Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Montessori Education in Mesa Since 1982
Montessori International School has been nurturing young minds since 1982, rooted in the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our institution was founded in Gilbert, Arizona, and has expanded across three campuses in Mesa, offering programs for children from infancy through early adolescence. With a team of 20 educators boasting 250 combined years of experience, we provide AMI-certified Montessori education, serving over 3,000 students in our 40-year history. Our classrooms are designed to cultivate independence, curiosity, and social responsibility through environments tailored to each developmental stage. Led by founder Therese Kestner, a Montessori expert with 50 years of experience, we maintain affiliations with the Association Montessori International and operate under Arizona State Health Department licensing.We prioritize creating spaces where children explore, develop essential life skills, and build a foundation for lifelong learning. Our two primary campuses on Gilbert Road and Brown Road house infant communities, toddler programs, primary classes, and elementary education. Through structured exploration and individualized support, we aim to help each student understand their role in the broader world. Our commitment to ongoing teacher education ensures our staff remains at the forefront of Montessori pedagogy. For four decades, we have contributed to the East Valley community by shaping thoughtful, capable future leaders.
Services
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Primary Education
Elementary Program
Summer Session
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 40 years of AMI-certified Montessori education experience
- 20 educators with 250 combined years of Montessori expertise
- Three specialized campuses for different developmental stages
- Curriculum based on Dr. Montessori's proven educational philosophy
- Founder with 50 years of Montessori leadership experience
Associations and certifications
- Association Montessori International (AMI)
- Arizona State Health Department
Services
Infant Program
Our infant community provides nurturing care for babies aged 2 months to 18 months. Specially designed environments with age-appropriate materials support sensory development and early motor skills. Certified Montessori educators create individualized routines that respect each child's unique developmental pace while fostering trust and security.
Toddler Program
For children 18-36 months, our toddler program encourages independence through practical life activities and language development. Prepared environments feature child-sized furniture and self-directed learning materials. Teachers guide socialization while maintaining structured routines that build confidence and basic life skills.
Primary Education
Our primary classrooms serve ages 3-6 with comprehensive Montessori curriculum covering practical life, sensorial exploration, language, math, and cultural studies. Individualized instruction allows children to progress at their natural pace while developing concentration and self-discipline through hands-on learning materials.
Elementary Program
Lower and upper elementary classes (grades 1-6) combine Montessori materials with Arizona state standards. Interdisciplinary projects encourage critical thinking while maintaining Montessori principles of self-directed learning. Certified teachers guide academic mastery alongside social responsibility and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Summer Session
Our annual summer program offers continued Montessori learning from June through July. Age-appropriate activities maintain educational momentum while introducing seasonal explorations. The program follows modified schedules while preserving core Montessori principles of structured independence and hands-on discovery.
People
Therese Kestner
Founder & Director
B.A., M.Ed, AMI-certified educator with 50 years of Montessori experience. Founded MIS in 1982 and continues directing programs while mentoring staff in Montessori methodology and learning disabilities support.
Questions
What age groups does Montessori International School serve?
We serve children from 2 months through 14 years across our three Mesa campuses.
Is your school accredited?
Our infant, toddler, and primary programs are AMI-certified, with elementary teachers holding Arizona State credentials.
How long has MIS been operating in Arizona?
We've provided Montessori education in the East Valley since our founding in 1982.
What makes your Montessori program unique?
Our programs implement Dr. Montessori's principles through age-specific environments with specialized materials and trained educators.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we operate summer sessions annually for enrolled students and new participants.
