OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
Students can choose to work with Montessori materials in the classroom courtyards or practice natural gross motor movements, such as balancing on a beam or walking a labyrinth.
Wildscape
Students have many opportunities to explore our 5-acre wildscape, learning about plants, insects, and other wildlife who visit this wondrous space.
GARDENING AND ANIMAL CARE
Our students fully engage in caring for our pig, Rufus, and our chickens on a daily basis. Students are also active participants in planting, maintaining, and growing fruits and vegetables in our gardens.
Nontraditional Learning
Children thrive in both our indoor and outdoor classrooms where curiosity about the world drives them to learn. We provide professional guidance, the prepared environment, and scientifically developed materials for children to live
up to their full potential.
Learning Happens through purposeful activity
Children work with specially designed learning materials, manipulating and investigating them to master the lessons they embody.
abstract ideas in concrete form
Children use real objects to translate abstract ideas into concrete form. The example above, the binomial cube, physically represents a mathematical equation, which is (a + b)³ = (a + b) (a + b) (a + b) = a³ + 3a²b + 3ab² + b³.
Outdoor learning prioritized
Safety is our highest priority and we are lucky to have a 13-acre campus which provides students with many opportunities to work outside. Each classroom also has an exterior door, so when it’s too hot or cold outside, students can move into a well-ventilated indoor space.
Committed professionals
Our committed and credentialed professionals foster a child’s cognitive, physical, and social/emotional well-being, leading children to become enthusiastic, intrinsically motivated learners.
TMA at a Glance
Our Global Community
With students and staff members representing more than 20 countries, we consider TMA to be a small-scale global community.
Highly Committed Teachers
29% of our teachers are in their second decade of service at TMA, while the average tenure of lead classroom teachers at TMA is 8 years.
Accreditation
TMA is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society. We are 1 of only 3 fully accredited schools in the DFW area. There are only 8 schools in Texas that hold this level of accreditation.
“The child who has never learned to work by himself, to set goals for his own acts, or to be the master of his own force of will is recognizable in the adult who lets others guide his will and feels a constant need for approval of others.”
– Maria Montessori, Education and Peace
A Walk through Early Childhood
What does a typical day look like?
Indoor Classroom
Students engage in academic and other purposeful work using hands-on, scientifically developed materials.
Outdoor Classroom
Students engage in academic work, gardening, animal care, gross motor development, and imaginative play.
How is Montessori Different?
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT VS. CORE COMPETENCE
Holistic Development vs Core Competence
Montessori education values the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs which are essential for the development of the whole child.
Traditional systems of education value teaching children mastery of skills and test performance.
Self-Discipline vs TEACHER DIRECTED DISCIPLINE
In Montessori, the learning structure and prepared environment of the classroom promote motivation and self-discipline through freedom coupled with responsibility.
In traditional education, the teacher disciplines and encourages motivation using a system of external rewards and punishments.
Cooperation vs COMPETITION
Mixed-age classrooms and self-directed learning encourage cooperation and the development of social skills in a Montessori classroom.
Individual learning graded by the teacher; collaboration and cooperation are secondary in a traditional classroom.
Concentration vs COMPLETION
Long work periods in a Montessori classroom allow children to focus on deep learning.
Tightly scheduled days in a traditional classroom value completion of teacher-directed work.
Active vs PASSIVE LEARNING
The child moves freely around the Montessori classroom, choosing her own work — and the pace at which she does it — while being guided by the teacher.
The child listens to and follows directions from the teacher who sets the pace of instruction in a traditional classroom.
Self Motivation vs EXTERNAL MOTIVATION
Montessori education emphasizes internal (self) motivation. The classroom is a precisely prepared environment for individual instruction and self-paced learning. Well-tested teaching techniques and materials are designed to maximize children’s time in the classroom. Teachers show students how to create order and discover principles by means of carefully demonstrated lessons that can then be practiced at will.
Traditional education relies heavily upon external motivation. Students are expected to learn specific subjects according to fixed, uniform schedules. Whole class instruction often requires that childhood enthusiasm be suppressed to preserve teaching plans and to maintain classroom order.
Can’t Visit in person?
If you can’t visit in person, check out our photo and video highlights to acquaint yourself with what happens on campus.
Lower School PHOTO & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
See what happens in our Infant, Toddler, and Early Childhood classrooms.
Upper School PHOTO & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
See what happens in our Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms.
A Peek Inside
Early Childhood Multiplication Board
Elem & Early Childhood Reading Buddies
Lower Elementary Botany
Infant Peer Interactions
Early Childhood Sandpaper Letters
Upper Elementary Decimal Multiplication
Early Childhood Preparing Snack
Toddler Transferring
Early Childhood Wet Pouring
Infant Imbucare
Early Childhood Easel Painting
FAQs
We have gathered some of the most frequently asked questions in one place to make finding information easier for prospective parents. This information is covered in greater detail in our Family Guide or other locations of our website. We encourage prospective families to read through these questions and sign up for a visit to find out even more details about our programs.
We are open between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The school day is from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with Before Care from 7:00-8:30 am and Extended Day from 3:30-4:30 pm or Extended Day Plus from 3:30-6:00 pm.
Our Tuition and Fee Schedule is available online. Please note that the $300 application fee is fully refundable until an enrollment contract is signed.
Yes. Tuition can be paid in-full or on a monthly basis. If you choose to pay on a monthly basis, we require you to purchase tuition insurance, which is 3% of the annual tuition and is paid with your first tuition payment.
Yes. Our enrollment contracts cover an entire year, offering options for a traditional school year of 10 months or a year-round, 12-month option. If you are admitted after the beginning of a school year, your tuition is pro-rated based on when you enroll. There is a 3-week trial for students enrolled in our Lower School.
Each new school year begins in August and closely follows the Arlington ISD school calendar. We offer enrollment throughout the school year on a space-available basis, with tuition being pro-rated for those who start later in the year.
Our ratios vary by program:
— Infant – 1:4 (2 teachers for 8 students)
— Toddler – 1:8 (2 teachers for 16 students)
— Early Childhood – 1:12 (2 teachers to 24 students)
— Elementary – 1:18 (1 teacher for up to 18 students)
While these are the minimum ratios, we have an additional teacher available for each of the Infant, Toddler, and Early Childhood classrooms throughout the day. Elementary students also participate in Enrichment classes with Enrichment Specialist teachers.
All families provide their own healthy lunch options for their children.
Parents provide snacks and lunch for children enrolled in the Infant program.
A few times each year, families with students enrolled in the Toddler and Early Childhood programs will receive a list of groceries to purchase to bring for the classroom snack. As part of the Practical Life work in class, students will prepare snack each day.
Elementary students will bring snacks for themselves each day.
The nap schedule for infants is individualized and based on an infant’s age and need.
Toddlers and 2.5 to 3-year old Early Childhood students take a nap in the afternoon, after lunch.
Early Childhood students who are 4-years old are asked to rest for at least 30 minutes each day, with some still needing a full nap and others only resting their bodies for a short time.
Early Childhood students who are 5-years old are asked to rest for at least 30 minutes a day and take part in special enrichment classes or work in the afternoon.
Parents of children with diagnosed allergies or asthma are required to provide the school with an individualized health care plan, signed by the child’s medical provider. A list of children with medically documented food allergies is posted in every classroom throughout the school, and a list of the classroom allergens is posted outside of each room.
TMA was established as a parent cooperative and, as such, requires parental involvement. Not only does community service help to build stronger bonds between community members, but it also provides excellent modeling for the volunteerism that we wish to instill in our students.
Parents pay a Community Service Fee of $300 each year, $150 for the fall term and $150 for the spring term. If one or more members of your family volunteer at TMA for 5 hours each semester or 10 hours for the year, you will be refunded the entirety of the Community Service Fee, or you may contribute it to the Scholarship Fund.
To protect the health of all children and to satisfy state regulations, current medical information for each child is required prior to enrollment. These records, which must meet state immunization and hearing and vision screening requirements, need to be updated when new screenings or immunizations are given. An annual physical is required for children in the Infant, Toddler and Early Childhood programs.
The state of Texas allows certain immunization exemptions and we follow all state guidelines.
Several forms of communication are used to meet the needs of our community. These include email, texting, phone calls, written documentation, parent/teacher conferences, a parent portal on our website, a closed Facebook group, and Bloomz, a photo/video sharing app so parents can catch glimpses of the work their children are completing.
We produce a weekly e-newsletter to keep parents informed about school-wide activities and events which is available via email, text, our closed Facebook group, the parent portal, and through Bloomz.
For infants, in additional to daily, in-person communication, teachers and parents complete a daily form so both parties know when diapers were changed, meals/snacks were eaten, and naps were taken.
Injuries will be promptly treated by a staff member and parents will be notified either by telephone or through a copy of a completed Accident/Incident Report form. Parents will receive a short report which documents how, when, and where and accident or incident occurred.
What do parents say about TMA?
We are happy with TMA, my child has been attending the school and he has learned so much. The school environment is clean and has so much for my son who loves to be in outdoors. Teachers and the administrators are helpful.
Great Schools
After touring over a dozen preschools, TMA came out on top for us. We love the focus on teaching important life skills and building character, not just behavior. The teachers interact with the students in a way that helps them to become independent and thoughtful little people.
Google Reviews
This is a GEM in the middle of the metroplex, with acres of nature surrounding the school. Kids are given a unique opportunity to experience and enjoy nature in a caring environment, while learning so much, both in and out of the classroom. Our child really likes it here.
Niche Reviews
TMA is a great school that helps students gain independence, learn concepts deeply, and become well-rounded citizens of the world. The teachers are dedicated, and the campus is beautiful and inviting. TMA is a great place to be!
Private School Review
4 Easy Steps to Admission
Our admissions team will lead you through the entire process to answer your questions and provide all the information you need so your family can make an informed decision about whether TMA is the right choice for your child and your family. We understand that choosing the right school is an extremely important decision and we will be here to guide you through the decision-making process.
Schedule a Visit
On campus visits are scheduled daily for the Lower School. Please click below to choose a date that is convenient for you.
Visits for the Upper School are scheduled individually. Please click below to complete the form and we will be in touch to schedule a day and time.
Apply Online
To begin the admissions process, complete an online application and submit $300 application fee. The application fee is fully refundable until an enrollment contract is signed.
Meet with the Head of School
During the 1½ hour meeting, “fit and match” between the family’s expectations for their child and TMA’s vision is explored and a detailed tuition payment schedule will be discussed.
Complete Online Enrollment
Upon acceptance to TMA, the enrollment process begins with a contract being offered by the Head of School. The application fee becomes non-refundable after we receive your contract. Once we have received your online enrollment and first tuition payment, your enrollment is complete.
Important Dates
Gallery of Student Work
Early Childhood Extension (Kindergarten) - Division Bead Board
Look at that focus and concentration! This student is using the Division Bead Board to practice and begin to memorize essential math facts. The Montessori approach begins by showing children why we manipulate numbers in different ways. Young children appreciate the repetitive nature of the materials, which gives them plenty of opportunities to practice and memorize these facts.
#order #concentration #coordination #independence #focus #mathisfun #division #handsonlearning #experientiallearning #concretetoabstract #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Early Childhood - Knobless Cylinders
Look at that focus and precision! The Knobless Cylinders refine and apply the child's ability to discriminate dimension and prepare for mathematics activities involving comparison, grading, and seriation. The child initially orders a set of cylinders as a line or as a tower, later the sets are combined and the interrelationships in size are experienced.
#order #concentration #coordination #independence #precision #focus #visualdiscrimination #comparison #preparationformath #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Infant - Ball Tracker
This student is very engaged while working with the large ball tracker, which fosters both cognitive and physical development. Staying in a high-kneel and bending down naturally improves his balance and gross motor skills, while tracking the moving ball trains his eyes for reading and strengthens his vision. He is building concentration and hand-eye coordination all while learning about the concept of cause and effect as the ball falls from one level to another.
#order #concentration #coordination #independence #cognitivedevelopment #physicaldevelopment #balance #handeyecoordination #causeandeffect #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Lower Elementary - Math
This student is very focused, using the Stamp Game material to solve distributive division problems. The Stamp Game is a material that is used in the Early Childhood years for addition and subtraction, and is later used in Elementary for multiplication and division. It is more abstract than the Golden Bead materials, while still providing a concrete representation of the decimal system.
#concretetoabstract #handsonlearning #focus #concentration #mathisfun #stampgame #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarling
Early Childhood - Color Box 3
This student is so focused on this beautiful work! The Third Box of Color Tablets introduces the final stage in color discrimination – that of grading. The box contains 63 tablets representing nine colors in seven graded shades of red, blue, yellow, green, purple, orange, brown, pink, and gray.
The child is refining their chromatic sense. Things can be red or orange, but also dark red and light orange. By introducing the child to this range in gradation of a particular color, a child is learning about “blue-ness,” and can apply their knowledge to the outside world, which is so much more diverse than even the biggest box of crayons can contain.
The child is learning precise refinement. There are subtle differences between some of the shades and tints, and even between colors at the lightest or darkest levels. These differences matter, and Color Box 3 helps a child to be comfortable working with a material until they’re satisfied with the results.
#focus #concentration #coordination #order #independence #visualdescrimination #chromaticsense #gradation #precision #refinment #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Early Childhood - Number Composition
This student is so focused while using the Golden Bead material to compose 3-digit numbers. Number Composition allows a student to build numbers up to the thousands using the thousand cubes, hundreds, tens bars, and units. Continued work with the Golden Bead material helps the child’s understanding of the operations of addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division. Working with the manipulatives in the higher numbers helps to provide a solid foundation from which to grow, providing a vision for a lifetime of learning.
#focus #order #concentration #coordination #independence #buildingnumbers #concretetoabstract #handsonlearning #experientiallearning #purposefulactivities #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Toddler - Working in the Garden
Gardening is a great physical development activity. The children practice loco-motor, body management, and object control skills while they move from one place to the other carrying tools, soil, and water. The children are also learning about the environment as they learn to respect and appreciate nature. We are anticipating watching the plants grow and then having the opportunity to eat some of what we grow!
#gardening #outdooractivities #backtonature #focus #order #concentration #coordination #independence #handsonlearning #experientiallearning #intrinsicmotivation #capable #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Elementary - Math
These two students are working collaboratively together on squaring numbers using the Colored Bead Bars. This material is used throughout the math curriculum, from Early Childhood all the way through the Upper Elementary years. Young students learn one-to-one correspondence, connecting quantity to symbols, and basic math operations, while older students use these for squares, square roots, cubes, and complex algebraic equations.
#collaboration #focus #concentration #squaringnumbers #mathisfun #coloredbeadbars #handsonlearning #experientiallearing #concretetoabstract #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Infant - Practical Life: Opening and Closing
This is so wonderful - turn up the sound so you can hear the frustration turn to understanding! As infants move into toddlerhood, they are given more opportunities for independence during care of self routines, like mealtime. This student has been working on setting the table by placing her plate down, pulling out and sitting in her chair, and opening her containers to empty her food onto the plate. Once she is finished, she is able to take her dishes to a bucket and wash her hands independently.
#purposefulactivities #capable #independence #careofself #routines #confidentlearner #competentlearner #order #concentration #coordination #finemotorskills #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
Early Childhood -Knobless Cylinders
Look at that focus! The Knobless Cylinders refine a child's ability to discriminate dimension and prepare for mathematics activities involving comparison, grading, and seriation. The student initially orders a set of cylinders as a line or as a tower, and later, the sets are combined and the interrelationships in size are experienced.
#focus #handsonlearning #finemotorskills #visualdiscrimination #comparison #grading #seriation #order #concentration #coordination #independence #tma #montessori #privateschool #arlingtontx #arlington #texas #infant #nido #toddler #earlychildhood #preschool #kindergarten #elementary #education #privateeducation #nontraditional #themontessoriacademyofarlington
It is the policy of The Montessori Academy to maintain a school environment that is free from discrimination and to conduct its educational practices, admissions program, financial aid policies, hiring, and other school-administrative programs on the basis of an individual’s qualifications and abilities. The Montessori Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (unless it is required as a bona fide occupational qualification), sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
