Aya Montessori

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Aya Montessori Aya is your child's second home serving ages 2-12 offering authentic Montessori Education in HoCo, MD Aya is an AMI Montessori Member School.

Our mission is to nurture the mind, body and soul of future generations and raise balanced children through spiritual, social, and intellectual growth grounded in authentic Montessori education, Arabic Immersion, and Islamic Education. Aya is an
1) MSDE approved nonpublic School for ages 5-12
2) MD-recognized Montessori School for ages 2-9, AND
3) OCC-Licensed Child Care Center. Aya is your child's second home. NOTE: (Islamic Education is only offered for special tracks at the Primary and Elementary levels - ages 3+).

07/30/2026

Alhamdulillah, one of the compliments we hear most is how much people love what we share on social media. What most donโ€™t know is that the majority of these moments are captured by our own guides and assistants, not for marketing, but out of a genuine desire to stay connected with our families.

At Aya, everyone has made a commitment to communicate more, and one of the most beautiful ways we do that is by capturing the everyday moments of each child and sharing them with their families through Transparent Classroom.

This past year alone, more than 9,000 photos were uploaded across all 8 classrooms, serving children ages 2 through 12. MashaAllah. That is not a small thing. Behind every photo is a guide or assistant who paused in the middle of their day, noticed a moment worth preserving, and made sure a family didnโ€™t miss it.

To our wonderful staff: ุฌุฒุงูƒู… ุงู„ู„ู‡ ุฎูŠุฑู‹ุง for the dedication, the extra effort, and the love you pour into everything you do. These photos are more than documentation. They are gifts.

"I have observed that the child, on condition that he is granted the freedom to work, learns, becomes cultured, absorbs ...
07/28/2026

"I have observed that the child, on condition that he is granted the freedom to work, learns, becomes cultured, absorbs knowledge and gains experiences that become embedded in his spirit. Like seeds planted in fertile ground, they soon germinate and bear fruit."

Maria Montessori, Citizen of the World, p. 96

It has long been debated: is raising children and instilling discipline solely the responsibility of parents? Many schoo...
07/28/2026

It has long been debated: is raising children and instilling discipline solely the responsibility of parents? Many schools would say yes, claiming their role begins and ends with academics.

And there is truth in that. Parents carry a sacred amanah to create a home filled with love, where they model the very values they hope to see reflected in their child.

But we believe a school is something more. When parents and teachers are aligned in their vision and aspirations for the child, something powerful happens. The child feels held from every direction, and discipline, character, and adab begin to develop naturally from that place of support.

This is why we invest not only in our children, but in preparing our teachers and our community, intellectually and spiritually, for the time we are living in. Our Montessori guides take intentional time with each student individually, building the kind of connection that makes real growth possible.

As the quote in the photo above reminds us, the end goal of education in Islam was never just academic achievement. It is the formation of a complete human being, one of adab, conscious of their responsibilities to their Creator and to those around them.

And as Dr. Maria Montessori put it:

"An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live."

07/27/2026

Allah, make us among the grateful.

๐ŸŒŸTen years of Aya Montessori!! ๐ŸŒŸ

To mark this milestone, a committee of Aya parent, staff, and student ambassadors came together and created something we will treasure for a long time: a 60-page yearbook filled with memories, faces, and moments that remind us exactly why we do this work.

Flipping through its pages is a reminder of how much has been built, how many children have passed through these doors, and how deeply grateful we are to be part of their stories.

Parents, have you picked up your copy yet? We would love to know what you think.

ูˆูŽูููŠ ุฐูŽูฐู„ููƒูŽ ููŽู„ูŠูŽุชูŽู†ูŽุงููŽุณู ุงู„ู’ู…ูุชูŽู†ูŽุงููุณููˆู†ูŽโ€œFor this, let the competitors compete.โ€ โ€” Surah Al-Mutaffifin, 83:26We ar...
07/26/2026

ูˆูŽูููŠ ุฐูŽูฐู„ููƒูŽ ููŽู„ูŠูŽุชูŽู†ูŽุงููŽุณู ุงู„ู’ู…ูุชูŽู†ูŽุงููุณููˆู†ูŽ
โ€œFor this, let the competitors compete.โ€ โ€” Surah Al-Mutaffifin, 83:26

We are still holding onto this moment from this past academic year.

This year, 11 of our Elementary students completed one or more juzโ€™ of the Quran, while others finished a hizb or many suras, each one moving at their own pace, each one on their own journey.

Every child received 1:1 Quran lessons throughout the year. No comparison, no pressure, no shortcuts. Just a child, their teacher, and the words of Allah ๏ทป.

This is an accomplishment we celebrate every year, the way it was always meant to be celebrated. With gratitude, and with the full weight of what it means to carry His words in your heart.

May Allah make them among the people of the Quran, in this life and the next.

07/25/2026

At Aya Montessori, we stopped asking โ€œwhat ifโ€ and built a school that supports the whole child, nurtures the fitrah, and keeps them in connection with Allah ๏ทปโ€™s creation, even in the heart of a vibrant city like Columbia.

Alhamdullillah!

07/19/2026

"My brothers and sisters in Islam, will they be strong and carry on after I die?"

Hearing these words sung by our Lower Elementary students at our End-of-Year Celebration stopped us in our tracks.

The moving lyrics of Dawud Warnsby, carried by young voices with such sincerity and presence, said everything we could never fully put into words about why we do this work.

Every classroom took the stage that evening, each in their own way. We are so grateful for the privilege of raising children who are strong in their beliefs and free to express their gifts.

May Allah bless this beautiful community and these young hearts!

๐ŸŽ‰โ˜€๏ธ That's a wrap on Term 1! ๐ŸŽ‰โ˜€๏ธWe had the BEST time with our campers this summer (ages 4-6 and 7-11) and honestly? We'r...
07/19/2026

๐ŸŽ‰โ˜€๏ธ That's a wrap on Term 1! ๐ŸŽ‰โ˜€๏ธ
We had the BEST time with our campers this summer (ages 4-6 and 7-11) and honestly? We're not ready for it to be over. Thank you to every single one of our Term 1 families for trusting us with your little ones.

Term 2, you're up. Let's go!

There is something truly magical about toddlerhood, and these moments capture exactly why. The smiles. The friendships f...
07/19/2026

There is something truly magical about toddlerhood, and these moments capture exactly why.

The smiles. The friendships forming in real time. The look of concentration on a two-year-old's face when they are deep in purposeful work. The quiet pride of doing something all by themselves.

This age is not a waiting room for "real" learning. It is where the foundation for everything is laid. Language, fine and gross motor skills, psychosensory development; at two years old, children are building the tools they will carry for life. And here, they do it with confidence, joy, and the freedom to simply be themselves.

We have one spot remaining in our Young Children's Community, and we would love for your little one to fill it.

Reach out to us to learn more. We cannot wait to welcome them.

One spot remaining in our Young Children's Community (YCC/Twos Program) for the upcoming academic year!If you have a 2-y...
07/19/2026

One spot remaining in our Young Children's Community (YCC/Twos Program) for the upcoming academic year!

If you have a 2-year-old ready to explore, grow, and discover independence in a prepared Montessori environment, this is your sign. Our YCC classroom is designed around your child's natural curiosity, from purposeful work to time outdoors, just like the little one in this photo, hands in the soil, learning through doing.

Spots for this level are hard to come by and don't stay open long. Complete your application today at ayamontessori.com/columbia.

InshaAllah we'll see your family soon!

Address

10820 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD
21044

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

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