Indiana Montessori Academy

Summer is the ultimate playground for Montessori Practical Life activities! Instead of trying to entertain your kids every second of the summer break, look for ways to invite them into your daily routine. Children love feeling capable, and warm weather offers so many fun, messy, and sensory ways to practice real-world skills.

Here are 3 simple ways to bring Montessori into your summer routine this week:

The Scrub Station: Give them a bucket of soapy water, a scrub brush or sponge, and let them wash their outdoor toys, the fence, or the patio furniture. Water play keeps them cool and burns plenty of energy.

Independent Snack Prep: Put a small pitcher of water on a low shelf in the fridge and a bowl of pre-washed berries or other fruits and vegetables so they can practice serving themselves. Have a snack basket on the counter or low drawer that are filled with pre-approved choices they can choose at any point throughout the day.

Sunscreen Autonomy: Put a small dab of sunscreen on their cheeks and arms and let them rub it in themselves. You can always do a quick safety check after, but letting them try first builds great body autonomy.

When we slow down and give them the time to try, we build their confidence, coordination, and independence.

Senior Sunday Highlight!

Since Benjamin was little, he has loved to be outside and working with his hands. Throughout his educational journey he has also played football, ran track, played basketball, became a fisherman, is a golfer and continued to humor us with his amazing wit. Being one of IMA's first students, Benjamin also kept his hand in creating and enriching the school: building the outdoor boot racks; constructing the work shelves; mowing the grass and helping during construction.

Benjamin graduates from Carmel High School with the Automotive Capstone and plans to continue his training as an electrical apprentice.

Congratulations, Benjamin! Thank you for bringing your hard work at IMA. We are so proud of you and the confidence you have to know your path! May you continue to pursue your passions and build your dreams!

It’s hard to believe another school year has come to an end. This year was filled with so much growth, learning, laughter, and many special memories. Watching the children gain confidence, build friendships, and discover new things each day has been such a joy.

Congratulations to our graduates as they move on to their next adventure! We are so proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see what comes next for them.

Thank you to all of our families for your support and partnership throughout the year. Working together makes such a difference for the children, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us each day.

A big thank you as well to our wonderful staff for all of the care, patience, and hard work they pour into the school community.

We hope everyone has a fun, relaxing summer and we look forward to all that next year will bring.

IMA Senior Sunday Highlight!

Shayan has been swimming for the last 8 years, starting at Westfield and then joining Carmel Swim Club and the Carmel High School team throughout high school. He has also participated in DECA for the past four years, placing in the top 6 at states, and has been an active member of the Warm Hands Club and Muslim Student Alliance. In addition to school activities, he has competed in several sprint triathlons, collects vinyls and is an avid Hot Wheels hunter.

Shayan is graduating from Carmel High School as a National Merit Scholar and has earned a commended graduate distinction. He will attend IU Bloomington in the fall as a Biotechnology major and Finance minor with plans to attend medical school.

Congratulations, Shayan! We are so proud of you and excited to see you enter the next steps in your journey!

IMA Senior Sunday Highlight

From drawing world flags at age 3 to heading off to college.
Ismail joined our IMA family at just under 3 years old, and from day one, IMA fostered his curious and inquisitive spirit. Under the wonderful guidance of Mrs. Spence, he spent his primary years exploring, questioning, and discovering — baking birthday muffins, drawing maps of faraway places, and walking to recess at Founders Park in the Village.

Ismail will be graduating Carmel High School and a few of his accomplishments include:
- World Schools Debate Captain + 4 years of being on the debate team.
- A5 Club President
- Outreach Chair, Caroline Symmes Cancer Research
- Incoming Indiana University Freshman-Studying Environmental Public Policy

We are incredibly proud of Ismail and all he has become, and we wish him every success and happiness as he begins this exciting next chapter!

The 2013–2014 school year marked our third year as IMA, and a truly special milestone for our community. Our next group of kindergarten graduates has now grown into high school graduates, a full circle moment we’re so proud to celebrate.

This class holds a unique place in our story, as they were the first to complete the full three year primary cycle entirely at IMA. Even more meaningful, three of these graduates are part of our founding five families, whose support helped shape our school from the very beginning.

We hope you enjoy these photos, filled with work and moments that will feel so familiar, and just as meaningful as ever.

It's EARTH DAY today! It's only fitting that we highlight our Learning Gardens! Who doesn't want to work outside?

The Learning Gardens are extensions of the classroom. Complete with tables to work at, paths to walk on and garden boxes for all your planting and digging needs, what else could you ask for? Here, children bring their indoor work outdoors, continuing their learning in a natural environment. How joyful it is to work with the sun shining, a warm breeze blowing and the birds chirping! We love our Learning Gardens!

The Science Behind the Genius - A Summary

The Science Behind the Genius - A Summary Book Summary: Montessori – The Science Behind the Genius By Angeline Stoll Lillard

Montessori versus Reggio

Montessori versus Reggio Montessori and Reggio Emilia education are two popular educational philosophies that emphasize child-centered learning and holistic development. While both approaches share some similarities, there are also key differences between the two.