Montessori in the Sun City

E07: The Founder's Chair: Marti Filley on Creating El Paso's First Montessori

Discover the inspiring story of Marti Filley, founder of Escuela Montessori Del Valle, the first Montessori school in El Paso established in 1974. In this episode of Montessori in the Sun City, Marti shares her journey from early teaching days to pioneering a family-run school that continues to shape generations of young learners. Hear how her vision, dedication, and love of Montessori education created a legacy that still thrives 50 years later.

E06: Memories and Milestones: Reflections from Our Graduates

In this episode we celebrate memories and milestones as our upper elementary graduates share their favorite moments, funny stories, and what they'll miss most about their time at school. Joined by their teacher, these bright students open up about the friendships they've built, the joy of learning together, and the exciting new chapters waiting for them. Listen in for laughter, touching reflections, and a reminder of how a close-knit school community leaves a lasting mark.

E05: Roots and Wings: Montessori Lessons That Last

In this heartfelt episode of Montessori in the Sun City, hosts Jackie and Steve Filley welcome their youngest son, John, for a personal conversation about family, legacy, and the lifelong impact of a Montessori education. As John prepares to begin his first military duty station with the U.S. Air Force, the Filleys reflect on his early years in their Montessori school, the values that shaped him, and how those lessons continue to guide him today. Together, they share warm memories, funny stories, and insights into how a Montessori foundation builds independence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.

E04: Freedom Within Limits: How Montessori Supports Individual Growth

Tune in as we continue the conversation about the differences between Montessori and traditional education, this time sharing our top 10 favorite reasons to choose a Montessori approach. Hosts Jackie and Steve Filley draw on their experiences as educators and parents to explore what it really means for children to learn at their own pace, follow their interests, and develop self-discipline from within. From busy classroom hums to real-life examples of movement-based learning, this episode offers a down-to-earth look at how Montessori supports the whole child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

E03: Montessori 101: Ten Essential Questions Every Parent Asks

If you're curious about what makes Montessori education so unique—or wondering if it's the right fit for your child—this episode is a great place to begin. You'll learn the fundamentals of the Montessori method, why it encourages independence and joy in learning, and how it supports children's development at every stage. We'll walk you through the most common questions parents ask, from classroom structure to discipline, and what makes a true Montessori environment. Whether you're a new parent, an educator, or simply Montessori-curious, this conversation will give you a clear, confident foundation to build on.