Anchored in the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, Academy Montessori Internationale offers the opportunity for social, emotional, and academic growth for each child. With their happiness, security, and confidence in mind, it is our vision to give them keys for success in future academic settings and life.
Our goal is to educate children 18 months to 12 years old in a non-sectarian Montessori program which strives to encourage a love of learning coupled with a shared concern for others and for the world around us. Our work is to support each child, to his or her best ability, in becoming a well-educated, self-directed student with an inquiring mind. We hope to nurture critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, initiative, and imagination. As actively engaged, informed, and responsible citizens of the world, we are confident that each student can truly do an important part to promote peace and equality wherever their life’s path leads.
Academy Montessori Internationale is an explorer’s paradise in a suburb of Kansas City, providing children with prepared classroom environments and a natural playground. It is located on a rolling, wooded ten-acre tract with a pond and small creek, giving opportunities for observing and exploring the wonders of nature on a daily basis.
Academy Montessori has served a richly diverse student body in the Kansas City area for more than forty years, proudly offering nurturing, non-competitive, multi-age classrooms as envisioned by Dr. Montessori. The school has prepared thousands of children to take their place in the community and world.
Our school was founded in 1976 by Premela Wijemanne. Ms. Wijemanne began her career in education training and teaching in Sri Lanka. She was brought to the Kansas City area by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion. After teaching at Sion for five years and helping rebuild their Montessori program, Ms. Pam decided to venture out to start a school dedicated to Montessori philosophy and ideals. With the help of former parents, Academy Montessori Internationale of Kansas City opened its doors in Leawood in 1976. The "Little School” flourished, growing from seven students the first year, to nearly 100 by 1986.
In 1986 Miss Pam was joined by former parent & volunteer teacher, Cele Wood, who became a Co-Director. Together they located and remodeled a building at the school’s current location. A parent in the business of sign construction, Skip Holmes, donated and built a new sign for the growing school. Only two years later, a Primary classroom wing and new entrance were added with the help of other parents: Architect Jun Puno (daughter Lara), Builder Steve Grewal (daughter Monica), and Engineer Hossein Novin (daughters Maryam, Sara). Another parent Builder, Jim Goode (Ariana, Lauren, Jamie & John), later added the portico area. With deep gratitude for their generosity, AMI has been fortunate for the support of the many parents who have donated funds and assisted in making improvements to the school since that time.
In 2017, AMI parents with a long history at AMI, their own Montessori school background, and a vision for Montessori education, Nadia & Amjad Qalbani (Anushay, Shanzay & Mohammad Ali) took over the school operation. "Miss” Nadia currently serves as the school’s Director.
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