Business Details
31 Years
experience
Private Montessori School in Clearwater, FL
Safety Harbor Montessori Academy is a private educational institution dedicated to fostering passionate scholarship and compassionate citizenship through the Montessori philosophy. Established in 1995 by Mark and Melinda Robinson, our school prioritizes a safe, nurturing environment where students aged 2 - 14 develop independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our curriculum integrates Montessori principles with modern educational advancements, emphasizing respect for individuality, academic rigor, and holistic growth.In 2023, we transitioned to Galileo Education Holdings, LLC, expanding our commitment to personalized, purpose-driven education for diverse learners. With decades of combined staff experience and a focus on neurologically sound methodologies, we prepare students to thrive in an information-based society while celebrating their unique humanity.
Services
Montessori Education
Summer Camp
Extended Child Care
Specialized Programs
Admissions Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer a proven Montessori curriculum with over 25 years of local educational expertise.
- Our staff includes veteran educators with 1520+ years of experience at the school.
- We provide individualized learning plans for students aged 214 in a nurturing environment.
- Our programs integrate modern neuroscience with Dr. Montessori's century-old educational philosophy.
- We support diverse learners, including those with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, through specialized methodologies.
Associations and certifications
- American Montessori Society
Services
Montessori Education
Our Montessori programs serve children aged 214, combining Dr. Montessoris principles with modern educational research. Students engage in self-directed learning within a structured environment that fosters independence, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, collaborative projects, and individualized pacing to maximize academic and personal growth.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp provides structured enrichment for children aged 214 during school breaks. Activities include academic reinforcement, creative arts, physical education, and outdoor play in a Montessori-aligned environment. The program maintains small class sizes and experienced staff to ensure continuity of learning and child development throughout the summer months.
Extended Child Care
Extended child care services offer supervised learning and recreational activities before and after school hours. Designed for working families, this program provides a safe, Montessori-inspired space for students to complete homework, engage in creative play, and develop social skills under the guidance of trained educators.
Specialized Programs
Specialized programs include Spanish language instruction, physical education, art, music, gymnastics, and flag football. These courses are integrated into the core curriculum to promote well-rounded development. Each program is taught by subject specialists who align activities with Montessori principles of experiential learning and skill mastery.
Admissions Consultation
Prospective families receive personalized admissions consultations and campus tours to explore our Montessori approach. The process includes classroom observations, curriculum overviews, and Q&A sessions with staff. This service helps parents determine if our educational philosophy aligns with their childs learning needs and family values.
People
Germaine DiJohn
Head of School
Germaine DiJohn leads with a commitment to Montessori principles and holistic education. She ensures academic excellence while fostering a nurturing environment for students and staff.
John DiJohn
Athletic Director
John DiJohn oversees physical education programs, promoting health, teamwork, and sportsmanship through structured athletic activities aligned with Montessori developmental goals.
Shalynn DiJohn
Admissions Director
Shalynn DiJohn guides families through the enrollment process, providing personalized support to ensure a smooth transition into the Safety Harbor Montessori community.
Linda Boulton
Primary Teacher
Linda Boulton, a founding staff member, brings decades of Montessori expertise to her classroom, nurturing young learners with patience, creativity, and individualized instruction.
Meaghon Ross
Office Manager
Meaghon Ross manages administrative operations with over 15 years of service, ensuring efficient school functions while maintaining a welcoming environment for families.
Questions
What age groups does Safety Harbor Montessori Academy serve?
We serve children aged 2 through 14, offering programs from preschool through high school.
Is Safety Harbor Montessori Academy accredited?
Yes, we are affiliated with the American Montessori Society, ensuring adherence to high educational standards.
What is the school's approach to special needs education?
We support diverse learners, including those with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, using proven methodologies like Applied Behavioral Analysis and Orton Gillingham.
How does the admissions process work?
Prospective families schedule a tour, submit an application, and complete enrollment forms to join our community.
Are there extracurricular activities available?
Yes, we offer Spanish, music, art, physical education, gymnastics, and flag football programs for student enrichment.
Does the school provide lunch options?
We offer a hot lunch program with options from Domino's Pizza and Chick-fil-A for students daily.
Reviews (6)
Kristy Genco
Feb 04, 2020
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I have 2 children that currently attend SHMA. My kids are eager to go to school everyday. The faculty and staff are fantastic, and the campus is beautiful and peaceful. They create a learning environment that children thrive in. Highly recommend.
Zach Hobby
Nov 29, 2019
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SHMA alumni and son of a former teacher. My daughter just started in the primary classroom and there was never any doubt where they would go to school. Thats because the community and academic opportunity offered at SHMA is unparalleled. My mom and I spent many long nights at the school with the Robinsons while they were getting things off the ground 25 years ago, and I see that the same sense of commitment to the school still exists all these years later. I still recognize a lot of the faculty from my time here, which is a testament to how well the school keeps continuing the legacy. I attended
Durga
Oct 27, 2019
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Weve been at SHMA for the past 8 years. With three kids there, weve had many experiences with faculty and staff. With each interaction, the care and thoughtfulness of everyone shines through. SHMA is a peaceful environment for kids to grow and learn.
Djeanfoley
Jul 23, 2019
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My son is in the pre-primary classroom at SHMA and is excelling beyond my expectations. His teachers are by far some of the best I have seen and I have years of experience working as a consultant in the school setting. They understand child development and provide individualized instruction to each child. The SHMA environment follows the traditional Montessori approach and is very calm and relaxing. The low ratio provides for an optimal learning environment and allows for each child to receive ample attention and care. I love that going outside is a priority and electronic devices are not used
Robert DiMarco
Dec 22, 2018
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My son attended SHMA from pre-primary through elementary . I can not say enough about the quality of education and safety provided by SHMA and the staff. Mark and Melinda have created a learning environment second to none! Highly recommend!
Edward Vinoy
Oct 30, 2018
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The elementary program is great but the middle school has some sexist policies and some weak teachers. Girls are told they cannot wear certain outfits because it "distracts the boys." Dress codes are fine, but sending girls this message is inappropriate, dated, and certainly not aligned to the Montessori philosophy.
