History
Our school began in 1996 through the interest and efforts of the Founder and Executive, Director Ms. Shetal Walters, and a small group of parents. We held our first session in a home-based environment and, over the course of three years, expanded into three homes, serving 40 families. Responding to the increased community interest, the program was expanded to include full-day programs, a toddler program, as well as late day school to meet the needs of the families involved. In March of 1999, we moved into our current facility, which was designed specifically for Montessori.
Specialties
Desert Garden Montessori serves infant through high school children, from ages 6-weeks to 18-years. In addition to our Montessori curriculum, we offer exceptional programs including art, music, Suzuki violin, theater, videography, Spanish, sustainability, and organic gardening. We also provide a lunch and snack program from our on-site organic kitchen. Desert Garden Montessori is Division I sports school via Canyon Athletic Association. In addition to our authentic Montessori program, our Middle Years program is an authorized IB World School (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme). We are currently the only private school in Arizona authorized to teach this programming. Our campus, much like the city it's in, is full of learning experiences, opportunities, fun, and adventure. Our location in Phoenix, Arizona (Ahwatukee) provides our students and families with access to a vibrant hub of academics, hands-on experiences, and social interactions. Our campus is home to a student-run organic cafe, sports court, greenhouse, tortoise habitat, chicken house, amphitheater, and various gardens and outdoor playgrounds.