Business Details
44 Years
experience
Authentic Montessori Education for Ages 2 Months to 14 Years
Montessori International School has been nurturing young minds in Mesa, Arizona since 1982. Founded by educator Therese Kestner, our institution has grown from a single primary classroom to three campuses serving children from infancy through early adolescence. Our AMI-certified programs follow Dr. Maria Montessori's principles, emphasizing self-directed learning and holistic development. With 20 dedicated educators boasting 250 combined years of experience, we've positively impacted over 3,000 students throughout our 40-year history. Our Arizona State Health Department-licensed facilities include specialized environments for infants, toddlers, primary students, and elementary learners.We maintain strong affiliations with the Association Montessori International, ensuring our teaching methods remain authentic and research-based. Our three-campus system accommodates diverse age groups across 8 East Valley communities, with our main administrative office located on Gilbert Road. Through continuous teacher education and adherence to Montessori philosophy, we cultivate environments that foster independence, curiosity, and lifelong learning skills.
Services
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Primary Program
Elementary Program
Summer Camp
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 40 years of AMI-certified Montessori education experience
- Three specialized campuses serving infants through early adolescence
- 20 educators with 250 combined years of Montessori expertise
- Licensed by Arizona State Health Department since 1982
- Founder-led institution with 50-year teaching legacy
Associations and certifications
- Association Montessori International (AMI)
Services
Infant Program
Our infant community nurtures children from 2 months old in a carefully prepared environment that supports sensory development and early motor skills. Certified caregivers provide individualized attention while encouraging natural exploration and independence. The program focuses on building trust, developing gross and fine motor coordination, and establishing early communication skills through Montessori principles adapted for youngest learners.
Toddler Program
Designed for children aged 18 months to 3 years, this program fosters independence through practical life activities and sensorial materials. Our AMI-certified teachers guide toddlers in developing language skills, toilet learning, and social interaction within a structured yet flexible environment that respects each child's unique developmental pace while preparing them for the primary program.
Primary Program
For children aged 3-6 years, our primary program emphasizes hands-on learning with self-correcting materials that develop mathematical thinking, language skills, and cultural awareness. The curriculum follows Montessori's 'follow the child' approach, allowing individualized progression while building foundational academic concepts and social responsibility through mixed-age classroom interactions.
Elementary Program
Serving children aged 6-12 years, our elementary program cultivates critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning through Montessori's cosmic curriculum. Students engage in in-depth research projects, collaborative learning, and abstract concept exploration while maintaining strong connections to practical applications and real-world experiences that prepare them for adolescent development.
Summer Camp
Our summer session maintains Montessori continuity for enrolled students through structured academic reinforcement and enrichment activities. The program preserves familiar teaching staff and classroom environments while incorporating seasonal extensions of core curriculum concepts, ensuring educational momentum continues throughout the summer months without introducing new students to maintain consistency.
People
Therese Kestner
Founder & Director
B.A., M.Ed, AMI-certified educator specializing in learning disabilities with 50 years of Montessori experience. Founded MIS in 1982 and continues to lead teacher training and program development.
Questions
What age groups does Montessori International School serve?
We serve children from infancy (2 months) through early adolescence (14 years) across our three specialized campuses.
Are your teachers AMI-certified?
All infant, toddler, and primary teachers are AMI-certified, while elementary teachers hold Arizona State teaching credentials.
How does the enrollment process work?
Families begin with a school tour and classroom observation, followed by a personalized meeting to discuss program details and child-specific needs.
What makes your Montessori program unique?
Our programs combine authentic AMI methodology with 40 years of local experience, offering a continuum of education from infancy through adolescence.
Are you licensed by the state?
Yes, we are licensed by the Arizona State Health Department and maintain strict compliance with all educational regulations.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our summer session provides continuous Montessori education for enrolled students, running from early June through mid-July.
