Our Program

Montessori Philosophy and Method

Journey Montessori is a small, multi-aged, Montessori preschool. The school houses one classroom with under twenty children, one lead teacher, and one assistant teacher. Journey Montessori is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. following a traditional academic calendar year. Children are eligible to attend Journey Montessori between the ages of three and five-years-old. Typically, children enroll at the age of three and complete a two-year cycle at Journey Montessori before graduating and entering Kindergarten.

Director Laura Self opened the school in fall of 2008. Mrs. Self is a former traditional elementary school teacher who discovered the Montessori method of teaching after searching for a preschool home for her own daughter. After becoming hooked on the Montessori philosophy and method of teaching, she earned her American Montessori Society certification by studying and interning at Park Road Montessori in Charlotte.

Journey Montessori is dedicated to implementing Dr. Maria Montessori’s method of developing the whole child through use of specialized Montessori materials. The classroom is fully equipped for study in the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, as well as Art, Geography, Science, and Humanities.

Testimonials

Rachel R., parent

As someone who spent time in Italy studying some of the world’s best early childhood education centers, the bar was set real high for where my own children would one day attend preschool. I'm so incredibly thankful for Journey Montessori and the work that Ms. Laura has done to create an environment that treats children as whole, competent, capable beings worthy of respect and love and space to be. A true hidden gem that we will forever cherish.

Caitie D., parent

Journey Montessori Academy has been a huge blessing to our family and our daughter’s first school experience. She has grown leaps and bounds, gained independence and confidence, and learned more than I ever thought possible in a three-year-old. The teachers care for my daughter as though she is their own, and that is priceless.

Will F., parent & Lisa F., parent and Montessori trained teacher

The Montessori philosophy is implemented beautifully at Journey and has instilled a love of learning in our son. We believe he has been given a solid foundation to move seamlessly and confidently into Kindergarten. We are thankful for the love and care his teachers have given him as well as the freedom to learn based on his interests and readiness.

Laura W., parent

We are eternally grateful for the experience our family has had at Journey Montessori Academy. Having attended a Montessori School when I was a child, I deeply appreciated the philosophy and style of Maria Montessori. Mrs. Laura incorporates gentle, loving care and support with each lesson in the children’s work. Our daughter is learning real-life skills in an environment that includes lessons about nature, animals, geography, global culture and customs, social responsibility, music, art, science, foreign language and more. We wholeheartedly recommend Journey Montessori knowing our children will have the best start in their early education for a lifetime love of learning.

Candace A., parent

Journey Montessori Academy set itself apart from the first moment my family walked through the door. Directress Laura Self has created a beautiful school, inside and out, with a welcome, homelike environment my child looks forward to going to each day. Ms. Self masterfully guides learning among preschoolers ages 3-5 years with grace. Her love for teaching and passion for and commitment to Montessori principles are obvious. It has been a joy to watch my child's confidence and curiosity grow at Journey Montessori Academy.