Our Montessori-Waldorf Hybrid Approach

At La Maison Academy, we blend the best elements of the Montessori and Waldorf educational philosophies to create a rich, nurturing, and structured environment for your child. Our Montessori-Waldorf Hybrid approach provides a balanced and holistic learning experience that fosters both academic excellence and creative expression.

Montessori Elements

• Self-Directed Learning: We emphasize hands-on, self-directed learning activities that encourage independence and critical thinking.

• Tailored Development: Our structured yet flexible environment adapts to each child's unique learning pace, ensuring they master skills at their own rate.

• Academic Excellence: Using specific Montessori materials, we focus on developing strong academic skills from an early age.

Waldorf Influences

• Imaginative Play: Our curriculum includes a variety of creative activities such as storytelling, puppet shows, and role-playing to nurture imagination.

• Art and Creativity: We offer numerous artistic activities, including drawing, painting, and modeling, to foster fine motor skills and creative expression.

• Rhythmic Routines: Consistent daily routines provide a sense of security and rhythm, essential for young children's development.

• Gardening: Children have opportunities to grow plants and vegetables, which helps them connect with nature and understand the importance of nurturing living things.

Holistic Development

By integrating these methodologies, La Maison Academy ensures that your child not only excels academically but also enjoys a well-rounded and joyful early childhood experience.

Our Teachers

At La Maison Academy, we are proud to have a team of dedicated and skilled educators who are passionate about nurturing young minds.

• Lead Teacher and Director: Maria Bahlol
  With over 20 years of experience in education, I specialize in teaching Japanese, STEAM, Etiquette, and English. My expertise in fine art and economics helps guide children toward healthy self-expression and foundational critical thinking skills, all while introducing them to a global perspective in learning.

• Piano Teacher:
  A highly skilled and experienced music educator, our piano teacher provides both group and private lessons twice a week. These lessons are designed to introduce children to the joys of music, build discipline, and foster early cognitive development.

• French Teacher:
  Our French teacher joins us weekly to immerse children in a new language and culture through engaging storytelling and interactive lessons, broadening their horizons and fostering curiosity about the world.

Together, our team works to create a nurturing, enriched environment that helps every child thrive academically, creatively, and socially.

About La Maison Academy

La Maison Academy was born from my commitment to providing young children with the personalized attention and nurturing environment they need during their critical early years. I wanted to create a bridge between the comfort of a home setting and the structure of a classroom to ensure a seamless and confident transition to kindergarten. With a 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio, our small class sizes foster close friendships, teamwork, and individualized learning.

Our unique program combines the best of Montessori and Waldorf educational philosophies. This blend allows us to nurture not only academic growth but also emotional intelligence, creativity, and a sense of community. As Austin’s only Japanese-English bilingual preschool, we are proud to immerse our students in a rich linguistic and cultural environment. In addition to bilingual education, we introduce French as a third language, with daily story times led by a dedicated French teacher to broaden children’s horizons and appreciation for world cultures.

Music also plays a vital role in our curriculum, and we offer violin and piano lessons starting at age three. These lessons are designed to enhance cognitive development, discipline, and a love for the arts.

At La Maison Academy, our mission is to cultivate a love for learning, creativity, and global awareness in every child. I look forward to partnering with families to create a nurturing and inspiring foundation for their children’s lifelong journey.

Warm regards,
Maria Bahlol
Director, La Maison Academy