AYA STORY

AYA was founded by a family whose deep love for their children and passion for creating an authentic Montessori learning community sparked its beginnings in 2014. Rooted in the belief that children thrive in a spiritually enriching and thoughtfully designed environment, AYA embodies the values of Islamic Montessori Education, fostering the holistic well-being of every child and Spiritual Excellence (Ihsaan) in Education. The name ‘Aya’ reflects this vision, signifying model, miracle, colorful, beautiful, and the power to soar across different languages.

Beginning in 2016 with a modest location in Elkridge, MD, AYA welcomed 40 children between the ages of 0-5. The vision expanded in 2021 with the transformation of a new campus in Columbia, MD that was designed with Montessori principles in mind. Today, AYA serves nearly 190 students and 34 educators, creating a thriving Montessori community for children aged 2-12.

As AYA continues to grow, it has attracted families from across the United States and talented educators from around the globe. The school has proudly sponsored the AMI Montessori training of 14 passionate educators, with that number growing each year. With aspirations of expanding beyond Elementary, AYA is dedicated to building a community that remains grounded in its core values of beauty, purpose, and spiritual growth.

AYA ACCREDITATION & RECOGNITION

  • AMI/USA Recognition

    Aya is an AMI/USA Member School and a Maryland State-Validated Montessori School by Education Matters.

  • MSDE-ApprovED & OCC-LICENSED

    Aya is an MSDE-approved school for Grades KG-6th Grade

    Aya is a Licensed Nursery School for Ages 2-5

    (Nursery School is status is reached when a school obtains additional licensing to run a state-validated academic program for younger ages in addition to meeting all requirements of a childcare center)

  • Maryland Excels

    Aya is a participating program in MD Excels, recognized for its commitment to high-quality child care and early education and allowing the program to accept CCS Vouchers from the state.

AYA mission

to nurture the mind, body, and soul of future generations and protect their innate nature -Fitrah-فطرة-through spiritual, social, and intellectual growth grounded in traditional Islamic education and authentic Montessori education.

AYA TENETS

AYA TENETS

Message from Salam Aref, Head of School/Co-founder of Aya Montessori:

As a mother, I chose Montessori for my own children, as I believe it to be the closest pedagogy to the spiritual nourishment of the Islamic faith. Here are some tenets I would like to highlight:

This work reflects my ongoing research and Montessori training, constantly evolving and represented visually and hand-sketched visually using an art form I cherish deeply. Please seek permission before copying or using this content.

  1.  تدبر (Tadabbur) and Reflection: Encourage students to reflect deeply upon Islamic teachings and connect them to their everyday lives. Provide opportunities for contemplation, discussion, and personal introspection to enhance their understanding of the faith.

  2. احترام (Ihtiram) and Respect: Emphasize the importance of respecting oneself, others, and the environment. Respect each child’s unique nature and interests. Teach students to value diversity and cultivate a sense of empathy, kindness, and consideration for others, both within the school community and the wider society.

  3. استقلالية (Istiqlaliya) and Independence: Foster an environment that nurtures independence and self-directed learning. Encourage students to explore and discover knowledge while developing critical thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and a strong sense of responsibility for their own education.

  4. إحسان (Ihsan) and Spiritual Excellence: Integrate Islamic values and teachings into the Montessori curriculum, focusing on nurturing the students' spiritual development alongside their academic growth. Encourage acts of kindness, compassion, and mindfulness, promoting the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of their lives.

  5. تهذيب (Tahdhib) and Discipline: Teach students the importance of self-discipline and self-control. Instill a strong moral compass rooted in Islamic teachings, promoting Prophetic character, manners, and ethical behavior.

  6. صحبة (Suhba) and Community Building: Create a sense of unity and collaboration among students, teachers, and parents. Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support, and provide opportunities for community service and involvement in initiatives that benefit society at large.

  7. خلافة (Khilafa) and Stewardship: Teach students about their role as stewards of the Earth and emphasize the importance of environmental sustainability. Encourage responsible behavior towards the environment, promote conservation, and instill a sense of responsibility to protect and care for the natural world.