From a Montessori Mother to Supporting Communities in their Transformation

For the Instituto Nueva Escuela (INE), serving through the school means accompanying and strengthening the entire community: children, youth, teachers, families, and the environment that surrounds them. We recognize that this way of schooling promotes a renewed vision of education. That is why we call it transformation: a new approach to education centered on the human being, collaboration, and holistic development. Above all, it is a change that has impacted lives.

One of those lives is that of Edda García Santos, who was once a parent at Juana Sánchez Montessori Public School in Juncos and is now part of the INE collective, supporting 14 Montessori public schools in eastern Puerto Rico through their transformation process.

“Nearly two decades ago, our family began a journey that would transform not only our son’s life, but also the way we understood education and how we relate to children,” Edda shared.

As she immersed herself in the Montessori philosophy, she discovered a pedagogy that goes beyond traditional textbooks: an education for life built on respect, self-direction, and, above all, the promotion of peace. Bringing this pedagogy into the home allowed her to experience dynamics of empathy, active listening, and a harmonious environment that strengthened family bonds from the earliest years.

As a mother, Edda can attest that her son's education in the Montessori environment was marked by freedom of discovery and responsibility. Far from passive memorization, the methodology provided him with concrete tools to explore abstract concepts through carefully designed learning materials and at his own pace.

“In the classroom, he learned to make decisions, think critically, and develop a genuine love of learning. This flexible yet rigorous structure instilled in him a deep curiosity, personal discipline, and the habit of solving problems independently.”

Her son's recent transition to university confirmed the strong academic and human foundation he received through his Montessori education. She has witnessed his inquisitive mindset, his ability to manage time independently, and his skill in collaborative work, all abilities he developed from an early age that have become some of his greatest strengths in college.

As a parent, Edda sees Montessori public education as a renewed and deeply transformative vision within the educational system. It offers a different opportunity for students in Puerto Rico by breaking away from the traditional standardized model and focusing instead on the holistic development of the individual.

Montessori public schools have demonstrated that it is possible to provide high-quality public education where the classroom and the broader community become an inclusive environment oriented toward peace.

“My experience as a Montessori mother had such a profound impact on my life that I felt compelled to extend it to other families. That is how a new chapter in my story began: I went from being a parent within the community to serving as a Montessori Assistant, then a Facilitator, and now a Coordinator at INE through the School Transformation Project.”

Through these roles, she has had the privilege of working hand in hand with Montessori guides, accompanying children in their daily process of discovery, and supporting families who, like her own, were searching for a different educational option, one that is more human-centered and more aligned with the nature of each child.

Stories like Edda’s have unfolded throughout INE’s 18 years of work. We have witnessed how families become involved, strengthen their schools, grow personally and professionally, and achieve upward mobility that benefits their children, their families, and their lives.

“My husband and I have witnessed how a pedagogy centered on peace and respect can transform lives, families, and entire communities. Continuing to invest in Montessori public education means firmly believing in the infinite potential of our children,” Edda concluded.