Toddler Level
A calm, consistent environment that supports independence, language growth, movement, and practical life skills.
- Independence & self-care routines
- Language-rich environment
- Grace & courtesy foundations
Welcome to SMA
An authentic Montessori experience for ages 18 months to 6 years.
The shell symbolizes a child’s transformation in the Montessori Spiral Curriculum—growth that unfolds with freedom, purpose, and care.
Mission
Authentic Montessori within a nurturing school community.
Vision
Confidence, respect, and a lifelong love of learning.
We accept Child Care Aware®
SoundSide Montessori is proud to accept Child Care Aware® tuition assistance. This program helps military and eligible families access high-quality early childhood education. If you qualify for Child Care Aware®, your child can join our Montessori community with support for tuition costs.
Programs & age groups
A full Montessori experience designed for each stage of early childhood development.
Primary Level
A prepared classroom that nurtures concentration, joyful learning, and confidence through purposeful work.
- Sensorial, math, and language materials
- Social-emotional development
- Respectful community & responsibility
Online Courses
Learning resources designed to support families and educators as children grow.
Details available upon inquiry.
Our Montessori approach
“But the child, too, is a worker and a producer… the work of producing man…” — Dr. Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood
Authentic, prepared environment
Children choose meaningful work, build concentration, and develop independence with carefully sequenced materials.
Follow the child
We observe with care and guide each child’s next steps—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Spiral growth over time
The nautilus shell reflects how learning deepens as children revisit concepts with greater mastery and confidence.
“Free activity makes children happy… the important thing is that a child can construct a man through this free activity.”
About SoundSide Montessori Academy
Founded in 2024 to bring an authentic Montessori program to our community—beautiful, safe, and deeply child-centered.
Our story
We believe academic success is important, and so is emotional and social growth. Joy is effortless to find here. Our goal is to provide children with an individual, developmentally appropriate education program within a full Montessori curriculum and philosophy.
The nautilus shell of our logo expresses the transformation within the child during the learning process. We follow the child because we see the adult who is not yet there.
Integrity
We serve with respect, integrity, and a commitment to improvement.
Compassion
We respect each member’s needs, responding with compassion and kindness.
Excellence
We empower students and teachers to thrive through high standards and growth.
Mission
To provide an authentic Montessori program within our community in a nurturing, stimulating, and well-prepared environment that develops each child’s intellectual and emotional gifts, ushering responsible, compassionate citizens.
Vision
To implement Dr. Montessori’s educational method and pedagogy model to teach children, nurturing them and their families on their learning journey. Children graduate with confidence, respect for others, and a love of learning that lasts.
Our founders
Experienced leadership devoted to authentic Montessori practice and a thriving school community.
Daniela Lopes Pontes
Founder / Director
Ms. Dani is a Montessori child and dedicated educator with 13+ years of Montessori experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, American Montessori Society Teaching Certification for Early Childhood, MACTE credentialed teacher status, and Department of Children and Family staff/director credentials. She has served across infant, toddler, early childhood, and elementary environments and is First Aid & CPR certified.
Robert Merrell
Founder / CEO
Mr. Bob brings 30+ years of operations leadership, overseeing multi-unit teams across Northwest Florida. His strengths include recruiting, training, team development, and operational excellence—supporting SMA’s mission with steady, community-minded leadership.
Isabella Lopes Pontes Doncea
Director of Curriculum & Development / Head of School
Mrs. Doncea is a Montessori child with 22+ years of experience and credentials including International Montessori Council Infant/Toddler certification, MACTE Credentialed Teacher status, and Department of Children and Families staff/director credentials. She serves on the Board of the Montessori Academy of Naples and volunteers for the International Montessori Council Accreditation Committee. Her background includes Pedagogy studies in Brazil, extensive early childhood coursework, and First Aid & CPR certification.
What families are saying
A nurturing, enriching, and inspiring educational experience.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Ms. Dani and the incredible impact she has had on my children and our family. From the moment you meet her, you can feel her warmth, joy, and genuine love for teaching—it’s something truly special. I felt instantly at ease knowing my children were in her care. She creates an environment that is not only filled with love and encouragement but also challenges children to grow, problem-solve, and develop confidence in themselves. Her classroom isn’t just a place for academics, it’s a place where my children have felt safe, valued, and excited to explore the world around them. The way she connects with her students is nothing short of magical… We feel incredibly lucky to have found her, and I wholeheartedly encourage any family looking for a nurturing, enriching, and inspiring educational experience to choose Soundside Montessori.
Stefanie Hartman
Tuition & enrollment
We’re happy to share current tuition, availability, and next steps—just reach out.
Enrollment inquiry
Tell us about your child and what you’re looking for. We’ll respond with availability and scheduling options.
Start an inquiryTour & classroom visit
Meet our team, see the prepared environment, and learn how Montessori looks in daily practice.
Schedule a tourChild Care Aware® support
We accept Child Care Aware® tuition assistance for eligible families, including military families.
Learn moreSchedule a tour
We’d love to meet your family. Send a message and we’ll follow up to confirm a tour time.