Florida has become one of the fastest-growing states for Montessori education, with thousands of families choosing this child-centered approach over traditional schooling. From Miami-Dade’s bilingual programs to North Florida’s coastal classrooms, the demand for authentic Montessori environments continues to rise.
The Montessori method, developed by Maria Montessori in 1907, centers on child-led learning, mixed-age classrooms, hands-on materials, and a deep respect for each child’s natural development. Children work at their own pace, building independence and a lifelong love of learning through carefully prepared environments.
This list highlights 10 standout Montessori schools across Florida: 2 in Miami-Dade, 2 in Broward, 2 in Tampa Bay, 2 in Central Florida, and 2 in North Florida.
Each listing includes ages served, address, phone, website, and at least three concrete reasons parents consistently recommend these programs.
Many of these schools stay true to authentic Montessori philosophy while fostering strong parent communication, safety, and smooth daily operations through thoughtful practices.
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1. Alexander Montessori School
Alexander Montessori School stands as one of Miami’s most established Montessori institutions, serving families across four campuses with a reputation for nurturing independence and academic confidence. The school has built its legacy on authentic Montessori practice, with teachers guiding students from toddler through upper elementary.
Ages served: 18 months – 12 years (Toddler, Primary, Lower & Upper Elementary)
Primary Campus (Red Road):
- Address: 6050 SW 57th Ave, Miami, FL 33143
- Phone: (305) 665-6274
- Website: alexandermontessori.com
The school operates four Miami campuses—Red Road, Old Cutler, Palmetto Bay, and Ludlam Road—with shuttle transportation connecting them for family convenience.
Why Parents Choose Alexander Montessori
- Academic outcomes: Parents regularly report that children develop strong reading, math, and executive-function skills by upper elementary. Many graduates transition smoothly to competitive Miami middle schools.
- Campus atmosphere: Visitors consistently comment on the calm, orderly classrooms and the culture of courtesy among students. The prepared environment feels warm but purposeful.
- Community connections: An active parent community, regular events, and an engaged alumni network keep families connected across all four campuses—some for decades.
2. Montessori Academy at St. James
Montessori Academy at St. James offers a smaller, community-oriented Montessori experience in the heart of Coral Gables. Families choose this school for its intimate class sizes and the genuine neighborhood feel that larger programs often lack.
Ages served: 18 months – 9 years (Toddler through Lower Elementary)
- Address: 110 Phoenetia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
- Phone: (305) 445-2876
- Website: montessoriacademystjames.org
The school distinguishes itself through low student-teacher ratios, individualized work plans for each child, and strong Spanish-English dual-language exposure woven into daily classroom life.
Why parents love Montessori Academy at St. James:
- Toddler and Primary programs emphasize independence through self-care skills, practical life work, and freedom of movement within clear, consistent limits.
- Lower Elementary integrates project-based cultural studies—geography, botany, zoology—with Montessori, math, and language materials that help children move from concrete to abstract concepts.
- Parent communication includes regular updates, progress conferences, and opportunities to observe classrooms, often supported by digital tools that keep families informed without disrupting the work cycle.
3. Sunset Montessori School
Sunset Montessori has served Fort Lauderdale families for years, earning a reputation as one of Broward County’s most authentic Montessori programs. The school attracts working parents from downtown and surrounding neighborhoods who value genuine Montessori practice.
Ages served: 18 months – 9 years (Toddler, Primary, and Lower Elementary)
- Address: 1835 E Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Phone: (954) 522-2030
- Website: sunsetmontessorifortlauderdale.com
Why parents love Sunset Montessori:
- Teacher stability: Parents appreciate the warmth and consistency of the teaching staff, with many guides staying 5–10+ years. This longevity creates deep relationships and institutional knowledge.
- Transparent communication: Families value regular check-ins, honest feedback about social-emotional growth, and photos or updates that show the work cycle in action.
- Location convenience: The central Fort Lauderdale placement near US-1, Las Olas, and downtown makes drop-off and pick-up straightforward for commuting parents.
4. Beach Montessori Christian Academy – Hollywood (Broward)
Beach Montessori Christian Academy blends faith-based values with Montessori classrooms, attracting Hollywood families who want both spiritual development and academic excellence for their children.
Ages served: 2 – 12 years (Preschool through Grade 6)
- Address: 901 S 60th Ave, Hollywood, FL 33023
- Phone: (954) 983-5621
- Website: beachmontessorichristian.com
Classrooms use authentic Montessori materials and mixed-age groupings while integrating Bible-based lessons and character education throughout the day.
Why parents love Beach Montessori Christian Academy:
- Daily rhythm combines Montessori work periods with morning devotions and weekly chapel services, creating a consistent spiritual foundation.
- Grace and courtesy lessons align naturally with Christian values—kindness, responsibility, and respect—reinforcing both Montessori philosophy and faith teachings.
- Family atmosphere: Parents appreciate small class sizes and a safe campus where staff know siblings and extended family by name, creating genuine community connections.
5. Montessori Academies of Carrollwood
Montessori Academies of Carrollwood serves families throughout North Tampa and Carrollwood with a comprehensive Montessori program from toddler through upper elementary. The school is known for individualized attention and strong academic progression.
Ages served: 18 months – 12 years (Toddler, Primary, Lower & Upper Elementary)
- Address: 14409 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
- Phone: (813) 968-2394
- Website: montessoriacademies.com
The curriculum covers all Montessori areas—math, language, sensorial, practical life, and cultural studies—plus enrichment in art, music, and foreign language.
Why parents love Montessori Academies of Carrollwood:
- Extended care options accommodate working parents with commutes into Downtown Tampa or the USF area, offering flexibility without sacrificing quality.
- Community events such as Montessori education nights, cultural fairs, and classroom showcases help parents explore and understand the Montessori journey alongside their children.
- Digital tools for attendance, communication, and billing—potentially platforms like illumine—make administration seamless for busy families balancing work and school life.
6. Palm Harbor Montessori Academy – Palm Harbor (Tampa Bay)
Palm Harbor Montessori Academy offers something rare in Florida: a complete Montessori journey from toddler through middle school. Families choose this school when they want continuity across developmental stages without switching programs.
Ages served: 12 months – 15 years (Toddler through Grade 9)
- Address: 2355 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
- Phone: (727) 786-1854
- Website: palmharbormontessori.com
The school holds recognized Montessori accreditation and is known for robust Upper Elementary and Middle School programs—less common offerings in the Tampa Bay region.
Why parents love Palm Harbor Montessori Academy:
- Foundation building: Younger children begin with practical life, sensorial, and language foundations that naturally feed into more abstract work in upper grades.
- Adolescent program: Middle school students may engage in micro-economy or entrepreneurial projects where they run small businesses or manage real-world challenges as part of Montessori adolescent education.
- Advisory relationships: Parents appreciate how older students work closely with guides on self-advocacy, time management, and high school preparation—skills that support lifelong success.
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7. Maitland Montessori School – Maitland (Central Florida)
Maitland Montessori School ranks among Central Florida’s most respected Montessori programs, serving families in Maitland, Winter Park, and North Orlando for decades. The school’s roots in authentic Montessori practice run deep.
Ages served: 3 – 12 years (Primary through Upper Elementary)
- Address: 1900 N Maitland Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
- Phone: (407) 628-0019
- Website: maitlandmontessori.com
Beyond educating children, Maitland Montessori operates a respected teacher training program on campus, attracting educators from across the region.
Why parents love Maitland Montessori School:
- Teacher training center: The on-site program keeps staff current on Montessori best practices and attracts passionate educators who want to work at the source.
- Welcoming enrollment process: Parents often comment on the school’s clear communication about the 3–6 Primary cycle and genuine support when enrolling children for the first time.
- Tight-knit community: Families frequently stay from Primary through Upper Elementary, attending school events and maintaining connections long after graduation.
8. Orlando Montessori Bilingual Academy – Orlando (Central Florida)
Orlando Montessori Bilingual Academy combines authentic Montessori education with Spanish-English immersion, making it a top choice for international families and those who want their children fluent in two languages.
Ages served: 2 – 12 years (Preschool through Grade 6)
- Address: 2901 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
- Phone: (407) 896-1581
- Website: orlandomontessoribilingual.com
Guides speak both languages in the classroom, and bilingualism is woven into Montessori work periods—not taught as a separate subject.
Why parents love Orlando Montessori Bilingual Academy:
- Integrated language learning: A typical day includes lessons alternating between Spanish and English, with parallel vocabulary used alongside Montessori materials.
- Measurable fluency: Parent testimonials highlight children reading and conversing confidently in both languages by upper elementary, with benefits for cognitive flexibility and global awareness.
- Cultural celebrations: The school honors holidays and traditions from different Spanish-speaking countries, helping families feel seen and included while broadening all students’ world perspectives.
9. Montessori Tides School – Jacksonville Beach (North Florida)
Montessori Tides offers a distinctive coastal Montessori experience, serving Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and greater Jacksonville families who value a peaceful, nature-connected learning environment.
Ages served: 18 months – 12 years (Toddler, Primary, Lower & Upper Elementary)
- Address: 1550 Penman Rd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
- Phone: (904) 249-0905
- Website: montessoritides.com
The school maintains commitment to authentic Montessori practice with mixed-age classrooms, uninterrupted work cycles, and a focus on building independence in every child.
Why parents love Montessori Tides School:
- Ocean-connected learning: The school leverages its proximity to the Atlantic for marine biology studies, nature walks, and beach cleanups—bringing Montessori’s connection to the natural world to life.
- Secure operations: Parents appreciate clear drop-off routines, safety measures, and consistent communication, often facilitated by digital check-in and messaging tools.
- Multi-year relationships: Mixed-age classrooms allow teachers to discover each child’s potential over several years, building deep understanding and tailored support.
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10. St. Augustine Public Montessori School – St. Augustine (North Florida)
St. Augustine Public Montessori provides tuition-free Montessori education within the St. Johns County School District, making authentic Montessori accessible to families who might not otherwise afford private programs.
Ages served: 3 – 12 years (Pre-K through Grade 5/6)
- Address: 7 Williams St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Phone: (904) 547-8820
- Website: stjohns.k12.fl.us
Established around 2012, the school now serves approximately 170 students, integrating Montessori methods with Florida state standards within a public school framework. Admission typically involves a lottery process.
Why parents love St. Augustine Public Montessori:
- Blended approach: Montessori materials and mixed-age groupings work alongside Florida curriculum standards, giving students both authentic Montessori experience and state benchmarks.
- Cultural enrichment: Walking access to historical landmarks and museums enriches cultural and history studies, making the city itself an extension of the classroom.
- Parent engagement: Strong volunteerism defines the community, with families helping in classrooms, organizing events, and fundraising to support Montessori materials and resources.
Choosing the Right Montessori School in Florida
Florida offers a rich landscape of Montessori options across Miami-Dade, Broward, Tampa Bay, Central Florida, and North Florida. Whether you’re drawn to bilingual immersion, faith-based education, public accessibility, or a coastal learning environment, there’s a program that fits your family.
Key factors to consider when choosing:
1. Does the school cover your child’s current age through desired graduation point?
2. Accreditation: Is the program AMS, AMI, or state-accredited?
3. Teacher training: Are guides Montessori-certified with ongoing professional development?
4. Class size: What’s the student-teacher ratio in your child’s classroom?
5. Location: How does the commute work with your family’s schedule?
6. Tuition/Admission: What are the costs, or if public, what’s the lottery process?
7. Environment: Is the school secular, faith-based, bilingual, or nature-focused?
8. Technology: How does the school use tools for safety, communication, and administration?
Next steps for your family:
Schedule tours at 2-3 schools on this list—Alexander Montessori, Maitland Montessori, Montessori Tides, and others welcome visitors.
Finding the right Montessori school means discovering a place where your child can explore, grow, and develop the curiosity and independence that will serve them for life. Florida’s Montessori community is ready to listen, support, and help you apply what you’ve learned here to find that perfect fit.
