Arcadia Montessori

Specialties

We believe good lives are made by good examples. At Arcadia Montessori, everyone is encouraged to ask questions and broaden their understanding of themselves, others and the world around them. Our goal is to nurture a child’s love of learning and sense of social and personal responsibility using the child-​centered Montessori philosophy and curriculum. We work to develop the intellectual, compassion, physical, artistic, and academic excellence inherent in each child.

History

Established in 1972.

The Arcadia Montessori story starts in 1972, when Judy Pemberton was ready for a better way to educate children. The options were limited for her own preschool-​aged children.

«There were so many things that I wanted to do, that I believed in and felt. And yet, there were so many restrictions and rules,» Pemberton said.

Pemberton had more than her maternal instinct– she had her Montessori training to guide her. «I saw children as each one being different and having a need to progress at their own rate.» Arcadia Montessori began in a small room rented from a local church. There, Pemberton taught her first small class. «I was a fish out of water, just jumping in,» she recalled.

The school grew as fast as her own children, and soon both needed a new place to live. She settled on a house in Arcadia, at 5115 E. Virginia Avenue. The house was a home to her young family, and her 25 students.

The school grew and grew, and over the years has added several surrounding houses.

Meet the Business Owner

Judy P.

Business Owner

Judy Pemberton started Arcadia Montessori School in 1972 after graduating from ASU with a degree in Education and completing the Montessori training in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After 41 years she still plays an active role in Arcadia Montessori School and believes in the philosophy of following the interest of the individual child.