Nurturing Excellence, Growing Future Leaders

"Empowering Young Minds Through Montessori Education in a Warm, Supportive Environment—Cultivating Future Leaders and Lifelong Learners."

Exciting News!
A New Preschool/Daycare Opening in Ithaca:
King Montessori Academy!

KING MONTESSORI ACADEMY

"Note: This website is still under construction.

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, DEC 21st, at 10am - 2 pm.

Sunday, DEC 22nd, at 12:30 pm - 3 pm.

Can't Go to Our Open House?

No Problem!

Just call (607)342-4694 or email kingmontessoriacademy@gmail.com , or go to the end of this page for sending a message to schedule a visit. We look forward to seeing you!

Location: 320 King Rd East, Ithaca, NY 14850

***AFTER SCHOOL OPENINGS for age 12 and under

***NO-SCHOOL-DAY CARE (enrollment in advance required-first-come, first-served basis)

***OPEN ROLLING ENROLLMENT

SECURE YOUR ENROLLMENT

KING MONTESSORI ACADEMY IS

*A CARING and SAFE PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE

YOU CAN TRUST FOR YOUR CHILDREN.

*A HIGH-QUALITY, AFFORDABLE MONTESSORI EDUCATION DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING AND SUPPORTING ITHACA COMMUNITY FAMILIES.

About King Montessori Academy

We commit to create a learning environment where children can explore, grow, and develop the essential skills needed for their future.

Through self-directed learning, curiosity-driven discovery, and hands-on experiences, our students are encouraged to become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and compassionate individuals. We are dedicated to guiding each child through a journey of learning that empowers them with confidence and resilience, making them future-ready in an ever-changing world.

Learn more

OUR VISION

Our vision is to grow future leaders who can lead themselves and others.

They are equipped with the core competencies

needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world in the future.

We envision future leaders who possess emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. These individuals will be lifelong learners, capable of navigating complex global challenges with empathy, resilience, and a collaborative spirit, making meaningful contributions to society and the environment.

OUR MISSION

At King Montessori Academy, our mission is to prepare children for a future that demands a unique blend of soft and hard competencies. Over the next several decades, success will be defined not only by one’s technical knowledge but by one’s ability to communicate effectively, collaborate across cultures, and approach challenges with emotional intelligence and ethical responsibility. Our goal is to nurture these soft skills—creativity, adaptability, leadership, and empathy—while ensuring that students are proficient in essential hard skills such as decision making and problem-solving.

King Montessori Academy (KMA) was first envisioned by James Semp, a professionally trained and experienced Environmental Scientist, Forester, and Cornell graduate school alumnus in the Department of Natural Resources, whose passion for the natural world and early childhood education, the latter inspired by raising his children, fueled his dream of establishing a unique childcare learning environment. KMA co-founders Elsa M. Sinurat Semp and James Semp are deeply rooted in the belief that children should experience holistic development—including cognitive, physical, and psychological growth—while also connecting with nature, and the King Montessori Academy was born for children to thrive in all areas of their learning and development.

Located on 9 acres of nature and forest on Ithaca's South Hill overlooking the gorgeous Six-Mile Creek valley, KMA offers an extraordinary setting where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow. The expansive outdoor space provides the perfect environment for hands-on exploration, discovery-based learning, and outdoor play—essential elements for holistic child development. Here, children learn about nature, sustainability, and the importance of caring for the environment, lessons that are in harmony with the Montessori philosophy of fostering independence, responsibility, and respect for the world around them.

In our Montessori program, there is a connection between indoor and outdoor learning. Our classrooms are designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, while the natural surroundings offer opportunities for sensory-rich experiences. Through guided outdoor activities, students gain an understanding of how ecosystems function and develop a deep appreciation for the natural environment. Indoors, they apply these lessons through focused, self-directed learning, building the skills needed for critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

We believe that true leadership begins with self-leadership, a core component of the Montessori approach. Children learn to lead themselves—making independent decisions, setting personal goals, and taking responsibility for their actions. As they gain confidence and resilience, they are then ready to lead others with empathy, compassion, and purpose.

At King Montessori Academy, our immersive learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, equips students with the essential skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. By blending our Montessori curriculum with the beauty and lessons of nature, we prepare children not only for academic success but also to become future leaders—individuals who can navigate their own paths and guide others with confidence and care.