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 – Dr. Lisa Gilfillan
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
SCHOOL DIRECTOR AND LEAD ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Jaime Martinez
A little about me…
My name is Jaimie Martinez, and I am a dedicated educator with over 10 years of experience in the teaching field and a deep passion for Montessori education. Currently, I am the Director of Elementary and Curriculum at Montys Montessori Academy, where I have worked for the past 8 years. I began my journey at the school as a special education aide and, over the years, have grown into my current leadership role as a result of my commitment to individualized learning and my love for the Montessori method.
I am a proud and busy mother of seven children, ranging from 19 years old to 9 months. My husband and I enjoy a home filled with 5 boys and 2 daughters. I have successfully balanced my family life while pursuing higher education. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Sociology and Bachelor’s Degree in English while being a stay-at-home mom years ago. Currently, I am completing my second Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education. I also received my Montessori Diploma in 2020. My academic background, combined with my extensive teaching experience, allows me to approach each child’s educational journey with a unique and empathetic perspective.
At Montys Montessori Academy, my goal is to ensure that each child’s individual needs are met, fostering a learning environment where every student can thrive. My dedication to Montessori principles and my belief in hands-on learning are guided inside and outside of the classroom daily.Outside of my professional life, I enjoy being an avid Kindle reader and cherish quiet weekly date nights with my husband. As a mother to adults, teenagers, toddlers, and babies, I embrace the different stages of my children’s lives everyday, while my youngest three attend Monty’s reflecting my family’s deep passion for the Montessori method both at school and at home.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – INFANT LEAD TEACHER
Hello my name is Jennifer McClintock. I am the Assistant Director and Lead Teacher in the Rain Forest (birth to 2) classroom. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing the light bulb go on when a child understands a concept for the first time. It is a very rewarding to see a child understand what you have taught them.
I have been in the Child Development/Education field since 1996 working with children from birth to sixth grade. I have over 30 units in Child Development, my Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal studies and my Primary 3-6 Montessori credential through NAMC. What I love about Monty’s is the children. I love seeing them grow and graduate to the different programs offered. We have several children that have started in the Rain Forest classroom and go through our Primary program and on to our Elementary program. I love developing those relationships with our families. In my free time I love to go shopping with my teenage daughter and spending time in the Desert watching off road races with my Husband and Daughter.
Thank you for entrusting your children with us at Monty’s Montessori Academy.
Jennifer McClintock
Assistant Director / Lead Teacher Infant and Primary Programs