Empowering Children to Reach Their Fullest Potential
Our Mission and Philosophy
At Early Steps Montessori Academy, our mission is to provide a developmentally appropriate environment that encourages children to explore and discover their expanding world. Our philosophy is built on the understanding that children learn best through hands-on experiences and exploring the world around them. We believe that every child deserves a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Our Services
We offer a range of services, including our Nido-Toddler-Primary Program, which provides a comprehensive education for children aged 1-6. Our program is designed to foster independence, self-confidence, and a love for learning. Our curriculum includes practical life activities, sensorial exploration, mathematics, language, and cultural studies.
Practical Life
Our practical life activities aim to develop independence, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and confidence. Our children engage in genuinely useful jobs that help them develop a sense of responsibility and learn through imagination and real-world experiences.
Sensorial
Our sensorial program lays the foundation for mathematics, geometry, geography, botany, art, and music. Our self-correcting materials help children understand errors and learn from them, building a solid foundation for future academic success.
Mathematics
Our mathematics program introduces children to concrete learning concepts, including numbers, counting, and the decimal system. Our materials, such as number rods, spindle boxes, and golden beads, provide a hands-on approach to learning.
Language
Our language program is based on a carefully structured phonetic approach to writing and reading. Our children learn sensorially by tracing sandpaper letters, writing simple words, and matching words with objects.
Cultural Studies/Geography
Our cultural studies program helps children understand that everything in the universe is connected and that all components depend on one another. We use globes, puzzle maps, flags, and other materials to help children build their understanding of other countries, cultures, and peoples.
VPK Program
We are an approved VPK provider in Hillsborough County, offering a comprehensive program designed to strengthen your child's most important years in the sensitive period.
Kindergarten
Our credentialed private school serves children through the kindergarten ages, providing a nurturing environment that fosters learning and exploration.
Hours of Operation
We are open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We also offer outdoor playtime, with two separate areas for age-appropriate play.
Snacks and Food Share Program
Please inquire about our school snack and Food Share Program.
Staff Training
Our teachers are Montessori trained through accredited programs recognized by MACTE and are trained in First Aid/CPR, Infectious Disease Control, Injury Prevention, and Child Abuse Awareness.
Enrollment
We invite you to explore our school and learn more about our program. Please use our contact form to provide us with your name, address, and phone number, and we will schedule a tour visit.
Background Investigations
We require all members of our staff to submit to a level 2-background check, including reports from Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
What to Bring to School
Please inquire within upon enrollment for a checklist of supplies needed.
Overall Experience
The reviewers have had an overwhelmingly positive experience at Early Steps Montessori Academy. They praise the school's caring and supportive environment, the teachers' passion for teaching, and the individualized attention given to each child.
Academic and Personal Development
Parents appreciate the school's focus on child development, with many noticing significant improvements in their children's language skills, emotional intelligence, and academic foundation. The school's Montessori approach and Spanish immersion program are particularly highlighted as beneficial.
Teachers and Staff
The reviewers consistently praise the teachers and staff, describing them as caring, dedicated, and passionate about their work. They appreciate the small teacher-to-child ratio, which allows for personalized attention and care.
Communication and Involvement
Parents appreciate the regular updates and communication from the school, including photos and daily reports. They feel involved in their child's education and appreciate the school's openness to feedback and concerns.
