About Our School
At Protea Montessori, we offer a warm, authentic Montessori experience for children ages 3 to 9, with plans to grow and welcome learners up to age 12. Our mission is simple but powerful: to nurture young minds so they grow into confident, compassionate, and independent individuals—ready to embrace both the challenges and the beauty that life has to offer.
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Though we’re small, our vision is mighty. We’re building a community that feels like home—a space where every child is seen, valued, and supported. Our hearts are especially drawn to neurodivergent learners, and we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive environment where all children, regardless of ability or background, can thrive. By welcoming children with a wide range of strengths and needs, we’re creating a vibrant, layered learning environment that mirrors the richness of the world around us. Here, growth is organic, learning is joyful, and every child finds their place. At Protea, learning isn't one-size-fits-all—it's as individual as each precious child we serve.
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We’d love for you to join us on this beautiful journey—where education is more than academics; it’s a celebration of who your child is and all they’re becoming.
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 have a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Masters in Education, specializing in Montessori Early Childhood Education. I discovered the Montessori philosophy after the birth of my son. As I watched my son explore his world, I realized we were already living many Montessori principles without even knowing it. Without ever having set foot in a Montessori classroom, I signed up for formal training—and never looked back. I’m now a certified Montessori guide for 3–6-year-olds, a proud member of the American Montessori Society, and currently pursuing my elementary certification for ages 6–12. I've been guiding children in Montessori classrooms for eight years, and every day I’m reminded why I love what I do. Montessori has transformed the way I see and interact with children. It’s not just an educational approach—it’s a way of life that honors the dignity, potential, and individuality of every child. It's taught me to slow down, to really see each child, and to trust in their incredible capacity for learning and growth. At Protea we believe deeply that all children are extraordinary, and that every child—regardless of their background—deserves access to a high-quality Montessori education.
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 had 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 six 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 way. Thus, not every child should be expected to learn the same way. We believe all children deserve access to a learning space where they feel safe, loved and cared for. Protea Montessori will be that space for many children.