Montessori Preschool in Mesa, AZ

Desert Shadows Montessori, Mesa:
Desert Shadows Montessori, located in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona, is a private preschool providing a Montessori environment for children 2.5 years old through kindergarten for over 20 years. Desert Shadows Montessori was founded in 1988 by Eileen Shea. In 2002, her daughter, Pat Shea Barton took over as director. We are dedicated to following each child-- to serve each child's needs in a Montessori environment. Desert Shadows serves about 40 families each year.

- Multi-age:
Children 2.5 years through kindergarten experience the same environment, together. This allows for children to develop at their own pace. Younger children can observe older children's work and lessons.

- Self-guided:
Children in our Montessori classroom choose what they would like to do during the day. They also choose how long they would like to spend on each activity or "work." 

- Individuality:
The materials in the classroom are presented indiviually to children. Materials are designed to be self-correcting and interesting to children while extending concentration.

Children's house:
The classroom is designed to be a children's house. Children are full participants in maintaining the classroom. This also means that if a group of children is fascinated by a topic, we will take the time to explore the topic more fully.

Faculty:
Director, Ms. Pat Shea Barton has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. She also holds a Masters of Arts in Information Research and Library Science from the University of Arizona and a Masters of Arts in Education from Ottawa University.
Ms. Pat is adjunct faculty at South Mountain Community College where she teaches in the Montessori teacher training program. She has also participated in the Governor's Emergent Leaders Program.

Miss Kari is a Montessori Early Childhood teacher and has been at Desert Shadows for 5 years. She also is a Suzuki trained music instructor. Miss Kari directs the toddler community. She is completing her student teaching portion of the infant/toddler training through MECA Seton training Center outside of Chicago.

- Montessori preschool for 2.5 year olds to kindergarten
- Parent Baby Class
- Toddler Program
- Family Yoga Nights
- Family Gathering
- Art Classes for Children
- Suzuki Violin Classes for Toddlers