Come & Feel The Difference
Monty’s Montessori Academy fosters independence, confidence, critical thinking abilities, and creativity in a warm and welcoming environment. Our hands-on, ‘whole child’ approach supports each student’s unique qualities and individual learning style for a learning experience that’s compelling, effective, and fun!
✅ Innovative academic program
✅ Hands-on exploration and discovery
✅ Love & care
✅ Low student-to-teacher ratio
✅ Mixed-age group classes
✅ Natural play areas
✅ Friendly, collaborative environment
✅ Experienced & certified faculty
✅ A personalized & flexible approach works with each student’s unique gifts
Now offering programs from Infant through Grade 6. Spots are filling up fast, don’t wait! Fill out the form below to book a tour or learn more.
The Head of School’s Message
Head of School
Monty’s Montessori Academy
Thank you for coming to our website to look at our academy. I have been involved in preschool education since 1982. I was a traditional preschool teacher and administrator for 12 years, until I trained in the Montessori Method in 1994. After that, I was sold on this particular curriculum forever. Famous people who credit their success to their Montessori education include Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Chef Julia Child, and basketball superstar Stephen Curry. Strong past supporters of the method included inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison.
We currently serve children from Birth to Grade 6 at our Calimesa campus. We follow the Montessori Method and strive to meet and exceed public school standards of achievement. Kindergartners can enter our system at the age of 4 years and 9 months–and have a FULL-DAY PROGRAM. If you are looking for smaller class sizes and more teacher involvement in your children’s lives, consider taking a tour of Monty’s. We would be happy to answer your questions. Contact us today!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa Gilfillan
Head of School
Staff & Team
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
INFANT/PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR AND LEAD TEACHER
Monique Garcia
A little about me…
2nd oldest of 4 siblings. Started babysitting at age 10 (with adult supervision), volunteered in a summer kindergarten class when I was in 5th grade. Worked with special needs kindergarten children when I was high school as part of a credit course. Education includes 40+ ECE units, a semester and a few classes away from finishing my associates in ECE, after a long break from school. Starting my ECE bachelor degree program next year. Early Childhood Diploma from The Northern American Montessori Center. I have been teaching for almost 15 years, ages birth-5th grade. Have wanted to become a preschool teacher since I was in preschool. I attend the AMS annual conference to bring fresh, new ideas back to Monty’s.
What I enjoy about teaching…
Introducing children to concepts far beyond the traditional preschool curriculum. I love watching shy children blossom, assertive children lead, and children with developmental delays, break down the barriers that society has created for them. I love giving my class a safe place to explore natural consequences as they learn to navigate this thing called life!
When I’m not at work….
I’m at work. I have worked at Starbucks for almost 14 years. I drive with UberEats, babysit Saturdays, and help others to live a healthier life as an online health and fitness coach. With my spare time I take online classes, read books for personal development, eat a la minute ice cream, get attacked by my cat and when I’m not babysitting on a Saturday afternoon… I take a nap. I enjoy MMA, Pinterest, cooking healthy meals, yoga, occasional indoor rock climbing, online shopping and learning all I can about the development of children.
My Bucket List
I don’t have a bucket list because I find it impossible to put expectations on a life that has limitless opportunities.
When are you happiest?
I am happiest when I write in my gratitude book. Days are never promised, but always appreciated.
PRESCHOOL LEAD TEACHER
Mirtha Gonzalez
I am Mirtha Gonzalez, and I am the mother of five wonderful children. I have been a preschool teacher for 15 years. Before I worked in preschools, I was a certified nurse’s assistant. I am a volunteer office assistant at my local church, preparing children with their religious education. At Monty’s Montessori Academy, I enjoy helping the children expand their knowledge, and I also love their presence. I enjoy being around my co-workers and having a clean work environment. I am fluent in Spanish and English.
When I am not working at Monty’s, I am at home caring for a variety of pets. I have a dog and even a loving and friendly pig. I also love tending my garden and enjoying the fruits and vegetables it provides. One day I would love to visit Hawaii and cross that off my bucket list. I am happiest when I am with my children and grandchildren.