News

AMS News Archive

< 2025

2025

  • November

    Canceled: First Fridays in the Backyard on Nov. 7

    Due to the Fall Festival being rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, November's First Fridays in the Backyard is canceled.  The next First Fridays will be on Friday, Dec. 5. We hope to see you there!

  • Gaines Creek Coffee Shop

    Friday, November 7, from 7:15 to 10:00 am
    5677 Oak Blvd, Austin, TX (Gaines Creek Campus)
    Please park in the parking lot by the garden.
     
    We are very excited to invite you to the second Gaines Creek Coffee Shop of the year on Friday, November 7, from 7:15 to 10:00 am. We will have freshly brewed coffee, our famous tacos, and a wide variety of other drinks and teas. We will also have our beloved crepes as our special of the day. We would love for you to enjoy them and give us your feedback. The Coffee Shop will take place in the studio on the Gaines Creek Campus. 
     
    Our busiest time is between 8:00 and 9:00 am. If your schedule allows flexibility, we would love to see some of you later in the morning. And this is not strictly a parent event. We would love for you to bring friends, children, and other family members as well!

  • Register Today! From Wonder to Mastery: Unlocking the Full Cycle in the Montessori Children’s House

    Friday, Nov. 7
    Virtual Presentation, 9 - 10:30 am

    Each year, many families ask thoughtful questions about the value of their child remaining in the Children’s House for the three- to four-year cycle, the final year, colloquially referred to as the “kindergarten year.” Common questions include:
    • What unique work is the Full Cycle child engaged in during this year?
    • How does staying in the Children’s House benefit my child’s growth and readiness for future learning?
    • What does the transition from being a younger member of the community to becoming a leader look like?
    • How do all the indirect preparations in reading, writing, and math come together in this culminating year?
    Join Jinny Gonzalez, Director of Early Childhood Programs, for a virtual conversation at 9 am on Friday, Nov. 7. Together, you will explore the remarkable growth that occurs when a child completes the Full Cycle in the Children’s House: the profound benefits for their own development and the positive impact on the classroom community. Register through the Weekly Bulletin or the email you received.

  • The AMS Upper Elementary Experience

    Thursday, Nov. 13
    6:30 - 8 pm
    Nova/Terra Communities, 2906 Jones Rd.

    We enthusiastically invite you to join The Upper Elementary Guides and Elementary team on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 pm to discover what makes our Montessori Upper Elementary program unique. Register through the Weekly Bulletin or the email you received for The Austin Montessori School Upper Elementary Experience!
     
    In this exciting phase of their Montessori journey, children build on the strong foundation of learning and community developed during early childhood and in the Early Elementary. The Upper Elementary years focus on fostering independence, critical thinking, and a love for deeper exploration. Children engage with the Montessori Cosmic Curriculum, immersing themselves in science, history, math, language, and the arts. Through extensive projects, field trips, Going Out excursions, and presentations, students expand their academic skills and learn how to connect their knowledge to the world around them. Most importantly, we are committed to Education for Peace in multifaceted ways, peace within and peace among. 

  • October

    New Date! The 21st Annual AMS Fall Festival ~ Saturday, Nov. 8

    Join us for the 21st Annual Austin Montessori School Fall Festival. This year’s festival will celebrate the cultures of Latin America. Entrance to this event is FREE.
     
    Activities will include:
    • Cultural activities organized by the parents of each classroom  
    • An ofrenda created by the Upper Elementary families. 
    • Live Music by parent musicians and a salsa dancing lesson by Studio Lux.
    • A rock climbing wall for older children.
    • An inflatable 18-foot slide for younger children.
    • Available for purchase: Venezuelan food by Sabor Venezolano, drinks and treats by Afuga Coffee, popcorn and AMS swag by the Parents Association. 

  • ‘Being a Montessori Parent: Laying a Foundation for Your Child’s Future Well-Being and Success’ 

    Tuesday, November 4
    6 - 7:30 pm 
    Gaines Creek Campus, 5677 Oak Blvd.
     
    We invite you to join AMI Teacher Trainer, Consultant, and member of the Board of Directors of AMI Global, Jennifer Shields, for an engaging presentation and conversation on how to nurture your child’s optimal development. 
     
    Together, we will explore:
    • Independence: Practical strategies to foster your child’s ability to do things for themselves and build confidence.
    • Conflict Resolution: How to guide children through inevitable moments of frustration and disagreement so they develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
    • Communication: Ways to support your child in becoming an articulate, thoughtful, and empathetic communicator.
    • Self-Knowledge: Helping your child grow in awareness of their own strengths, needs, and identity.
    Register through the Weekly Bulletin or the email you received.

  • Be a Part of a Culture of Giving at AMS

    Today is a great day to support the AMS Annual Fund! What We Grow Together is a close-knit community that lasts for generations. Your gift will fund professional development for staff, financial assistance, and facilities projects that ensure your children thrive at AMS. Make sure your participation is counted by donating today.

  • July

    2025-2026 Parent Checklist

    Dear Parents,
     
    It’s time to get ready for the 2025–2026 school year—please take a few moments to complete your parent checklist.
     
    A highlighted message at the top of the page will alert you to complete the checklist. You will be prompted to complete the following:
    • UPDATE YOUR PERSONAL and FAMILY CONTACT INFO and PRIVACY SETTINGS
      • Please review and update your address, email address, and contact information as needed. 
      • Review and update the option for other parents to view contact information for you.
    • VIEW THE BULLETIN BOARD FOR YOUR CHILD’S COMMUNITY
      • Each community has a Bulletin Board where important information is made available, such as:
        • Contact information for your child's guide
        • Class Roster
    • REVIEW THE 2025-2026 CALENDAR
      • The school calendar is available by clicking the Calendar tab on the school's website.
     
    QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR BLACKBAUD TUITION MANAGEMENT BILL?
     
    If you have any questions regarding your Blackbaud Tuition Management bill, please contact Sandy Bartholome (sandyb@austinmontessori.org, 512-892-0253 ext 104) in the Business Office. She will be your point of contact throughout the summer and next school year.
     
    QUESTIONS ABOUT myAMS? Contact info@austinmontessori.org.
     
    Have a wonderful summer!

    Warm regards,
     
    Dawn Michal
    Director of Operations

  • May

    Amber Miller

    Forty-Year Journey: Amber Miller Retires from Austin Montessori School

    Fabiana Shelpuk
    Born and raised in Texas, Amber Miller first came to Austin Montessori School in 1979. Not as a staff member, but as a young mother looking for the right educational environment for her three year-old son. Her decision was rooted in an admiration for what founder Donna Bryant Goertz was building and, as she admits with a smile, in the wholesome snacks she saw being served. She didn’t know it then, but that moment would shape the next four decades of her life. At the time, Austin Montessori was a small, close-knit community with just a handful of classrooms. “It felt like a hidden gem,” Amber recalls.

Austin Montessori School

5006 Sunset Trail, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 892-0253
info@austinmontessori.org
Austin Montessori School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or gender, disability, or age in providing educational services, activities, and programs. The school adheres to all applicable state and federal non-discrimination laws for private, non-profit educational institutions.