History

Martha Filley founded Escuela Montessori in 1974 in an existing building located behind her one-acre Upper Valley residence. By 1975, her enrollment had increased from 15 to 45, and had outgrown the original schoolhouse. Construction on the first custom designed school building was completed by 1976.

In response to parental demand, Mrs. Filley has since added 4 more classroom buildings at two locations. From 1980-1996, student enrollment remained steady at 115 students. In recent years, however, the increasing demand in the Elementary class exceeded the available space. In response, the school purchased ½ acres of land adjacent to the upper valley location at 208 W. Sunset. This is now the home of the new Elementary building, a 2,400 square foot. With a capacity of 30 students, the Elementary facility is home for 1st through 6th grades. 

In 1981 our second school was built.  Escuela Montessori de Coronado, known now as Coronado Montessori, is located on ½ acre of land in El Paso's rapidly growing Westside. The Franklin Mountains behind the buildings and playground create a beautiful backdrop for two magnificent classroom facilities.  During the spring and summer, children help tend vegetable and flower gardens scattered about the school grounds. At Escuela Montessori and Coronado Montessori, we believe that an exciting and stimulating outdoor environment is equally as important as that inside the classroom.

A Montessori school is neither a traditional play school nor a day care program. Rather, it is a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of a child's sensitive years between two and six, six to nine and nine to 12 where he can absorb information from an enriched environment. A child who acquires the basic skills of reading and arithmetic in this natural way has the advantage of beginning his education without drudgery, boredom, or discouragement. By pursuing his individual interests in a Montessori classroom, he gains an early enthusiasm for learning.

The Filley's are very proud of being the first Montessori school here in El Paso and this year will be celebrating 50 years of serving their community. Over the last 20 years Mrs. Filley has been joined by her son, Steve, and daughter in law, Jackie Filley. They work along side each other making sure that their vision continues for years to come.