Why choose us

Montessori Academy of Broward was born from Ms. Monica Gargiulo-Benitez’s passion for a truly child-centered education. After starting her career as a traditional Spanish Language and Literature professor, she discovered the Montessori philosophy in 1989 and saw its powerful impact as her own two children thrived within this approach.

Recognizing the need for a Montessori school in Pembroke Pines, Ms. Monica and her husband Daniel founded Montessori Academy in 2002 as a Preschool with about 100 students in seven classrooms, just a short distance from the current campus. The community quickly embraced her vision, leading to a first expansion in 2003 to add Kindergarten and another in 2004 to open the school’s first Elementary classroom.

In 2005, Ms. Monica and Mr. Danny purchased a 3.5-acre plot on Pines Boulevard and began building a 35,000-square-foot campus with 20 classrooms and two playgrounds. By 2007, the new Lower School opened its doors.

Four classrooms were dedicated to Elementary, allowing the school to offer a full program through Grade 5, while the remaining 16 served Toddlers, Preschool, and Kindergarten, marking a major step in Montessori Academy of Broward’s growth and long-term vision.

After watching their children thrive from Preschool through Elementary, parents requested a Montessori Middle School that would continue to challenge students academically while nurturing responsibility, independence, creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness. Ongoing demand led to a major campus expansion, and in 2013 the school inaugurated its three-story, 45,000 sq ft Upper School building.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included a city proclamation of “Montessori Academy Appreciation Day” and the gift of a US flag that had flown over the Capitol, highlighted the deep respect and recognition MAB enjoys within its community.

This was a transformative milestone for MAB as we became a proud member of International Schools Partnership - ISP.

Becoming an ISP school was our school's gateway to a dynamic global network of world-class schools. It provided access to unparalleled opportunities for our students to collaborate across continents, engage in innovative learning projects, and develop the skills to thrive as true global citizens. The world just became our classroom.

At MAB, students move through an authentic Montessori continuum from 2 months to Grade 8, growing at the pace that matches their progress rather than their age. In the early years through Grade 3, they work with traditional Montessori materials that spark hands-on discovery and independence. In Grades 4 and 5, students blend this approach with more traditional academic elements, so they step up to new expectations while still learning in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

Throughout, students experience a nurturing community that inspires integrity, scholarship, leadership and service, and keeps their natural curiosity for learning very much alive.

Our learners don’t just meet expectations, they surpass them. Their results speak for themselves: students rank in the top 20% nationally on the SAT10, and 70% of 8th graders perform at or above high school level in reading, language, and math.

They consistently earn 100% acceptance to their first-choice high schools, with many receiving full or partial academic scholarships and placement in honors or Advanced Placement programs.

Students build essential life competencies alongside their academic skills. Across Practical Life, Language, Mathematics, and Culture, they grow in independence, responsibility, and self-direction as they manage their own work and take ownership of their learning. Mixed-age classrooms until Lower School naturally foster collaboration, empathy, and leadership, as older students guide younger peers and everyone learns to work together.

Through Practical Life lessons and Character Education, learners practice expressing themselves with clarity, respect, and integrity,  habits that prepare them to thrive well beyond the classroom.

Montessori-certified lead teachers ensure every student receives truly personalized learning. As an American Montessori Society (AMS)–affiliated school, our educators are formally trained, certified, and maintain active AMS membership.

Teachers closely monitor each learner’s progress, offer individualized feedback, and adjust lessons to meet their needs, so every child can grow at their own pace.

Learners explore STEM through hands-on, project-based learning that connects science, technology, engineering, and math in real and meaningful ways. Through experiments, class discussions, and group work, they practice applying what they know, think critically, collaborate, innovate, and build resilience, skills they’ll rely on in a highly technological world.

At the same time, students immerse themselves in a rich arts environment, from dance to musical creation and stage performances. This creative self-expression fuels their intellectual growth, strengthens their confidence, and sets a high standard of excellence that carries into every area of their lives.

Students enjoy clubs, sports, and activities that turn interests into real talents and stretch learning far beyond the classroom. They might build and program robots in STEM and robotics clubs, refine their creativity through visual arts and music, or explore dance styles such as flamenco, tap, jazz, salsa, and ballet.

Through athletics, leadership roles, and service opportunities, students lead the way, form strong friendships, and grow in confidence as they discover new passions and develop skills that will stay with them for life.

Safeguarding is at the heart of school life. Clear, robust systems work hand in hand with an inclusive school culture: all staff complete Level 2 background checks, receive annual safeguarding training, and key team members are certified in CPR, AED use, and EpiPen administration. Monthly emergency drills, secured campus access via the RAPTOR visitor system, and the presence of an armed guard add further layers of protection.

Through Character Education, students also learn to make kind, respectful, and responsible choices, helping to build a community where everyone feels secure and valued.

Parents stay closely informed through regular, individualized feedback on student progress and clear communication through quarterly report cards and parent-teacher conferences. They are invited to take part in events, performances, and activities that showcase student learning, including open houses. Through membership to the Parent-Teacher Organization, they take an active role in school life, organizing events, fundraisers, and decorating the school for the seasons.

To support busy families, we offer an After Care program, with stimulating activities appropriate for each age and stage of development, so students keep learning and socializing with peers in a caring and safe environment.

Set on a 4.5‑acre, eco‑conscious campus, our school uses processes that are both sustainable and resource‑efficient. The Montessori classrooms within this setting are intentionally designed for children, not adults. Clear, uncluttered shelves, open floor space, and thoughtfully arranged materials invite children to move freely, choose activities, and work at their own pace.

In areas like Practical Life, children practice skills such as grasping, transferring, and using everyday tools, which strengthen their fine motor skills, concentration, and sense of responsibility.

ISP schools are a shared ecosystem of innovation and ambition. Students embark on a dynamic and personalised learning journey, guided by the transformative Learning.First™ approach, unique only to the ISP family of schools. They learn through 5 pillars enriched by worldwide collaborations, solving real-world problems with peers across continents.

This powerful combination of academic achievement, multilingual learning and international opportunities creates unparalleled future pathways, preparing students for top universities and global careers.