The School House

Tulip Tree Montessori resides in a cozy 1950’s home in the Deveonshire neighborhood on the North East side of Indianapolis. The main floor of the house has been transformed into an expansive learning space for toddlers, including a custom built farmhouse style dining table and a colorful entryway where the children are greeted each morning.

Large picture windows overlook the picturesque front yard, and beyond, with an unobstructed view of the Fall Creek parkway trail. A fenced in backyard opens up opportunities to explore the natural world first hand, such as tending an organic garden. Several old-growth trees tower above, three of which are tulip trees themselves, offering a delightful look at the seasonal changes throughout the year. Nature truly surrounds us!

Meet our teachers

  • Founder - Head of School - Lead Teacher

    Hi there! I am Tinora Powell. I am a dedicated educator with more than 10 years’ experience working with young children and their families. I am a second-generation certified Montessori teacher and received a Montessori education myself throughout early childhood.

    By combining my expansive knowledge of childhood development and eclectic design style, I have created a unique learning environment for young children. It brings me great joy observing children as they interact with classroom materials and each other. I have been known to get lost in conversations about childhood, developmental milestones, incorporating Montessori principles at home, and how to foster strong connections between adults and young children.

    I live with my husband, our daughter, and our two rescue cats. My daughter is graduating from Tulip Tree Montessori this Spring and will begin her next journey at a Montessori preschool this Fall. I am an herbalist and I love cooking meals from scratch, wandering the forest, and connecting with the natural world.

  • Lead Teacher

    Hello! My name is Asia Batiz. I have been a Toddler lead guide in Montessori for 16 years and have worked in Montessori for a total of 17 years. I am Montessori certified in AMS and AMI, with a MACTE certification as well. In addition to working in the classroom, I am an independent Montessori contractor to help support other Montessori educators in the Indianapolis area.

    I love being part of the Montessori Method and implementing Maria Montessori’s approach on childhood. Toddlers are definitely my favorite age group. I love the curiosity and rapid growth that happens in toddlerhood.

    I am a mom of two. My children are 21 and 18. Both of my children attended Montessori throughout their lives. I love cooking, gardening, cycling, hiking, and doing yoga in my free time. I am also an artist on the side.

    I believe in parent-guide communication and working together as a team to help each toddler succeed in independence.

  • “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.”

  • “Tinora has created a safe space that provides developmentally appropriate materials, nutrition, love, calm, and pretty much everything a toddler needs.”

  • “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.”

Enrollment begins each Spring

Program Overview

Arrival 7:30-8:30

Work Period 8:30-11:30

Lunch 11:30-12:15

Nap 12:15-3:00

Pickup 3:00-5:00

Prepared Environment

The children of Tulip Tree are empowered to take their education into their own hands, literally and figuratively. This is accomplished by meticulously designing a “prepared environment”. Our indoor and outdoor prepared environments are outfitted with materials that support the development of practical life skills, music and movement, language, math, arts and crafts, and sensory-stimulating experiences.

Holistic Approach

One of the main things that sets Tulip Tree apart is our dedication to high quality nutrition. We view young children as whole beings deserving of love and respect, therefore take a truly holistic approach to the care we provide by placing value on fresh and organic foods, deep cellular hydration, sleep hygiene, whole body movement, daily experiences in nature, and emotional support.

Authentic Socialization

Having mixed ages in a single classroom allows authentic socialization to develop. Within our classroom there are novices, intermediates, and masters. In this way, our toddler community functions like a mini society. We take turns, hear each other out, validate other's feelings, and spend time getting to know each of our unique personalities. Tulip Tree is a place where each child's character can reveal itself with ease as we all grow, learn, and live together.

Enrollment begins each Spring

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.