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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Reviews
Cadence Academy Montessori, previously Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy, Gilbert offers families in the East Valley of Phoenix an exceptional Montessori education. Our school is open year-round and maintains low student-teacher ratios in our classrooms to ensure we are providing your child the best possible early educational experiences. We also offer a Private Kindergarten program.
Our Mission
The mission at Cadence Academy Montessori, Gilbert is to provide children with a Montessori environment that nurtures and encourages them to grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. We help children develop the foundational habits, attitudes, skills, and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning.
Kind Child
Kindness is the foundation of our school’s culture and our directors, teachers, and staff are committed to practicing kindness in their daily interactions with one another and with each child. We want every child to feel welcome and at home at our preschool and we encourage our students to develop important social-emotional skills and valuable character traits as part of our Kind Child program. Our school regularly hosts Kind Child events including our annual Trike-A-Thon, which raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Staff and Faculty
Our staff is dedicated to encouraging self-directed, competent, caring, and enthusiastic learners. All of our lead teachers are Montessori certified and have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, all teachers and assistants are CPR and First Aid certified. We provide on-going support and training for all staff members. We are extremely proud of our professional and caring team of teachers and administrators at Cadence Academy Montessori, Gilbert. They make a difference!
Arizona Tax Credits
Arizona allows you to turn your state taxes into tuition scholarships for children attending private school. You can support your friends and family in their educational choices by making a donation to Arizona Tuition Connection. Your state tax liability is then turned into scholarships.
By choosing this tax credit program, you take control of your taxes. For full details on all of the rules of donating and how your funds can be used, visit ArizonaTuitionConnection.com.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Sharnet Parker
School Director
I bring nearly three decades of providing high-quality, home-based childcare services for infants through preschool-aged children in Arizona. With a strong foundation in child development and early learning principles, I specialize in implementing play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports children’s emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth. Having operated a successful home-based program, I am well-versed in best practices, licensing regulations, family engagement, and creating safe, nurturing, and enriching environments tailored to each child’s unique needs. I am committed to fostering trusting relationships with families and promoting a love for learning during the most formative years of a child’s life. A proud mother and grandmother, I bring empathy, understanding, and family-centered values into my work, creating a caring atmosphere where children feel secure and inspired to explore the world around them. My love of the outdoors, including off-roading adventures in my Jeep, adds an element of fun and real-world discovery to the learning experiences I create. I currently share my life with two beloved dogs and two energetic grand-dogs, further reinforcing my belief in a joyful, active, and balanced
Lorraine Morrow
Assistant Director
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am a very proud mother 3 children and even more proud grandmother of 9grandchildren.I have 30 years plus experience in Early Childhood. My experience ranges from Director of Children Ministry, Manager/Instructor for Gymboree Play & Music, Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher and Senior Manager of Child Care Center at Harkins Theatre. (Infant- 12 years).In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, interior decorating, event planning and volunteering in the community. I joined the Cadence Academy Montessori Family in April 2022, as a Lead Guide for the Toddler Program. In November 2024, I gladly accepted the position, as Assistant Director. I am thrilled to be a part of The Cadence Academy Montessori family and to serve the children, families and community of Gilbert, AZ.I am totally excited to get to know all of you! We together are going to have a FANTASTIC school year and years to come!
Reviews from Parents
Gina Santana • Google
Carmen Thurston • Google
afta • Google
Mia Keable • Google
Cadence Academy Montessori
Gilbert, AZ
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