FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sarasota/Manatee/Lakewood Ranch private school named Top Montessori Academy 2026

Seeds of Life Montessori Academy featured as cover story in Education Insider magazine

SARASOTA / SOUTH MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Seeds of Life Montessori Academy, a locally owned independent school serving children ages 18 months through 12, has been named a Top Montessori Academy 2026 by Education Insider magazine and is featured as the publication’s current cover story.

The academy is at 5805 Whitfield Ave., in South Manatee County between Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton. Education Insider recognized the school for authentic Montessori practice and for including both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners.

“This honor belongs to our families and our guides,” said Maria Chaffin, founder. “We built a school where children are known, not sorted. Belonging is the work.”

Jeff Chaffin, founder and head of school, said the recognition is local as well as national. “We are a neighborhood school, not a chain. Parents from Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton should know that this kind of education is already here.”

The full cover story is at: https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/seeds-of-life-montessori-academy-2026

About Seeds of Life Montessori Academy Seeds of Life Montessori Academy is an independent private school in South Manatee County offering programs for toddlers through elementary (ages 18 months–12). Founded by Maria and Jeff Chaffin, the school emphasizes authentic Montessori education and an inclusive community for neurotypical and neurodivergent children. 

Website: www.solmontessori.org

Media contact Jeff Chaffin Founder & Head of School Seeds of Life Montessori Academy 941-404-9151 jchaffin@solmontessori.org www.solmontessori.org