Montessori Early Learning Center

So glad I found this school! My Daughter just turned 4 and has been attending since she was 2 1/2. She loves learning the Montessori way. Her teachers and staff are warm and caring. She is so independent, respectful, and confident thanks to the way they inspire the children to learn. My daughter is reading and doing addition and subtraction. She is passionate about learning. She also loves the playground and the friends she has made there to the point if we try to pick her up early in the summer she does not want to leave because she is having so much fun. I have nothing but positives to say about this school, I wish I could have attended this school.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school with wonderful staff & administration. I think that being in business since 1976 speaks volumes in itself.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a 57 year old grandmother who has a grandson at MELC. If you are not familiar with the Montesorri theory of learning please do yourself a favor and research the subject. I wish that I had done so earlier because of the amazing progress that my grandson is making in all areas of personal and scholastic development. I love the independence that he displays as a result of being allowed to explore the environment of the classroom which is set up to intrigue and capture the interest of young exploring minds. MELC offers parent education classes so I understand how my grandson is learning. Ms. Ina is a fantastic educator and I feel confident that my grandson is receiving the best possible education under her professional expertise. Also, my grandchildren are my life. Everything that matters to me in this world evolves around their well-being. My grandson was at a previous daycare center and I had concerns about his care. Today, I go to work without worry as I am certain that Ms. Ina and all of the staff at MELC have my grandchild's best interest at heart. Do yourself a favor and take the MELC tour. See for yourself! The proof is in the pudding!
—Submitted by a parent

Thank you to Mrs.Ina and the great faculty that follows the path of montessori's learning methodology. Both my kids (ages 6 and 4) are in in this school. Me and my wife are very happy looking at the steep learning curve of both our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

MELC is an amazing school! We have two children who attend MELC and we are constantly impressed by the well-rounded education they are receiving. Ms. Ina, Mr. Lee, Ms. Keisha, and Mr. Anthony are outstanding individuals who constantly strive to create a wonderful, nurturing educational environment. We also find that the importance placed on social responsibility, i.e. being helpful to others, doing the right thing are values rarely stressed in most environments these days. At MELC, these values are modeled by the leaders and teachers and fostered by the children in the classes as a whole. It brings us great joy to see our children in such a wonderful environment! I would trust their care to no one else.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school as a child for 3 years, and now I have 2 of my own children attending this school. I also have a third child waiting to become old enough to attend. It is a great place for them, and they learn so much. I feel blessed to be able to have my kids attend this school. The pool is great for them in the summer, and they learn how to swim. All included in the cost of tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three grandchildren currently attending MELC and have been closely associated with the school since the oldest started over four years ago. I have been consistently pleased with the wonderful academic education they are receiving, as well as with their training in the arts and social responsibiiity.The warmth and support given each child from teachers, administrators, and other students often bring tears to my eyes at school events. I feel that my grandchildren will carrly the positive effects of their early school experience at MELC far into their futures. I do not believe anyone could find a better school anywhere.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended MELC for 6 years. We had a great experience! My daughter's math and reading skills are excellent. She received a solid academic foundation. She has great memories of the arts program. She studied ballet and drama during her time at the school. It is a very warm and loving environment. One in which, e you can rest assured that you will be given the truth about your child's progress. We have only been gone a few months, but there is not a day that passes, that I don't think of the school and thank God for finding such a place for my daughter to grow and develop. Ms. Ina is very focused on accommodating the needs of the children. She accepts responsibility for their academic and social growth. My family is a 2nd generation family and I would not have it any other way!
—Submitted by a parent

My four children were raised at MELC and my grandchild is enrolled there now. Thanks to the arts program and the school, they all have a wonderful education and a sense of self confidence that I'm not sure they would have received elsewhere. The arts program is fantastic as it offers everything from ballet to hip hop to gymnastics and the low cost of the programs assures me that they are in it for the love of it - not for the money. Thank you to Mrs. Fort, her wonderful staff and for the standards she runs that school by and I look forward to watching my grandchild grow and blossom in her school.
—Submitted by a parent

MELC is the best and most pure montessori school in Columbia. I visited many schools before deciding on where to put my children and I can say that no other school could provide the range of opportunities, both Montessori and extra curricular that this school has to offer. The teachers are excellent and truly care about the children. The Facility is beautiful and made just for the children. I don't think you will find a better school for your child in Columbia.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud mom of a recent college graduate. I have no doubt that my son's graduation was due in part to obtaining a mastery of reading, writing, arithmetic, language and reasoning while attending MELC. Owner/Administrator Ms. Fort has loved, taught and guided many children in the 30+ years MELC has been in business. She and her dedicated teachers/staff have introduced children to a world of learning that allows them to grow into intelligent, well rounded, confident young people. It is the oldest, largest and in my opinion the best Montessori school in Columbia.
—Submitted by a parent

Best Montessori School in Columbia! I have had my children at MELC for over 5 years and I can tell you they are the only school to go to. The Directress Ina Fort has been in business for over 30 years and truly loves all of the children. As a parent I have truly come to appreciate: 1. The parent conferences 2. The first class staff 3. The full after school arts program 4. The Authentic Montessori training 5. The after school care program. I would HIGHLY recommend this school to ANYONE who is seriously considering a quality montessori education in Columbia. They have been in business for over 30 years for a reason and the results speak for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

We love MELC. The entire staff has been very encouraging to our children. The facility is first class as are the teachers. The BEST Montessori school in Columbia!
—Submitted by a parent

Thank you Ms ina! The may music recital was fantastic. Thanks to your school my child has learnt how to sing and also dance. Your school is one of a kind and I recommend the parent tours to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! i've had my kids there for 2 years now, we tried the public system and it was awful so we swtiched to here. Everybody is very loving and caring to the kids. My daughter liked to walk in the office everybody to give the Miss Laura a hug. i am cofortable my kids are in a safe and loving enviroment. Miss Ina knows each of the kids and love them. she might appear tough but that's what a good school need, she has a great heart behind her toughness.
—Submitted by a parent

During our initial interview we were totally amazed by all the fantastic programs and opportunities that are available for all the children at MELC. I cannot thank Ian Fort, and her staff enough, for looking after and nurturing my child . You see it's not just the "academics" it's everything. We have seen such a change in our child. She is so independent, she shows such a determination to achieve and she says things like " May I be excused?" without prompting. Mrs. Cindy, her teacher is amazing, my daughter raves about her. We hear all about the dynamic way she delivers lessons and encourages participation. She is such a kind and supportive soul. I could just go on and on about her love of Miss. Brittany, how the office staff is so supportive and helpful, not to mention how much our little girl enjoys her ballet and music classes. We just want to personally say thank you, to all of the staff at MELC, as a collective, they are helping build the foundation for our daughter's path towards a lifetime of improved academic achievement, focus and social interaction. This impact is so significant. It will help her for the rest of her life. We will be forever grateful.
—Submitted by a parent

My 5 year old is learning to swim like a pro! The Directress is also the swim coach. She takes time with every student and teaches with patience and care. It was truly amazing to watch my 5 year old swim for a blue ribbon in the arms of the teacher who hugged every single student!
—Submitted by a parent

One the great things that MELC offers is free swimming lessons for its students during the summer for children aged 4 1/2 and older. My daughter began lessons in June and when we went on vacation in mid-July, she amazed us with her swimming skills. She was able to swim half the width of the pool (underwater) and dive for weighted fish at the bottom of the shallow end (3 ft)...after just one month of lessons! This is just another example of the creative & innovative way that MELC educates children and builds their self-confidence. I continue to be thankful that I 'stumbled' upon this jewel of a school when we moved to Columbia 2 years ago!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was born extremely pramture. As parents, we were concerned about her development and the type of education she receives. Given the possibility of her falling extremely far behind her peers, Ms. Ina and the teachers at MELC worked diligently on her development and education. For 3 years, our daughter has progressed in all levels of development. She is now on and above level in all areas of development ans education. This school is a perfect fit for all children, especially those that are like our daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

I was referred to MELC by a friend when my daughter was 2-1/2 years old. Upon joining the MELC family we knew immediately that we had made the right decision for our daughter AND our family. I became very involved in the school activities, classroom support and the larger MELC community. Through partnership and love the MELC faculty helped us establish a child-friendly Montessori home that was nurturing and physically equipped for 'small hands'. From simple home recommendations such as establishing one corner in each room for your child's enjoyment, to after hours parent education, to in-class education.... we just could not have asked for anything more! After completing three years at MELC and a move to Atlanta, we are still in touch with our friends and family at MELC. There doesn't seem to be a day that goes by where we don't reference Ms. Mangala or MELC. Blessed friends forever!
—Submitted by a parent