Waseca Montessori School was founded in 1993 and has been a pillar in the Athens community for 30 years. The school began as a single Primary classroom and has grown into a thriving authentic Montessori school serving ages 6 weeks old to 12 years old. The school’s original name was Waseca Learning Environment, using the indigenous term “Waseca” (wah-she-ka) meaning “fertile” learning environment. Our goal is to create an environment where your child can grow and thrive!

Waseca is a nonprofit school run by a dedicated Board of Directors in team with our administration and talented faculty. Together, we work to serve all in the Athens community and create a diverse learning environment where each child can receive a holistic education.

The school was founded in a rented space in a local church before moving into a historic farmhouse. As the school grew, we knew we needed a larger home so we can continue our mission to bring Montessori education to as many students as possible. That led us to our current home off Tallassee Road where we have eight classrooms and serve over 120 students.

Meet our head of school

Sarah Cox began her Montessori career in 2016 after finishing her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia. She quickly realized her love of the Montessori curriculum and obtained her early childhood credential from the American Montessori Society and her Masters of Early Childhood Education from Clemson University. Sarah has experience teaching in the Primary classrooms in both Athens and Atlanta before she moved into administration. Sarah is currently an instructor for Montessori teachers earning their early childhood credential, and she hosts Positive Discipline workshops to educators around North Georgia. She began her career at Waseca in 2023 and quickly felt at home among the incredibly dedicated faculty. 

Waseca Montessori School is able to thrive due to our committed and talented teachers. We are so proud that we have a teaching staff with combined decades of experience and who have remained an integral part of our community for many years. It is only through their dedication to the Montessori philosophy that we are able to serve our students and families so successfully.