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, and how those lessons continue to guide him today. Together, they share warm memories, funny stories, and insights into how a Montessori foundation builds independence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.

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 within. From busy classroom hums to real-life examples of movement-based learning, this episode offers a down-to-earth look at how Montessori supports the whole child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

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 structure to discipline, and what makes a true Montessori environment. Whether you’re a new parent, an educator, or simply Montessori-curious, this conversation will give you a clear, confident foundation to build on.

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 interviewer. From raising five boys to running a family business with deep roots in compassion and connection, this episode is a warm, candid dive into what makes Montessori more than just a method—it’s a way of life.

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 with and working in Montessori schools, their views on how the teaching method has evolved, and their vision for sharing Montessori knowledge with the community. Join us for this conversation that sets the foundation for future episodes about Montessori education. Brought to you by Escuela Montessori and Coronado Montessori.