our story

Tulip Tree Montessori began with four bright-eyed children, a modest collection of materials, and an unwavering determination to redefine what it means to care for young children. Inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori’s call to build “houses for children” where none yet exist, we did just that.

With courage, care, and a touch of whimsy, our founder transformed her cozy mid-century modern home into a haven for young children. Our floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive fenced-in yard surround us by nature. Daily life at Tulip Tree combines a robust Montessori toddler curriculum with the intimacy, connection, and simplicity of life at home. Children are invited to water the garden in the morning sun, prepare meals together, create art with real artists tools, and explore the wonders of the natural world. Every corner whispers with the intention, beauty, and quiet magic of childhood unfolding.

Tulip Tree continues to bloom at a slow and steady pace, which allows us to remain rooted in the same passion and values that first brought us to life. We are deeply honored to walk alongside each child as they begin to reveal themselves to the world.

Love notes

My husband and I LOVE Tulip Tree! Our 2-year-old son has been with Tulip Tree for the 24/25 school year, and we’re excited to continue onto next year.
Our son has just flourished here! Some highlights of what we love: personalized and bespoke learning experience for the unique needs for our child, strong communication, creative work and curriculum ideas, lots of outdoor space and focus on nature, nutritious snacks, and Music Mondays.
The Head of School has a very active social media that highlights tips for parents and shows the joy happening in her classroom everyday; she also sends out a newsletter each month that includes highlights about the school, upcoming events, and educational tips for parents. This is on top of the regular comms we exchange daily. In the end, my husband and I are able to focus on work because we know our child is safe, loved, and really learning everyday.
The highlight of our day is pick up! We love picking up our son each day because we get to see him happy and playing with his friends, hear about the fun he had from the teachers, and just connect with the teachers each day.
Our daughter has been with Tinora since she was 16 months old, and now she is completing her third and final year of the program. We couldn't be more grateful for Tinora and the amazing program she has created. Every single day our daughter is greeted with kindness, love, and a prepared environment. While we selfishly wish our daughter could remain in Tinora's care for years to come, we know that she is ready for her next adventure thanks to the experiences and guidance she has had with Tinora.
Tinora brought so much certainty into our lives. Before we found Tinora, we were really struggling to find someone who could care for our child while we were at work. We had high expectations and Tinora met all of them. She has created a safe space that provided developmentally appropriate materials, nutrition, love, calm, and pretty much anything a toddler needs. I wouldn't want anyone else for my child.
We have become better parents as a result of what we've learned about childhood development and self-mastery. As for the nurturing and safe space created by Tinora, this can be summed up by our daughter, "Just tell her we love her." This after almost two years out from graduating.
The compassion, understanding, and patience that Tinora has shown our daughter everyday is remarkable. In the time our daughter has attended her program, we have seen significant growth and development in her social/emotional development, independence, academic development, and self awareness. Tinora has a wealth of knowledge and resources that have been greatly useful to us.
Our son began care with Tinora when he was 18 months old. His independence and determination grew steadily as he was encouraged to try and master new things everyday. We appreciated the calming environment, daily outdoor exploration, and the opportunity for him to learn from children of different ages and backgrounds.
" love the way Tinora speaks to the children - always with respect and calm, never shaming. Both of my children have grown up being taught by Tinora and she has made a huge positive impact in their lives and how they interact with children and adults alike. I couldn't imagine a better early childhood experience.
Our family is so blessed to have found Tinora. She has gone above and beyond helping us transform our home into a Montessori friendly environment for all of our children. She made the task of redesigning our children's play area feel approachable, rather than daunting and overwhelming. I cannot say enough positive things about our experience with Tinora.
Tinora's program has truly been a gift for our entire family. Our daughter has been with Tinora since she was 16 months old. Not only has Tinora helped guide our child through this sensitive period of growth, she has also been a huge light and wealth of knowledge for us as parents. We are grateful (understatement) for this program!

our mission

Our mission is to raise the standard of childcare by providing an authentic Montessori experience based on the principles, methods, and activities of Maria Montessori. We believe in the transformative power of nature, the artistry of nourishing food, and the grace of a meticulously prepared learning environment. We place incredible value on creating a web of support for each child by nurturing a connection between their family and our lead teacher, Tinora. By providing a safe space for young children to express themselves and guide their own unique learning path, each child in our care will slowly discover who they want to become. Perhaps most importantly, we believe, as Montessori did, that children are our path towards peace, unity, and liberation.

our hope

Imagine a world where the youngest members of our society are seen as capable individuals deserving of respect, patience, and the utmost care. We believe this type of existence is possible when young children are invited to participate in the activities of daily life, given time to discover their capabilities, and grow into themselves with dignity. Our hope is to inspire others to open and/or transform their childcare programs into collaborative learning spaces with radical love and respect for the child . When programs like ours succeed, others will follow.

we DISCOVERED that education is not something that the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops SPONTANEOUSLY in the human being.

— Dr. Maria Montessori

Tinora Powell

Tinora has been a dedicated early childhood educator for more than a decade. The combination of Tinora’s expansive knowledge of child development paired with her eclectic design style has resulted in a truly miraculous program for young children and their families.

“It brings me incredible joy observing young children as they play and work. Toddlers are brilliant human beings when their natural development is supported. As a society, we can glean such wisdom from their determination, zest for life and authenticity.”

Tinora has been known to get lost in conversations about child advocacy, developmental milestones, incorporating Montessori principles at home, and how to build connections between adults and their children. She is currently diving into the world of coaching and helping other Montessori educators open their own micro schools.

Tinora lives with her husband, daughter, and their rescue cats. Her passions outside of Montessori include strumming on her ukulele, cooking and herbalism, and finding the best pair of barefoot-style shoes.

owner - head of school - Lead teacher

Tulip Tree Montessori prohibits discrimination of any kind on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.