Home  |  About  |  Academics  |  Activities  |  Calendar  |  eNews  |  Alumni  |  Parents  |  Students  |  Business  |  Contact

[ Hover over any topic to learn more ]

our VISION

our MISSION

our PASSION

Montessori Academy, in partnership with teachers, parents, and students, empowers every student
to become an independent, self-directed, self-confident, a motivated learner, and a contributing member of our community.
This dynamic partnership and the exceptional Montessori environment enable each student to achieve his or her maximum potential academically, physically, socially, and spiritually while promoting living in harmony with others.

MA Parent Quick LinksLearn about the Montessori Difference.What parents want to know.Take a tour of MA.Register your student.Check for School Closings.Log into MA's ParentWeb System.
About Montessori Academy

Montessori Academy is the largest private, not-for-profit Montessori school in the Nashville/Brentwood area, and is the only Montessori school accredited by the
American Montessori Society and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in Middle Tennessee. It is a non-sectarian, independent, co-educational school, accepting students from age 18 months through the 8th grade. A strong partnering of teachers, parents, and students enables our students to achieve their maximum potential academically, physically, socially, and spiritually.

Montessori Academy has been at its current campus since 1986 but traces its roots back to 1967 when our founder, Eileen Bernstorf, helped her neighbor Bunny Simmerson begin the first Montessori School in Nashville in Bunny's basement. Four years later, Bunny sold the school and moved to Florida. The new owner re-named it Montessori Centre and Eileen continued on as the new director. Eileen purchased the school and greatly expanded it. In 1985, our current Head of School, Linda Bernstorf, joined her mother and soon became the Director, leaving Eileen free to found Montessori Academy in Brentwood. Three years later the MC campus was sold, and Linda joined Eileen at MA.

The school is located on a beautiful 23-acre campus at 6021 Cloverland Drive in Brentwood, TN, one mile from the intersection of Old Hickory Boulevard and Edmondson Pike.

Montessori Academy is organized around four age levels:
Please use the following links for specific information about each of our programs:

Toddler:
ages 18 months-3 years
For more information, click here.

Primary:
ages 3-6
For academic information click here.

Lower Elementary:
ages 6-9 (First through third grades)
For academic information click here.

Upper Elementary/Middle School:
ages 9-15 (Fourth through eighth grades)

For more information about the Upper Elementary and Middle School please click here.

While Montessori schools can vary in interpretation, consistency and teacher training, we have met the standards for the American Montessori Society (AMS) since 1973. We are also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This dual accreditation is hard work to maintain but it is worthwhile. The AMS accreditation helps us to remain consistently and fully "Montessori." The SACS accreditation keeps us focused on high standards of academic excellence and accountability. Both organizations require us to maintain high standards for our teachers.

Music, drama, art, and physical education are a vital part of the holistic approach to education. For more information about each area, click on the links below.

Art Education
Philosophy of Art Education
Music Curriculum 2008-2009
Physical Education

Our teachers are highly qualified and committed to the school. Adherence to the very effective and proven Montessori philosophy has created a school in which students become independent, lifelong learners, and well prepared to become responsible contributors to society. Interested students at all levels are invited to apply for the opportunity to join our fine learning community. Read more about staff credentials.

The following links provide more information:

Schedule a tour.

Admissions

Application Packet & Information 2010-2011

2010-2011 Application


Significant features of school life at Montessori Academy

  • Students and families feel safe and involved in a small, peaceful community located in a beautiful, natural setting.
  • Each classroom contains multi-aged students and Montessori-trained team teachers.
  • Students and teachers facilitate the need for concentration during work time -- a valuable habit for life-long study skills.
  • Montessori materials are beautifully crafted, expensive and handled with care.
  • Students work independently and are allowed to finish their work.
  • Students move ahead to more advanced work as soon as their work is mastered.
  • Uniform dress minimizes competition in the Elementary and Middle School.
  • Ground rules are stated positively: "We talk quietly in the classroom," instead of "No yelling!"
  • Teachers discuss inappropriate behavior privately and in a positive manner.
  • Teachers promote a culture of peace even in play (no pretend guns).
  • Teachers utilize effective conflict resolution techniques.
  • Students are involved in community service.
  • Enrichment and extracurricular activities are varied and meaningful.
  • Parents are involved in support roles in the classroom and lead roles in extra-curricular activities. Read about our Parent Involvement Program which fosters friendships among families.
Our whole family feels at home on campus.