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- Overview
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About International Montessori Academy in Atlanta, GA
International Montessori Academy is an authentic Montessori School in Candler Park serving children ages 8 weeks – 12 years. Our community has families from over 20 countries, covering 5 continents.
School Programs
Infant Program: Nido (the nest): Assisting the child to engage with the world. The first few years of a child’s life are critical to his/her personality and intellectual development. To attain the best mental and physical capabilities, the young child requires a nurturing environment with interesting and beautiful materials, exposure to rich language, as well as one that promotes their very real need to learn. Our Montessori infant program provides appropriate activities for even the earliest stages of a child’s life.
Toddler: The Young Children’s Community. A Preparation for Life. 14 months (confident walkers) to 3 years. Children in our toddler programs flourish in a prepared environment that respects, supports, and responds to their basic needs for independence, exploration, and the building of trust and confidence. Our care giving teams are made up of an AMI trained lead Guide, a morning assistant, and an afternoon assistant. Our three Toddler environments–Lilacs, Butterflies and Sunflowers–share a dedicated toddler outdoor play space.
Primary Program: Ages 3 – 6 years. The Primary curriculum is divided into five areas of focus: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies. The program includes purposefully designed materials that are often multi-dimensional, that is they involve several skills. Younger children are primarily given individual lessons while older children participate in small group lessons. Each day there is a time when the whole community comes together as a group for stories, songs, or discussions. All lessons and materials are purposeful. Table scrubbing, for example, involves logical sequencing, memory recall, fine and large motor coordination, and eye-tracking in preparation for reading. On any given morning in a Primary classroom, you will find children engaged in various activities such as baking, arranging flowers, painting, labeling parts of a plant or animal, sewing, doing math operations with beads, playing the bells and much, much more. Each classroom is led by an AMI trained guide, a morning assistant, and an afternoon assistant.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer
Big Fun. Little Players. Growing Confidence.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer is a high-energy enrichment program designed to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate soccer play. Led by the teachers your child already knows and trusts, it’s seamlessly built into the school day.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3–5
- 12-week program (once per week)
- 40–50 minute sessions
- Builds balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Encourages listening, teamwork, and confidence
- No prior soccer experience needed
- Integrated into your child’s daily schedule
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
Kids Café Preschool Cooking Program
Cooking Up Confidence, One Recipe at a Time
Kids Café is a hands-on cooking program where children explore new foods, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through fun, guided kitchen experiences.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3+
- Weekly sessions over a 12-week program
- Hands-on cooking activities and kid-friendly recipes
- Builds teamwork, sharing, and communication skills
- Encourages problem-solving and following directions
- Supports early math, literacy, and critical thinking
- Includes a take-home cooking kit for continued fun
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
Extracurricular Program
After school enrichment activities offer a continuum of the development of the whole child through fun and engaging activities. Children as young as two years can begin participating in extracurricular activities that support gross motor development, confidence, cooperation and skills acquisition. Current offerings include Ballet/Gymnastics, Yoga, Art, soccer, and Ukelele.
Visit Us Today!
Prospective parents are encouraged to come see our classrooms, immerse yourselves in the Montessori Method and witness how independence, confidence and a love of learning are nurtured and supported.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Sonya Bettis
Head of School
As the Head of School and Director, I bring nearly 28 years of Montessori experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to our community. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and began my Montessori journey when my daughter was a baby and I was first introduced to the Montessori philosophy. Inspired by its child-centered approach, I completed my Primary Montessori training and began assisting in a Primary classroom.
As my passion for Montessori education continued to grow, I became Infant-Toddler Montessori certified and spent 13 wonderful years as a lead teacher in a toddler classroom. Those years allowed me to develop a strong appreciation for the importance of the early years and the unique potential within every child. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Head of School, where I now have the privilege of supporting children, families, and educators throughout our school community. Both of my adult children attended Montessori programs as young children, which has given me not only professional experience, but also the perspective of a Montessori parent.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, hiking, and caring for my dog. I feel grateful to be part of a school community that values respect, independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Deborah Grant
Assistant Director
Deborah Grant is the Montessori Assistant Director and is deeply passionate about supporting children through authentic Montessori practice. She earned her B.A. from the University of Georgia before completing AMS Montessori certifications in both Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood. Deborah began working with children at 15 and has since taught and led programs in Atlanta, New Jersey, and Georgia, supporting classrooms from toddler through early childhood. She loves the “light bulb” moments—when children gain confidence, discover something new, or express independence.
Families appreciate Deborah’s warm, supportive approach and her dedication to helping every child learn and grow at their own pace. She values strong partnerships with teachers and parents and strives to create a calm, joyful, and nurturing community. Outside of school, she enjoys DIY projects, sewing and knitting, playing board games, cooking, traveling, and watching crime reality shows. She is excited to welcome and support families at International Montessori Academy.
Reviews from Parents
Sampo Saarenpaa • Google
Marly Siegal • Google
Brittni Clark • Google
Brittany Barnes • Google
International Montessori Academy
Atlanta, GA
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