IMA History

“The child is both a hope and promise for mankind.”

DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

IMA's Journey Begins

Indiana Montessori Academy began when Kris Spence took a leap of faith with a little nudging from her husband, Monte, and cheerleader, Sadaf Kheiri. The school opened its doors to welcome in a mere five students in 2011. Kris rented a small, used-to-be hair salon, in the Village of WestClay and remodeled it slightly to fit the needs of a Montessori school.  Being a mother of 4, a previous Montessori parent and now a certified, trained directress, Kris was well prepared and excited to take on this new adventure.

The Lilac Classroom is Born

After gaining some momentum with enrollment, Kris was able to welcome Jennifer Moore to join IMA as her classroom assistant in the spring of 2012. Having worked with Kris previously, she knew Kris' dedication and big heart and instantly said, "I'm in!". That first year was a joyous whirlwind! In the midst of their first summer, Kris learned that a nearby Montessori school was closing. Parents came knocking on the door to enroll their children and IMA was able to open another primary classroom at the start of their second year!  Cora Dustman (previously known as Miss Banko) led the first year of the Lilac classroom friends.  We used the upstairs to welcome our new friends and we lovingly referred to each group of friends as the upstairs classroom or the downstairs classroom.

Our Home in the

Village of WestClay

Several years passed as the two-classroom, Montessori school helped foster and develop children to reach their full potential. Days were spent in the classroom with the children working peacefully. Outdoor time was spent with a walk to several of the nearby parks in the neighborhood. Many of our dear neighbors would wave to the darling children walking along in pairs. It was a highlight of all our days!

The Elementary Classroom

In August 2014, IMA opened its lower elementary program. This program is geared towards children ages 6 -9 years of age. Having no room in the current building being rented, the elementary program began in a small building just across the street. It was then that Kris realized, now more than ever, IMA needed its own space to grow and the hunt for a new plot of land was on!

Breaking Ground

The search for land seemed endless! We finally secured a property and broke ground October 2018. The floorplan was carefully designed by alumni parent, Kami Guierrier's creative eye. We took her plan and presented it to the architects of SODA (Swanson Office of Design and Architecture). Kris and T.J. Swanson lovingly created this beautiful building beckoning Montessori children and parents to come visit. IMA's new home is located on 2.5 acres with plenty of space for the children to learn, grow, explore and run!

During the summer of 2019, the toddler community was born! Not quite ready to begin in our new home, the toddlers spent that first summer in a space rented in the Village of WestClay.

Our Forever Home

Someday finally became a reality when we began the 2019-2020 school year in our forever home! The space was complete with learning gardens, large oversized windows and natural play areas. This was thrilling for Kris and our community as the school would be together all under one roof and her dreams and vision were coming to fruition!

The Magnolia Classroom

In Spring of 2020, IMA closed it's elementary doors. With the closing of the elementary classroom, IMA opened the doors to its third primary classroom, our beloved Magnolia Classroom. We're now a blossoming Montessori school housing three Primary Classrooms and one Toddler Community.

Our Journey Continues

Our plans and vision for IMA continues to grow. This past summer, IMA added its large overflow garden, balance beams in our natural playground and musical instruments in our outdoor Peace Garden. We still have many ideas to implement and look forward to what the future brings! All along our journey, we were only sustained by the families and children that helped support and strengthen us. Without the love of our IMA families we would not be where we are today! For that, we are eternally grateful!