Garden Montessori School is a unique educational experience for students 18-months of age through Kindergarten. We pride ourselves on building strong and lasting relationships between students, parents, faculty, and community where the children can grow and learn to their greatest potential.
We hope during a child's development he/she will learn to solve problems using an organized approach, to use freedom wisely, to respect others, and develop a love for learning.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 105 students
- Yearly Tuition: $9,500
- Application Deadline: Aug. 1 / Mar. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Garden Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten
Year Founded
2009
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
105 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Polo Shirts and Khaki
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Aug. 1 / Mar. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $7,500 to $ 12,500 for the school year.
Summer Program Cost
$250
Summer Program Cost Notes
weekly
Admissions Director
Stefani Ruskin
School Notes
- "Dr. Montessori believed that education is a preparation for life and not simply a mastery of intellectual skills."
- This powerful statement was the catalyst in creating Garden Montessori School's goal to provide an environment filled with activities and materials promoting a thirst for learning, and piquing the interest of the children's curiosity about their world around them. It is a combination of the work and guidance of the Directress that stimulates their desire to discover, empowering children with a sense of independence and self-esteem.It is the objective of GMS to provide many opportunities for a child to develop social and emotional skills necessary for solving problems respectfully. We encourage using freedoms wisely to make good choices, help develop an organized approach to critical thinking skills, and finally, most importantly, nurture their love for learning.
- GMS isa Full Member School with the American Montessori Society (AMS) andmembers of International Montessori Council (IMC), meeting all standards of excellence in accordance with the national guidelines. GMS became the first "Gold Seal Level II Certified" Green preschool in the United States in 2009 by a National Third Green Audit Program. We were proud to announce our elevation from a Level II to a Level III certification of excellence in 2013. Currently, with its continued commitment to making a difference for our planet, we are now working to achieveGoldorPlatinumcertification status through the Green Business Bureau, a National, Third-Party Green Business certification company.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Garden Montessori School cost?
Garden Montessori School's tuition is approximately $9,500 for private students and $250 for summer students.
When is the application deadline for Garden Montessori School?
The application deadline for Garden Montessori School is Aug. 1 / Mar. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Aug. 1 / Mar. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Garden Montessori School located?
Garden Montessori School is located in the Wesley Chapel South neighborhood of Wesley Chapel, FL. There are 1 other private schools located in Wesley Chapel South.
School Reviews
5 5/4/2024
This school is by far the top tier. I have my third child starting here in August, and I highly recommend them. The loving and nurturing environment they provide is amazing!!
5 4/21/2023
My Girls love Garden Montessori. It has been a unique experience. Like every parent I want the best for my kids and look no further, this is the best one from every perspective for younger kids. My girls are 2 years and 4 years old but have already earned so much experience attending this school. Teachers always have answers to what we ask about their day. They are very transparent and provide support based on individual kids' needs. Love this school and the staff.
5 4/21/2023
GMS is a beautiful place with beautiful people. Our child has attended other Montessori schools in the area and suffices it to say that GMS is top-notch. We have had every need met and concern addressed without hesitation or delay. Our child is always challenged and eager to learn. Thank you for prioritizing the well-being of your students. We appreciate you!!!!
5 4/20/2023
My very active 4 year thrives at Garden and everything it has to offer! We could not be happier with this school. She was potty trained in 1 week at the age of 2 and had been reading since she was 3. She loves going to school, has so many friends, and talks about all of her teachers often.
5 1/19/2022
This is our son's first year at Garden Montessori School and we are blown away. Our son has an underlying medical condition and we wanted a school where it was not only safe but treated him like their own with love and kindness. Also, his developmental skills have improved so much. GMS values and teachings are superior compared to most other schools. We look forward to many more years at GMS.
5 1/19/2022
Just like I tell to my close friends.. I can't be thankful enough for this school and its teachers. From the moment I came for a tour, I fell in love with their little yellow house. The classrooms are so clean, organized, and beautiful. The staff and teachers are so kind and professional. My baby's first week of school was very hard for him and for me, but they were always so patient and caring. They never made me feel bad about calling to check on him and I could tell they would care for how detailed their answers were about how he was doing. Now I can tell my baby loves going to school, his friends, and teachers. Also, he has learned so much in such a short period of time! He is becoming very independent and every day I'm so surprised about all he is learning! Now it's time for my second baby to go to school, and even tho it is a very emotional time, I would not be able to do it if I didn't know how caring and loving her teachers will be. I definitely recommend 100% the Garden Montessori school to all parents.
5 1/18/2022
Amazing teachers and staff - a great mix of love and kindness, while still encouraging students to learn and grow.
5 2/16/2021
We absolutely LOVE GMS! The growth we have seen in our 2 children (4 and 2 years old) has been amazing. We only wish we had found GMS sooner!
5 1/22/2021
Best Private School in Wesley Chapel! Amazing administration, teachers and staff.
5 1/6/2020
Caring teachers, they care about their students in all the aspects!! Thanks Garden Montessori School .
5 11/9/2017
My two girls are in their second year at Garden Montessori School. I can't think of enough positive things to say about the school. The academics are great. I have a 2.5 year old that can sing the alphabet. She was only 1.5 when she knew about 10 colors. My four and a half year old is in prek. She is learning lessons in all sorts of subjects and I think she is right on track to be reading kids book independently by the end of the school year. I still remember one of the things I was told when I toured the school, "We do things a bit differently here, we teach addition, multiplication, division, and then subtraction. I was amazed... The school only goes up through kindergarten and they cover so much more than others. My girls really enjoy the school and really missed going over the summer. I think the biggest praise I can say is even if I was independently wealthy and could afford to send my kids anywhere or hire a private teacher or anything else that one could dream of I would still choose to have them at Garden Montessori School.
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