Desert Garden Montessori
Founded 1996
Updated July 2026
Montessori
IB MYP
Cognia
Desert Garden Montessori is an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School serving students from infancy through high school (ages 6 weeks to 18 years). It provides a holistic educational environment that integrates Montessori principles with IB programming and a focus on wellness.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is guided by core values of connection, diversity, authenticity, respect, and integrated wellness. It employs a Montessori approach that emphasizes a prepared environment where children are encouraged to explore, create, and learn through personal motivation and freedom of choice, supported by gentle guidance from teachers. The school aims to foster a sense of responsibility, belonging, and interdependence with nature and the community.
Programmes
The school offers a Montessori curriculum for students from infancy through 6th grade. For students in grades 7–12, the school provides a combined Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. The curriculum is supported by specialized instruction in subjects such as humanities, sciences, advanced mathematics, and language acquisition, alongside a focus on wellness and peace education.
Student support
Learning support
The Student Support Team provides comprehensive, individualized services to meet students' academic and social-emotional needs, working in partnership with teachers, parents, and outside providers. Services include reading and speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, peace and mindfulness education, and crisis intervention. The team also conducts developmental screenings and utilizes standardized testing, such as STAR and DIBELS, to monitor student progress.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Desert Garden Montessori offer?
- Desert Garden Montessori offers Montessori and IB MYP.
- How much is tuition at Desert Garden Montessori?
- Annual tuition at Desert Garden Montessori is $13K–$19.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Desert Garden Montessori teach?
- Desert Garden Montessori enrolls students aged 0 to 18.
- What accreditations does Desert Garden Montessori hold?
- Desert Garden Montessori holds accreditations including IB and Cognia.
- Where is Desert Garden Montessori located?
- Desert Garden Montessori is an international school in Phoenix, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Infant - School Day | 0–1 | $19.5K |
| Toddler & Primary - Half Day | 1–6 | $13K |
| Toddler & Primary - School Day | 1–6 | $16.3K |
| Lower Elementary - School Day | 6–9 | $14K |
| Upper Elementary - School Day | 9–12 | $14K |
| Middle Years/High School - School Day | 12–18 | $17.3K |
Other fees(3)
| Enrolment fee· For students enrolled on or before January 31, 2026 | $395 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· For students enrolled on or after February 1, 2026 | $595 |
| Meals· Organic Lunch (billed annually at $2,100 or $210/month). Included in tuition for Infant, Toddler, and Primary programs. | $2.1K |
Admissions
The school admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, and programs. Prospective families may contact the Admissions Coordinator to schedule a tour or inquire about the enrollment process. The school provides information regarding programs, schedules, and tuition, as well as available scholarships and discounts, through its admissions office.
Calendar
The school operates on a structured academic calendar, with the 2026-27 school year schedule available for review. Families may contact the Admissions Coordinator for specific questions regarding the academic calendar.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus, established in 1999, was designed specifically for Montessori education and includes an organic kitchen, a wellness garden, and a wellness cafe. The school grounds are equipped to support a range of activities, from academic work in prepared environments to athletic and outdoor pursuits.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of enrichment activities, including art, music, theater, and Spanish language instruction. Students also participate in athletics and have opportunities to engage with the school's organic gardening program and organic kitchen.
Shetal WaltersExecutive Director / Head of SchoolShetal Walters is the founder and Executive Director / Head of School of Desert Garden Montessori, having started the school in her living room in 1996. She holds an M.S. in Counseling and a B.S. in Liberal Arts, and is responsible for the execution of the school's mission and the sustainability of its Montessori educational program.
Lexi HendersonDirector of OperationsLexi Henderson joined Desert Garden Montessori in 2015 and serves as the Director of Operations. She holds a B.A. in Mass Communications with minors in Spanish and Family & Human Development, and is responsible for ensuring the school runs smoothly and acting as the main point of contact for scheduling meetings with the Executive Director.
Dana WestermannDirector of MYHS & Program CoachDana Westermann serves as the Director of MYHS (Middle Years High School) and Program Coach.
Sonia JainDirector of IT & CommunicationsSonia Jain joined the administration team in 2011 and serves as the Director of IT & Communications. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science and is responsible for managing campus technology, school communications, and the school calendar.
Crystal LindquistStudent Support CoordinatorCrystal Lindquist is the Student Support Coordinator and a Master Social Worker. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an LMSW, with professional experience as a researcher, therapist, and school social worker, and specializes in Infant/Toddler Mental Health.
Leslie BlankenAdmissions CoordinatorLeslie Blanken serves as the Admissions Coordinator on the administration team. She joined the school in 2019 and previously worked as an Infant Assistant.
Lisa EdsonFront Desk ManagerLisa Edson has been at Desert Garden Montessori since 2009 and serves as the Front Desk Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and has over 38 years of experience working with children.