In 1985, Countryside Montessori Academy was founded by Mary Rivers and Karen Mantei. Karen received her Association Montessori Internationale certification in Dublin, Ireland and has over 40 years experience in providing children with a Montessori education. Mary has a degree in Math and Economics with a minor in education, and handles the finances for CMA.
With a passion for expanding the Montessori philosophy, Karen and Mary opened a second location in 1996 and with much encouragement from the parents opened the elementary charter school in 2002.
Countryside Montessori currently has 2 locations which serve children in preschool through kindergarten – one in North Tampa and one in Land O’ Lakes. CMA has a very dedicated staff and wonderful teachers who provide an outstanding Montessori education. Most of our children continue their Montessori education at Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes.
