Amelia Island Montessori School

Education for Life

A Montessori school for children ages 18 months to 12 years

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Lessons are designed and given to each child when they are most ready to learn.


Social, emotional, and physical development is emphasized along with academic skills.


Freedom to move and choose activities fosters independence and self-confidence.


Current neurology and human development research consistently backs Montessori.

This is Why We Believe in The Montessori Approach!

Our Mission


Amelia Island Montessori embodies a child-centered education, grounded in Montessori philosophy and methodology, that supports the "whole child," inspiring independent thinkers and cultivating collaborative citizens.

Our Programs


Parent Reviews


"We are immensely grateful to the staff and the community at Amelia Island Montessori School, for loving and educating our children. We see our kids blossom every day, as only happy children can."


Oana B.

“AIMS is a dream school – positive, supportive, collaborative, inclusive. They celebrate different cultures and invest the time to learn what will help each individual student grow. Our son’s doctor said she had never seen parents and teachers be so in tune before.”


Erin L.

Our Blog


By Vicki McCarthy April 2, 2025
AIMS Once Again Earns Dual Accreditation
By Savannah Luman March 3, 2025
At Amelia Island Montessori School, we are proud to offer an education that fosters independence, creativity, and a love of learning. However, Montessori education is often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths: Myth 1: Montessori is too relaxed and lacks structure. One of the most common misconceptions is that Montessori classrooms are unstructured or chaotic. Montessori education provides a highly structured environment where children have the freedom to choose their activities within a carefully prepared space which is guided by clear expectations for behavior and learning. The structure comes from the environment and the teacher’s role as a guide. Myth 2: Montessori is only for younger children. While Montessori is widely known for its early childhood programs, Montessori is a full-spectrum approach that spans from infancy to adolescence. It adapts to the developmental needs of each age group, supporting intellectual, social, and emotional growth at every stage, including elementary and secondary education. Myth 3: Montessori does not focus on academics. Another myth is that Montessori education does not prioritize academics or prepare children for the "real world." In fact, Montessori schools emphasize academic excellence, but they do so in a way that’s meaningful, inspiring, and engaging for the child. The Montessori curriculum doesn’t always follow the traditional sequence, allowing students to explore subjects more deeply and gain a firmer understanding. Montessori education emphasizes going deep into subjects, rather than offering shallow overviews, allowing students to gain a more thorough and lasting understanding of what they are learning. This deeper exploration makes it easier for students to grasp more advanced concepts as they progress. Through hands-on materials and individualized learning, Montessori students develop a strong foundation in math, language, science, and more, preparing them for the future. Myth 4: Montessori children are not prepared for traditional schools. Many people believe that Montessori students struggle to transition to traditional schools, but research shows the opposite is true most of the time. Studies have shown that Montessori graduates adapt well to various educational environments. The Montessori approach fosters independence, critical thinking, and strong social skills, which help students thrive in any classroom. In fact, Montessori students who stay in a Montessori setting through the elementary years often demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and leadership qualities, setting them apart from their peers once they transition to a traditional setting. Many Montessori graduates also attribute their career success to these skills, as their intrinsic motivation, leadership abilities, and problem-solving mindset continue to serve them well throughout their professional lives. By continuing in the Montessori program, your child can develop these vital skills for long-term success in all settings. Myth 5: Montessori education is only for highly independent children. It is often assumed that Montessori works best for naturally independent or self- motivated children. However, Montessori is designed to nurture these skills in all children, regardless of where they start. The Montessori guide creates a supportive environment that encourages children to take responsibility for their learning at their own pace, building confidence and autonomy over time. In fact, many children who initially need more guidance develop the independence they need through the Montessori approach. At Amelia Island Montessori, we focus on meeting each child where they are, helping them grow into confident, capable individuals—whether they start more reliant on guidance or already show strong independence.
By Kim Philo February 25, 2025
How Our Buddy Class Benefits Both Younger and Older Students

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We invite you to visit our school, meet the teachers, and observe the children in their classrooms. We encourage you to ask questions and learn about the opportunities available at all levels of our programs.

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Montessori or Conventional: What’s Right for Your Family?

Read the White Paper ➞

Our Non-Discrimination Policy


AIMS admits students without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin or any other category protected by applicable law and provides students with equal access to the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at AIMS. The School does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin or any other category protected by applicable law in administration of its educational policies, scholarships and other organizationally-administered programs.

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