Our Story
Montessori Academy of Davie was founded from a deeply personal journey and a passion for creating a more intentional approach to learning.
After experiencing both traditional and Montessori educational environments firsthand, we witnessed the transformative difference Montessori principles had on children’s confidence, independence, happiness, and overall development. Inspired by this experience, we set out to create a space where children are genuinely supported as individuals and where education feels calm, meaningful, and purposeful.
Our learning center serves families seeking an environment that balances strong academics with emotional support, creativity, independence, and authentic connection.
MEET THE GUIDEs BEHIND THE CLASSROOM
Hello, I'm Melany,
Mama, Registered Behavioral Therapist & Educator
I’m a mom of two who spent years working across private, public, and Montessori schools and what I witnessed in Montessori classrooms changed everything. Children didn't just learn. They thrived. That was the beginning of this journey. As a Registered Behavior Technician, I've always understood that environment shapes behavior and that every child deserves a space where they feel safe, seen, and inspired. Working in schools ranging from public school classrooms to private school settings, I kept coming back to the same observation: Montessori children move through their days with a sense of ownership, joy, and calm that's hard to find anywhere else.
In 2025, I made one of the boldest decisions of my life: I withdrew my daughter from public school and began my homeschooling journey. What started as a personal choice quickly became a calling. I saw how deeply she flourished and I knew other children deserved the same.
"I've always dreamed of creating a space where children are genuinely happy to walk through the door."
That dream is now a reality. Our Montessori micro school was born not just to give my own children a community, but to open those same doors for families in our neighborhood especially those who can't homeschool alone or simply don't know where to begin.
Every decision I make, from the materials on the shelves to the rhythm of our day, is intentional. I believe the prepared environment is the most powerful teacher a child can have. When a space is thoughtfully arranged and built for a child's scale and independence, something magical happens: they stop waiting to be taught and start discovering on their own. My goal goes far beyond academics. I want children to grow up knowing how to navigate their emotions, build genuine friendships, problem-solve with confidence, and love the act of learning itself.
Hello, I'm Ashley Esquivel, and I am one of the founders of Montessori Academy of Davie.
More importantly, I am a proud mom of two and someone who has always had a deep passion for working with children and helping them grow into confident, successful individuals.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida International University and later obtained my Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University.
For the past 12 years, I have dedicated my career to working with children with special needs through ABA therapy. Supporting children and their families has never felt like “just a job” to me, it is truly my passion and purpose. I love being able to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, helping them build confidence, believe in themselves, and achieve goals they may have once thought were impossible.
Opening Montessori Academy of Davie was inspired by my desire to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can receive the support, guidance, and educational tools they need to thrive. I understand that many families struggle to access individualized services and resources, and my goal is to help bridge that gap by providing a learning environment where every child feels valued, capable, and empowered to succeed.
At Montessori Academy of Davie, we believe every child has unique strengths and unlimited potential, and we are committed to helping each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive and compassionate environment.
Our Core Values
Intentional Learning
Every aspect of our environment, curriculum, and daily rhythm is thoughtfully designed with purpose.
Respect for the Individual Child
We honor each child’s pace, interests, strengths, and natural curiosity.
Meaningful Real-World Learning
We connect academics with practical experiences that help children better understand the world around them.
Independence & Confidence
We encourage children to take ownership of their learning, problem-solving, and daily responsibilities.
Partnership with Families
We value open communication, trust, and collaboration with parents throughout each child’s educational journey.
Calm & Prepared Environments
We believe children thrive in spaces that feel peaceful, welcoming, and thoughtfully organized.
What Makes Our Learning Environment Different
Unlike many traditional educational settings, we prioritize:
Small class sizes
Individualized learning paths
Hands-on exploration
Freedom within structure
Mixed-age collaboration
Movement and sensory-friendly learning
Real-life experiences and field trips
Social and emotional development alongside academics
Our prepared environment allows children to move with purpose, learn independently, and build confidence naturally through meaningful work and guided discovery.
Our learning environment was intentionally created to feel calm, engaging, and child-centered — never overstimulating or overly rigid.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
A Calm, Beautiful & Child-Centered Space
Every aspect of our learning environment is intentionally designed to support independence, concentration, creativity, and emotional well-being.
Our prepared spaces include:
Montessori learning materials
Calm and organized classrooms
Sensory-friendly areas
Reading and quiet spaces
Practical life stations
Creative and movement-focused environments
We believe children thrive in spaces that feel peaceful, inspiring, and thoughtfully prepared.
Safety & Security
The safety and well-being of our students is always a top priority. We maintain structured procedures, supervised environments, and intentional safety practices to help families feel confident and supported.
Volunteer Opportunities
We value community involvement and welcome opportunities for families to contribute to our learning environment, special events, and enrichment experiences throughout the year.