About Our School
Protea Montessori provides an authentic, inclusive and equitable Montessori education for children ages 3-9 and will eventually grow to include children up to 12 years old. We offer an inclusive educational space where all children, including neurodiverse children can thrive, explore, and develop their unique strengths. . At Protea Montessori, we believe in the profound impact of Montessori education, where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their abilities. Our mission is to empower young minds, encouraging them to become confident, compassionate, and independent individuals who are well-prepared for the challenges and joys of life ahead.
We hope you join us on this exciting journey of discovery and growth at Protea Montessori, where education is a celebration of each child's potential.
Why "Protea"?
The protea flower is native to South Africa and is that country’s national flower. We chose the protea not only because of its beauty but also because it is the national flower of the home country of one of our Teacher Leaders. The protea flower survives in extreme climates, which symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience. Proteas come in many different colors and varieties, which represent diversity. These characteristics are another reason we chose the name because they represent and resonate with us so strongly.
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The protea flower, with its captivating beauty and resilience, stands as a symbol of strength and uniqueness. Just like each child at Protea Montessori, the protea embodies diversity, courage and individuality, showcasing a spectrum of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Much like the protea adapts to harsh climates, our children learn to navigate the challenges they encounter, blossoming into confident and resilient individuals. Just as the protea flower inspires awe with its striking appearance, so too do our children inspire wonder with their boundless potential and capacity for growth. In our nurturing environment, we encourage each child to embrace their distinct qualities and talents, fostering a community where every bloom is celebrated for its singular beauty and contribution to the vibrant tapestry of our school family.
Meet The Team
Yoliswa Jarrett
Founding Teacher Leader
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I was born and raised in South Africa where I worked as a Project Manager for several years before immigrating to the United States in 2012. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Education, specializing in Montessori Primary. When I became a parent, I discovered that my genuine passion lay in working with children. I discovered the Montessori philosophy after the birth of my now 8-year-old son and it just resonated with me. I realized that some of the things we were doing with our son were actually Montessori practical life activities. I enrolled for my Montessori training before I even set foot in a Montessori classroom. I am a certified Montessori guide for 3–6-year-olds and a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS). I am currently pursuing my elementary certification for children aged 6-12. I have been a Montessori guide for seven years and love what I do. The Montessori way of life has changed the way I view and interact with children for the better. We believe that all children have a right to a high-quality Montessori education regardless of income.
Anne Nicot
Founding Teacher Leader
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Twenty-seven years ago, I decided to complete my 250 hours of community service in a
childcare setting and, ever since, every career opportunity I have taken has involved working
with children. I majored in Education for three years and changed my major to Social Work to
address the afflictions I’ve encountered in the youth population. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in
Social Work with a Minor in Criminal Justice. I worked as a social worker for a few years prior to
the arrival of my second child. Shortly after he was born, I decided to return to education and
became certified as an AMS Montessori teacher. For the past five years, I have practiced
Montessori teaching principles, including two years of homeschooling my own 3 children using
the Montessori method.
Our vision of Our school is that of a salad bowl rather than a melting pot. You can identify the
different ingredients of a salad bowl, just as you should be able to identify the different learning
needs of each child. Not every child learns the same. Thus, not every child should be expected
to learn the same.