Montessori in the Sun City

Discover the inspiring story of Marti Filley, founder of Escuela Montessori Del Valle, the first Montessori school in El Paso established in 1974. In this episode of Montessori in the Sun City , Marti shares her journey from early teaching days to pioneering a family-run school that continues to shape generations of young learners. Hear how her vision, dedication, and love of Montessori education...

In this episode we celebrate memories and milestones as our upper elementary graduates share their favorite moments, funny stories, and what they'll miss most about their time at school. Joined by their teacher, these bright students open up about the friendships they've built, the joy of learning together, and the exciting new chapters waiting for them. Listen in for laughter, touching reflection...

In this heartfelt episode of  Montessori in the Sun City , hosts Jackie and Steve Filley welcome their youngest son, John, for a personal conversation about family, legacy, and the lifelong impact of a Montessori education. As John prepares to begin his first military duty station with the U.S. Air Force, the Filleys reflect on his early years in their Montessori school, the values that shaped him...

Tune in as we continue the conversation about the differences between Montessori and traditional education, this time sharing our top 10 favorite reasons to choose a Montessori approach. Hosts Jackie and Steve Filley draw on their experiences as educators and parents to explore what it really means for children to learn at their own pace, follow their interests, and develop self-discipline from wi...

If you're curious about what makes Montessori education so unique—or wondering if it's the right fit for your child—this episode is a great place to begin. You'll learn the fundamentals of the Montessori method, why it encourages independence and joy in learning, and how it supports children's development at every stage. We'll walk you through the most common questions parents ask, from classroom...

Whether you're a lifelong Montessori advocate or just beginning to explore its magic, join us for an insightful conversation that blends education, family, community, and a good dose of humor. In this episode, co-hosts Jackie and Steve reflect on their Montessori journey, share personal family stories—including how they met on eHarmony nearly 20 years ago—and welcome their son Blake as guest inter...

In this first episode of Montessori in the Sun City, you'll meet hosts Steve Filley and Jackie Filley as they introduce their connection to Montessori education in El Paso. They share the story of how their family schools began in 1974, discuss the challenges of running an education business for 50 years, and explain why they started this podcast. You'll hear about their experiences growing up wit...