What is Montessori Education?
The Montessori Method is one of the most successful disciplines of learning which carries international recognition. Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that when children learn through experience, it encourages a deeper and more consistent understanding of language, mathematics, science, music, social interactions and much more. Montessori ONE Academy provides a robust Montessori elementary curriculum referred to as Cosmic Education whereby lessons are designed to arouse interest across multiple disciplines and incorporate multiple subject areas to demonstrate how the world and all subject matter is inter-connected. Students are dynamic participants in their learning journey. Their preferences, ideas, likes, dislikes, strengths, and challenges are all considered and valued as they work with the Guides. As Albuquerque’s only Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) recognized Montessori program, students receive a robust education that is designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, ignite confidence and self-discipline, and provide a strong college-preparatory foundation.
Lower Elementary Program
The Lower Elementary Program serves children ages six through nine, comparable to traditional grades first through third. As with all Montessori classrooms, mixed age groupings allow older students to assist younger students while younger students can observe and learn from their older classmates. Students enrolled in the Elementary program demonstrate sufficient self-control, focus, motivation, and independence to successfully engage in both independent and group work. They enjoy a robust and challenging curriculum referred to Cosmic Education. Students learn at their own pace and move on to the next age grouping when they demonstrate readiness or “mastery”. Students are not compared against one another and thrive in a supportive environment. To find out more about Cosmic Education, please visit our Elementary Curriculum page.
Upper Elementary Program
Montessori ONE’s Upper Elementary Program serves children ages nine through twelve, comparable to traditional grades third through fifth. Mixed age groupings within the classroom allow older students to assist younger students while younger students can observe and learn from their older classmates. Upper Elementary students engage in increasingly complex work using Cosmic Education’s integrated subject matter methodology. At this stage, teachers begin to prepare students for Middle School, testing, and homework. Upon completion of Montessori ONE’s Upper Elementary Program, most students graduate to one of Albuquerque’s premiere private schools such as Albuquerque Academy, Sandia Preparatory School, and Bosque School.
Our Facility
The environment is of the utmost importance in an authentic Montessori school. Montessori ONE Academy is custom designed to support the community residing within and meet authentic Montessori Methodology requirements. With a flexible environmental model, modification can be made to each classroom’s physical layout to best meet the children’s needs. Montessori Methodology relies upon hands-on materials to clearly demonstrate abstract concepts in a concrete manner, so children become confident in their understanding of complex subjects. These materials are carefully organized in each classroom to be readily accessible to the students. This is referred to as the “Prepared Environment”.
What People Say About Us
"Montessori ONE is a rare AUTHENTIC Montessori program, and its director, Tina Patel, runs it like a business, where the parents and the kids are the customers! Love that! She has a passion for instilling a love of learning in the kids. Visit and you will see what a special place it is."
K. Lee
"Adam and I are so pleased with how well Luke has done this year. The work you have done with him to build his trust and self-confidence, his ability to make friends and interact with his peers is extraordinary. We commend your tireless effort! Our family feels so lucky to have you [Mr. Farren] as Luke's teacher. We think that you have demonstrated a deep knowledge of the Montessori Method and you have really helped us to see its benefits. I have never seen Luke hug any of his teachers before! The other day when you sat down next to him at his cubby and he leaned over and hugged you was monumental to me. Thank you for teaching our son and giving him the freedom of choice and independence!"
K. Honegger
"Montessori ONE is a fantastic place for children to grow. My wife and I had no idea of the intricacies of the Montessori Method and have been absolutely thrilled by the progress that our children have made under the care of Tina Patel, Director, and her staff. My children have learned everything from life skills, such as cleaning and preparing food to the fundamentals of the sciences and arts. I have recommended this establishment to a number of my friends and colleagues as I am confident that when my children graduate, they will be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."
A Google User
"I wanted to send you a note of appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the "how and why" behind what Ms. Jodi is doing in her classroom. She has always been helpful with ideas and advice to help me communicate better with Riley when I've expressed challenges we've faced. We've incorporated a lot of the classroom routine into our home life in an effort to make Riley's world consistent and give her the same opportunities for independence and learning at home as she has at school. Never would I have thought a 2-year-old was capable of this level of responsibility and independence prior to seeing what she has accomplished in your school. Thank you, to you and Jodi. I realize that both of us attend and learn from your school and I look forward to participating in future opportunities you provide parents to learn more about your approach."
Riley’s Mom
"I could not be happier with the professionalism, nurturing atmosphere and flexibility of both the staff and the director of this school. I also completely disagree with another reviewer who states that children are pushed academically at this school. I have two older children and anyone who knows about child development can tell you that children are naturally curious and can grasp many concepts (such as division) a lot earlier than most traditional schools will have you believe. In conclusion, I feel very comfortable with this school and appreciate the information I was given."
Google Reviewer