tammy Black
Director of Licensed Programs
Tammy Black has dedicated over 30 years to Montessori education. After teaching since 1989, she returned to TMA in 2020 with extensive experience in early childhood program development. Her long-term commitment to TMA reflects our staff's deep institutional knowledge and continuity.
Lynette Engelke
Director of Marketing and Admissions
Lynette Engelke brings over 15 years of TMA experience to admissions leadership. Having served since 2017 with prior marketing roles since 2007, she understands our community's needs. Her expertise ensures families receive comprehensive guidance through the enrollment process.
Susanna Batzer
Lower Elementary Teacher
Susanna Batzer has specialized in Montessori elementary education since 2020. Her classroom emphasizes hands-on learning with specialized materials that develop mathematical and language concepts. She creates engaging environments that follow TMA's commitment to authentic Montessori practices.
Ashley Black
Upper Elementary Teacher
As a TMA graduate from 2009, Ashley Black brings unique perspective to her teaching. With experience since 2021, she connects Montessori principles to modern educational needs. Her background helps bridge TMA's approach with students' future academic transitions.
Questions
What makes TMA's Montessori program unique?
Our program combines authentic Montessori methods with outdoor learning in a 13-acre campus featuring gardens, animal care programs, and a 5-acre wildscape. This holistic approach develops environmental stewardship alongside academic skills.
How does TMA prepare children for traditional schools?
Our Upper Elementary program builds leadership, collaboration, and organizational skills through project-based learning. Graduates consistently transition successfully to public, private, and parochial middle schools with strong academic and social foundations.
What are your teacher qualifications?
Our faculty maintains an average tenure of 7.5 years with specialized Montessori training. 29% of teachers have served over a decade at TMA, ensuring continuity and deep institutional knowledge of our educational approach.
How does TMA involve parents?
We require parental involvement through our cooperative model. Parents contribute community service hours or pay a fee that supports school operations and scholarship programs, fostering strong family-school partnerships.
What safety measures are in place?
Our secure campus maintains strict ratios and health protocols. Teachers document daily activities through the Bloomz app, and all staff are trained in emergency procedures. Medical information is carefully managed for student safety.
How does TMA handle food allergies?
We require individualized healthcare plans for children with allergies. Classrooms display allergen information, and staff receive training to manage dietary needs while maintaining a safe learning environment for all students.
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