The Judson Montessori School

Our History

The Judson Montessori School (JMS) was founded in 1974 by Gay and Jim Judson. That year, 18 primary level students (aged 3 – 6) attended classes in space leased from Asbury United Methodist Church on San Pedro Avenue.

A young boy learns about nurture and growth. ©2007 The Judson Montessori School. All rights reserved.

In 1986 the school found it necessary to move to a larger campus and leased space from Alamo Heights School District at 705 Trafalgar, a campus they shared with the Winston School. The school continued to grow, and in January 2000, JMS moved to its current, permanent campus, which is designed specifically to meet the criteria set out by Dr. Maria Montessori. The new building provided much-needed additional space, and enrollment increased by 26% during the first year at the new campus.

Today the nondenominational school serves over 300 students, ages 3 through 14, and is located on 24 acres at the intersection of Loop 1604 and Rogers Ranch Parkway. The school’s design is unique with all classrooms opening into the centrally located library. This configuration is important because students begin using the library for research projects as early as age five. In addition, each class has its own outdoor extension immediately outside the classroom. Here the students plant and tend vegetables and flowering plants. Practical knowledge of the natural world is a unique aspect of the Montessori program.