MONTESSORI School

Montessori education is like the cool, artsy cousin of traditional schooling. It’s all about giving kids the freedom to learn at their own pace and in their own unique way. Created by Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, this approach values independence, hands-on learning, and a deep respect for each child’s individuality. We, as Teachers act as facilitators to support your child’s deep moral urge for fairness.
I cannot express how grateful I am to have my child attend SBS-Maple Grove. She childcare development center has been in both the infant classroom and toddler classroom, and I’m constantly impressed by how many skills she’s learning at daycare. All of the teachers and staff are so helpful and care so much about each child and the environment they create for them. This is hands down the best daycare I’ve heard about, I cannot recommend it enough.

You can also check your options in Lafayette, TN for traditional preschool centers, or private home-based preschools. I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood EducationI and I am also an AMI certified Montessori teacher and have over 10 years of experience in early childhood education and school management. I have taught and worked with children in both China and the US, supporting students from infancy through adolescence (ages 0–18). I believe every child has unique potential, and I am dedicated to creating a warm, respectful, and well-prepared bilingual environment where children feel confident, independent, and joyful in their learning.
Older students are proud to act as role models; younger ones feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. And all children develop their independence as they problem solve with their peers within their classroom community. These include improved language skills, improved math solving abilities, improved cognitive and physical development, and improved socialization techniques. In addition to providing opportunities for math solving, time spent with peers can be a valuable life experience.
When I first toured a Montessori classroom, I was struck by how different it felt from the preschool I’d attended as a child. Instead of a teacher directing a group of children through the same activity, I observed children of different ages working independently or in small groups. Some were pouring water between containers, others were tracing letters on sandpaper, and a few were working with colorful beads for math. The teacher moved quietly around the room, occasionally kneeling beside a child to offer guidance but mostly observing. The atmosphere was peaceful yet purposeful—nothing like the chaotic energy I’d expected from a room full of preschoolers.

Mary serves as the Director and onsite Supervisor at Mary’s Montessori Home (MMH). She brings decades of experience in postpartum and newborn care, having previously owned and operated a postpartum care center in China. She has also owned and managed three large preschools, each serving over 400 students, and supervised onsite directors and teaching teams across multiple campuses. At MMH, Mary is responsible for training all teachers, establishing best-practice care guidelines, and providing ongoing onsite supervision. She is deeply involved in planning and preparing nutritious, home-style meals for children.
Many children could be happy and successful in either environment, especially if the program is high-quality and the teachers are attentive and skilled. Finding the perfect Montessori preschool near me can feel daunting, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to shape your child’s early learning journey. Choosing a preschool that nurtures your little one’s individuality, fosters independence, and provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning  is key. Montessori schools go beyond traditional education by combining hands-on learning with a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and leadership. Montessori education isn’t just about ABCs and 123s – it’s a whole different way of approaching learning.
Through observation, guidance, and a prepared environment the adults respect the child’s interests, pace and developmental needs to create the best place for learning. At Montessori School of Greater Lafayette,  we provide a learning environment where children take responsibility for their futures, thrive as individuals, and develop a passion for the world we all share. Low ratios also support our teachers’ well-being by preventing burnout and allowing them to work in a calm, manageable environment where they can focus fully on each child.
We serve healthy, balanced meals prepared with care, supporting children’s physical growth, energy, and good eating habits in a safe, hygienic setting. Montessori Academy LLC has been a fixture in the Lafayette community for over 20 years. We are a family-owned business started by Jean Chorbajian and continued by her daughter, Beth Weekley. We pride ourselves on our dedication to fostering a love for learning for our students and building community for our families. These programs prepare children for kindergarten by promoting academic readiness while continuing to nurture their independence and curiosity.