Southern Magnolia Montessori {Local Business Spotlight}

Let’s get one thing out of the way there’s no such thing as perfect, so if you’re hoping to discover the perfect preschool, that’s never going to happen. What we do have in St. Tammany, however, are some really great preschools and Southern Magnolia Montessori is one of them.

I spent several hours the other day touring Magnolia and have nothing but wonderful things to say about the place. I was highly impressed with the director of the school, Mindy Dennis, and her dedication to children and their learning. It’s clear from talking with her that her passion is in the kids.

This passion led Mindy to become trained in the Montessori Method, a teaching style she obviously believes deeply in. She can excitedly tell you about so many aspects of the preschool curriculum even though she herself teaches the upper grades. Some interesting tidbits I picked up while visiting:

Above all else, I get the sense that Mrs. Dennis cares if children learn in ways that are developmentally appropriate, which so many parents are worried about these days. With an increasing focus on testing and worksheets, it’s refreshing to see a classroom full of hands-on activities.

And Magnolia Montessori does go up to eighth grade. Afterwards, students transition into both private and public schools. It’s exciting to think that kids could have this kind of hand-on, self-directed learning experience all the way until eighth grade!

If you’re thinking about preschool you should definitely visit Magnolia. If you’re just interested in learning more about the Montessori Method, you should still visit Magnolia. Either way I bet you walk away glad that you did.

Southern Magnolia Montessori School

72074 Live Oak Street

Abita Springs, LA

985-893-5900