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.
Join our team!
We have positions available for those with toddler, early childhood, and elementary education experience.
Important Dates
Gallery of Student Work
Upper Elementary - Pin Maps
The Montessori approach to Geography includes physical geography (land and water forms, the water and rock cycles, etc.) and human geography (cultural, social, and political phenomena). These are inherently tied to other aspects of the curriculum including science and history, and include math, language, and art extensions allowing children to grow these skills while learning about the world around them. Pin Maps help students locate and identify countries, capitals, major rivers, seas, mountain ranges, and other notable land and water forms. These students are working collaboratively on the Pin Maps for North America, researching and consulting documentation and each other to complete the work.
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Infant - Group Mealtime
In the Infant classroom, we often serve snacks and lunch in pairs or with the whole group if the students are all ready to eat at the same time. Our older infants show mastery of drinking out of open cups while the younger infants are exploring the use of a cup and watching their peers as role models. When children are first introduced solid foods, we place the food directly on the table so students can focus on that new skill. Once mastered, the food is served on plates, alongside silverware to explore and practice using to feed themselves. We recommend real foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and various sources of protein like eggs or meat. We also encourage baby led weaning where the child is introduced to large soft foods like avocado slices, bananas, and cooked sweet potato that they can grasp and practice chewing and swallowing at a young age, beginning at 6 months.
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Toddler - Cooking
Our students are celebrating Hispanic heritage month by making a few traditional foods such as Mexican rice and salsa. The teachers prepare the environment by pre-measuring the ingredients and then the children pour, chop, pick cilantro, and serve themselves. This ensures the children feel successful and independent as they contribute to their community snack.
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Early Childhood - Binomial Cube
He is so focused his tongue is involved! The binomial cube, which represents (a+b)³, is presented as a challenging, three-dimensional puzzle. The cube is made up of a number of colored blocks, which fit together in a specific way. Assembling it uses a child's fine-motor skills and requires the ability to discriminate between the blocks based on multiple characteristics - some blocks have one color, others have two, some are cubes, while others are rectangular prisms. This makes the binomial cube a more complex sensorial material which requires organized thinking to master.
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Infant - Practical Life, Outdoor Sweeping
This student has the, "I can do it myself" attitude! She is taking care of her environment by sweeping the courtyard, as she has seen her teachers do on many occasions.
The exercises in the Practical Life curriculum reflect Maria Montessori’s concept of “an education for life,” where the students develop practical skills necessary to daily life. As our infants become emerging toddlers, they begin to absorb the world around them and yearn to imitate the adults in their life. When given the opportunity, they are able to contribute to their community, whether that is in their household or in the classroom.
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Early Childhood - Fractions
Students learning about fractions using the Fraction Circles benefit greatly from the concrete, consistent, and gradual nature of the Montessori approach. Instead of simply using drawings representing fractional parts, Montessori students are able to feel (as well as see) fractions like 1/10, 2/5, and 3/4, and can use these inviting materials to discover for themselves concepts such as equivalent fractions.
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Toddler - Practical Life: Food Prep
He looks so pleased with himself! Part of the Practical Life curriculum, the food preparation work helps students become more independent, practicing skills to prepare their own snacks. For this work, once students have juiced the orange, they can pour it into their cup for a refreshing drink, providing a sense of accomplishment and fostering hand-eye coordination. Beyond this purposeful outcome, this work helps students strengthen muscles in their hands and wrists needed for future writing.
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Early Childhood - Practical Life: Cutting with Scissors
Look at that focus and precision! This Practical Life material acquaints our students with the proper use of scissors and helps them develop basic cutting skills. This work strengthens a child's hands and fingers in preparation for writing, all while preparing them to master this important life skill. They will be able to cut thread and yarn, make booklets, and create cardboard models to illustrate projects. They can also take pleasure in being able to use their scissors skills for artistic expression.
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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.
