Business Details
31 Years
experience
Safety Harbor Montessori Academy
We founded Safety Harbor Montessori Academy in 1995 to provide a nurturing Montessori-based education for children ages two through fourteen. Our school offers preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school programs grounded in the Montessori philosophy. We serve families in Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, and the greater Tampa Bay area. Our mission is to inspire passionate scholarship and compassionate citizenship through integrity, responsibility, and determination. Each classroom fosters a safe, nurturing environment where respect and community are central to daily life. Academic learning is challenging, stimulating, and tailored to each students developmental level through discovery and inquiry.We emphasize intrinsic motivation, encouraging students to become lifelong learners and independent thinkers. Beyond academics, we provide Spanish, physical education, art, music, gymnastics, and sports programs to support holistic development. Extended child care and summer camp options are available, including Junior Varsity and Varsity camps with aftercare services. In 2023, we transitioned ownership to Galileo Education Holdings, LLC, which brings additional expertise in individualized and special-needs education. We remain committed to delivering a high-quality Montessori-based experience that prepares students for success in school and life.
Services
Private School
Summer Camp
Extended Care
Aftercare
Spanish Education
Physical Education
Art Education
Music Education
Gymnastics
Ice Cream Shop
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Over 25 years of Montessori-based education experience.
- Serving children ages 2 through 14 in Pinellas County.
- Extended child care and summer camp programs available.
- Experienced staff with 20+ year tenures at the school.
- Curriculum integrates Montessori-based with ABA and Orton Gillingham methods.
Services
Private School
Our private school offers Montessori-based education for children ages two through fourteen, encompassing preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school levels. Classrooms are designed to foster independence, curiosity, and a love of learning through hands-on materials and self-directed activities. Teachers guide students in developing academic skills, social responsibility, and intrinsic motivation, preparing them for lifelong success.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp offers Junior Varsity and Varsity sessions for children ages three to twelve, featuring weekly themes, outdoor activities, and field trips. Campers enjoy structured programming that includes sports, arts, and academic enrichment, with options for aftercare. Meals, snacks, and special events such as pizza Fridays and ice cream Wednesdays are included to enhance the camp experience.
Extended Care
Extended care is available before and after regular school hours, providing a safe and supervised environment for students. Activities include homework assistance, free play, and enrichment opportunities that complement the Montessori-based curriculum. This service supports working families by offering flexible scheduling and consistent care throughout the school year.
Aftercare
Aftercare during summer camp provides supervised care for children after the camp day ends, operating until 5:30 p.m. on selected weeks. Parents may enroll their children on a weekly basis, with activities ranging from quiet time to recreational play. This service ensures continuity of care and convenience for families needing extended coverage.
Ice Cream Shop
The ice cream shop offers a variety of frozen treats priced from $2.00 to $5.20, available for purchase with cash during school hours. Hot lunch options, including Domino's pizza with apple sauce and juice, can be ordered in advance through the school's online system. No refunds are provided for ice cream or lunch purchases.
People
Mark Robinson
Co-Founder
Mark Robinson co-founded Safety Harbor Montessori Academy in 1995, helping establish its Montessori-based curriculum and community-focused vision. He played a key role in the schools early growth and facility expansions through 2023.
Melinda Robinson
Co-Founder
Melinda Robinson co-founded the academy in 1995 and contributed to shaping its educational philosophy and community outreach. She remained actively involved in school operations and family relations until her retirement in 2023.
Germaine DiJohn
Head of School
Germaine DiJohn serves as Head of School, overseeing academic programs, staff leadership, and day-to-day operations. She has been with the school since its early expansion years and champions the Montessori-based mission of scholarship and citizenship.
John DiJohn
Athletic Director
John DiJohn is the Athletic Director, responsible for coordinating sports, gymnastics, and physical education programs. He joined the school during its first expansion and has over twenty years of experience promoting student health and teamwork.
Linda Boulton
Primary Teacher
Linda Boulton has been a primary teacher at Safety Harbor Montessori Academy since the school opened in 1995. She brings over two decades of classroom experience in Montessori-based education and early childhood development.
Questions
What ages does Safety Harbor Montessori Academy serve?
The academy serves children from age two through fourteen, offering preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school programs in a nurturing Montessori-based environment.
What extracurricular programs are available at the school?
Students can participate in Spanish, physical education, art, music, gymnastics, and sports programs, plus summer camp and aftercare options to enrich their learning experience.
How can I schedule a tour of the campus?
Prospective families may call 727-724-1767 or use the contact form on the website to arrange a free tour to learn more about our programs and campus.
What are the summer camp options and costs?
Junior Varsity and Varsity camps run weekly at $260 per week, with six-week savings packages priced at $1,500; aftercare is available for $80 weekly or $475 for six weeks.
Does the school offer extended child care during the school year?
Yes, extended care is provided before and after school hours, featuring homework help, free play, and enrichment activities that complement the Montessori-based curriculum.
