At the Montessori School of Odessa, our mission is deeply rooted in the time-tested principles of the Montessori method, pioneered by the visionary Italian physician, Maria Montessori, in the early 20th century.

The Montessori Method: We believe in education that embraces children's natural interests and activities rather than relying on formal teaching methods. In our classrooms, we cultivate an environment that places a profound emphasis on hands-on learning and the development of real-world skills.

Independence and Curiosity: We empower our students to embrace independence and curiosity, recognizing that children are naturally eager for knowledge and fully capable of initiating their own learning journey when provided with a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment.

Rejecting Conventional Measures: In alignment with the Montessori philosophy, we stand firm in our commitment to discourage conventional measures of achievement, such as grades and tests, instead opting for a holistic approach to child development.

Our Legacy: The Montessori School of Odessa was founded by Joan Ingram in the fall of 1975, and it has since been a beacon of progressive education in our community. With a rich heritage spanning several decades, our school has evolved under the dedicated leadership of individuals like Joan Ingram, Dorothy Mainka, and Valerie Diaz, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the Montessori legacy.