Our Story

Discover Mission Montessori Academy's transformation from a private Montessori school in 1995 to a distinguished charter school with a commitment to global education.


Recognized for achievements like participation in Montessori Model United Nations and dedication to whole-child education, the academy stands out in Arizona's educational landscape.

Mission Montessori Academy’s Educational Journey:

  • Private school offering a Montessori learning environment for ages 2 through 6 was founded by JoDene Tryon in 1995.
  • Located within St. Anthony on the Desert church at 12990 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ.


Charter School Expansion (2000):


  • In August 2000, Mission Montessori Academy received an Arizona State Charter.
  • First Montessori school chartered by the Arizona State Board of Education in Scottsdale, AZ.


Campus Expansion (2003-2009):


  • December 2003: Second campus, Mission Montessori Academy del Jardin, opened at 11050 N. 96th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, for 1st through 3rd grade.
  • Summer 2009: Third campus, Mission Montessori Academy del Norte, opened at 9575 E. Larkspur, Scottsdale, AZ, for 4th through 6th grade.


Middle School and Additional Campuses (2011-2017):


  • 2011: Mission Montessori Academy granted a second charter for Mission Montessori Middle Years Program (MMMYP).
  • 2017: Toddler, primary, and kindergarten campus, MMA del Cielo, relocated to Mission Montessori Academy at St. Apkar, 8849 E. Cholla Ave, Scottsdale, AZ.


Current Campuses (2023):



  • MMA at St. Anthony: Infant through Kindergarten.
  • MMA at St. Apkar: 14 months through Kindergarten.
  • MMA at 96th Street: 1st through 5th grade.
  • MMMYP at 96th Street: 6th through 8th grade.

Strong Focus on Global Education

  • Received the Charter School of the Year award in 2015-2016 for a strong focus on Global Education.
  • Emphasis on student-centered classrooms, interdisciplinary subjects, and collaborative problem-solving.


Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN):


  • Participation in MMUN conferences since 2011.
  • International representation in conferences and collaboration with global organizations.
  • Recognition as a school fostering global citizenship.

Educational Programs and Enrichment

  • Enrichment programs covering music, health, fitness, gardening, and sustainable systems.
  • Advanced Studies courses in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Oceanography.
  • Integration of classroom academics with real-world experiences and travel.

Recognition and Achievements

  • Participated in the International Youth Earth Summit (iYES) in 2015.
  • Admin staff studied the Finnish educational model in 2016.
  • Contribution to the development of a new division of MMUN focused on project-based learning in 2018.

Commitment to Whole Child Education

  • Daily pursuit of academic excellence, global and social responsibility, and love and empathy for all life.
  • Safe, nurturing, stimulating, and peaceful environment for students.

Global Recognition

  • Recognized as an integral and respected member of the Arizona educational community.
  • Global recognition for academic excellence and commitment to global education.

Philosophical Inspiration

  • Dr. Maria Montessori and her foundational philosophical models, curriculum and human development
  • Guided by the philosophy: "You must understand the whole of life... for all that is life." – Jidda Krishnamurti, Indian poet.