Countryside Montessori was established in 1985. In 1991 it became an accredited Montessori School and in 1996, the second location opened in Land O' Lakes. The Elementary Montessori Charter School was added in August, 2002.

Countryside Montessori Academy is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC is the nation’s oldest and largest organization of early childhood professionals dedicated to the improvement of quality early childhood education. This prestigious recognition has been achieved by approximately 7 percent of early childhood programs nationwide.

CMA is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS). AMS requires its affiliated schools to employ only certified Montessori teachers, equip all classrooms with a full compliment of Montessori materials, and implement an "open door policy for visitors." AMS specialists visit member schools at regular intervals and require their affiliate schools to adhere to AMS Code of Professional Ethics.

Mission Statement

To provide high quality education following the teaching principles of Dr. Maria Montessori and to develop the relationship between the child's physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development. Goals

Dr. Montessori believed that education is a preparation for life, and not simply a mastery of intellectual skills. The activities and environment provided in a Montessori school stimulate and develop a thirst for learning, a curiosity about one's surroundings and a desire to discover and to do things for oneself. We hope during a child's development he will learn to solve problems using an organized approach, to use freedom wisely, to respect others, and develop a love for learning.

The following are some of CMA's goals: