Fostering independent, global thinkers

A Montessori Microschool Going Beyond the Classroom.

An Elementary Classroom For children ages 5-12

September 2025

Westport, CT

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Why CHOoSE ATLAS

“Our children are growing up in a fast-paced world. They need an environment that helps them slow down, connect, and truly engage with life.”

Alanna gallo

Founder, Atlas Montessori

At Atlas Montessori, we use authentic Montessori methods to encourage each child’s innate curiosity, independence, and creativity.

By combining academic rigor with holistic, experience-based learning, we aim to build a foundation of resilience, critical thinking, and self-awareness.

We’re more than just a school; we’re a community dedicated to empowering children to become capable, compassionate citizens of the world.

Our Unique Approach

With a holistic education, learning is woven into real-life experiences and connections. Children are encouraged to explore the world around them, develop empathy, and build the self-confidence they need to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience.

Authentic Montessori Classroom

Weekly Forest School Immersion

Empowering Global-Minded Leaders

Intentionally Low + Slow Technology

Montessori Foundations

Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, our approach respects each child’s unique learning journey. We believe in fostering independence from an early age, empowering children to be self-directed and confident in their capabilities. Through carefully curated materials and child-led exploration, we create an environment where students can develop critical problem-solving skills, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.

Weekly Forest School

Every week, our students step outside the classroom for a dedicated day with a certified forest school teacher. We know that nature is one of the greatest teachers, offering children space to explore, discover, and connect deeply with the world around them. These days in nature cultivate resilience, observational skills, and a sense of wonder that traditional classroom settings can’t always provide.

Focus on Global Studies

We believe that understanding the world begins with curiosity and connection. Our focus on global studies helps children develop a deep appreciation for the rich diversity of cultures, traditions, and perspectives that make up our world. Through hands-on exploration, immersive lessons, and meaningful experiences, students are encouraged to think critically about global challenges and their role as compassionate, informed global citizens.

Low and slow tech

A Screen-Conscious Environment

Growing up today often means navigating a world of constant digital distractions. Our micro-school is committed to a balanced approach to technology—using screens as tools, not distractions.

We encourage thoughtful, intentional tech use and support families who share a vision of low-tech, high-real-life engagement childhoods.

About our Founder

Alanna Gallo is an alternative education expert and advocate for holistic, screen-conscious childhoods, holding a master’s degree in education from the University of Southern California and bringing over a decade of experience in the public school system.

Driven by her passion to support children’s confidence, resilience, and love for learning beyond traditional classrooms, Alanna transitioned from teaching to direct more personalized learning environments. She spent a year as the director of a Montessori-inspired homeschool pod, led a Montessori community abroad and is now working to launch Atlas Montessori.

Alanna is also the founder of Play. Learn. Thrive. a website that supports parents in raising confident and capable children.

Her insights and practical advice have been featured in numerous media outlets.

Why Choose Montessori for Your Elementary Aged Child

Montessori classrooms are thoughtfully designed to respect each child’s natural development, allowing them to explore concepts at their own pace in a hands-on, collaborative environment. This approach doesn’t just teach subjects; it cultivates skills like problem-solving, responsibility, and empathy—qualities essential for success beyond school.

Children learn to approach challenges with creativity and persistence.
Students develop confidence in their abilities and take ownership of their learning.
Montessori fosters a lifelong desire to explore, ask questions, and understand the world.
Collaborative work helps children build respect, compassion, and understanding for others.
Montessori environments encourage flexibility and teach children to adapt and thrive in various situations.
A balance of hands-on activities and academic rigor equips children with both intellectual and real-world skills.

a whole-child education

Choosing Montessori for your elementary-aged child means giving them a different kind of education.

Two Girls Laying on Lawn and Playing Paper Cups Connected with String

Being a Globally-Minded Critical Thinker

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to think critically and embrace a global mindset is more essential than ever. Globally-minded critical thinkers are individuals who approach the complexities of our world with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to understanding diverse perspectives. These qualities empower them to navigate cultural differences, address real-world challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Understanding Interconnectedness: Our actions ripple across borders, affecting communities and ecosystems worldwide. A global mindset helps children see these connections and develop a sense of shared responsibility.
Adaptability and Resilience: Engaging with diverse ideas and environments helps children develop the flexibility to thrive in a rapidly changing, multicultural world.
Fostering Empathy: By learning about different cultures, traditions, and viewpoints, children gain the ability to understand and respect others, building bridges rather than walls.
Collaboration Across Borders: As global citizens, children learn the value of working together—across languages, cultures, and disciplines—to create meaningful change.
Problem-Solving in a Complex World: Critical thinking equips children with the tools to analyze problems, ask thoughtful questions, and seek creative solutions, skills crucial for tackling global challenges like climate change, inequality, and technological advancements.
Becoming Informed Decision-Makers: A global perspective and critical thinking skills enable children to evaluate information, discern truth from bias, and make thoughtful, ethical decisions that consider the broader impact on people and the planet.