Mariposa Montessori Academy
Nurturing Growth At Every Stage
Nurturing Curious, Confident Learners
A child-centered learning environment where every child is encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace — from Toddler through Elementary.
Why Choose Us?
Where Timeless Montessori Meets Modern Innovation
“To nurture independent, capable, and compassionate children who embrace innovation with purpose and intention.”
AI-Integrated Learning
We thoughtfully weave AI tools into the Montessori method, helping children become confident creators and critical consumers of technology — not just passive users.
Media-Literate Thinkers
From an early age, our students develop the skills to evaluate information, understand digital systems, and navigate the modern world with discernment and purpose.
Future-Forward Values
Rooted in Montessori’s respect for the whole child, we prepare students to embrace innovation with curiosity, compassion, and intention.
Academic Programs
A Continuum of Learning
From Toddler through Upper Elementary, our carefully designed programs follow the child's natural development and build lifelong love of learning.
Toddler Community
A nurturing environment where our youngest learners develop independence, language, and fine motor skills through hands-on Montessori materials.
Learn more →Primary (Casa)
The classic Montessori classroom where children master practical life, sensorial exploration, early literacy, and numeracy at their own pace.
Learn more →Lower Elementary
Collaborative research-based learning ignites curiosity in science, history, language arts, and mathematics through the Great Lessons.
Learn more →Upper Elementary
Students deepen critical thinking, community responsibility, and academic mastery as they prepare for the transition to adolescence.
Learn more →Our Philosophy
Education That Respects the Whole Child
Founded on Dr. Maria Montessori's timeless principles, Mariposa Montessori Academy creates a peaceful, purposeful environment where children from 18 months to 12 years develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
Child-Led Learning
We follow the child's natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation rather than imposing a rigid curriculum.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
Older children mentor younger peers, reinforcing their own knowledge while building empathy and leadership.
Prepared Environment
Every material in our classrooms is purposefully designed to invite exploration and foster independence.
Meet Our Director
Maria Elena Vásquez, M.Ed.
Founder & Executive Director
With over 20 years of experience in Montessori education, Maria Elena founded Mariposa Montessori Academy with a vision to honor the whole child in an ever-changing world. She holds a Master's in Education from Loyola Marymount University and is a credentialed AMI Montessori Guide (3–12). Her deep belief is that children thrive when given freedom within a purposeful, prepared environment — and that the best educators are those who never stop learning themselves.
Under her leadership, Mariposa has grown from a single Primary classroom into a thriving school community integrating timeless Montessori principles with forward-thinking, media-literate education.
Meet Our TeamTestimonials
What Our Families Say
“Mariposa completely transformed our daughter's relationship with learning. She wakes up every morning excited to go to school -- something we never thought possible.”
“The mixed-age environment taught our son how to collaborate and lead. By age 9 he was helping younger children with reading -- his confidence grew enormously.”
“As a Montessori-trained educator I've visited many schools. Mariposa stands out for the depth of teacher preparation and the calm, purposeful atmosphere in every classroom.”
News & Events
What's Happening at Mariposa
Spring Showcase & Family Picnic
Join us for an afternoon of student presentations, outdoor art installations, and a community picnic on our school grounds.
Read more →Mariposa Earns MACTE Re-Accreditation
We are proud to announce that our teacher education program has been re-accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.
Read more →Open House — Fall 2026 Enrollment Now Open
Families interested in enrolling for the 2026–27 school year are invited to tour our campus and meet our educators.
Read more →