Ancestors' Seeds Montessori School
Greetings!
Thank you for your interest in Ancestors' Seeds Montessori School. We are delighted for you to learn more!
Our Mission
At Ancestors' Seeds, we are committed to providing a nurturing and empowering educational environment that fosters cultural pride, academic excellence, and holistic development. Our dedicated teachers work to cultivate independent thinkers, confident learners, and compassionate community members who celebrate their culture while embracing global citizenship.
Our Vision
We believe in creating a transformative educational ecosystem where families, educators, and community members collaboratively shape an empowering learning environment. Our goal is to ensure every child has access to high-quality, culturally responsive education that honors their culture and unleashes their full potential.
Program Overview
Intimate Learning Community
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Mixed-age classroom fostering peer mentorship and community
Culturally responsive curriculum celebrating Black culture
Educational Philosophy
Integration of proven Montessori principles with cultural excellence
Holistic approach to child development honoring mind, body, and spirit
Environmental stewardship through hands-on learning
Elder wisdom keeper enriching daily experiences
Jameela Calloway
Greetings!
The children call me Bibi Jameela. I am a certified primary (3-6 years old) Montessori teacher, experienced doula, and farmer passionate about creating nurturing, child-centered learning environments.
I believe in the transformative power of education and dedicate myself to helping families and children thrive by fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
As the lead teacher and Montessori consultant for Ancestors Seeds, I chose to join this learning pod because it aligned with my mission to honor the cultural and familial heritage of each child while incorporating Montessori principles. I transformed the space from a small learning pod into a fully functional, enriching classroom where children can grow academically, emotionally, and socially.
This role allows me to combine my love for hands-on learning, sustainability, and community building. I’m passionate about empowering children to connect with themselves, their roots, and the world around them, cultivating confident, compassionate, and capable individuals for the future.
I offer Montessori consulting for homeschooling parents, educational institutions and micro schools. I also offer doula services.
You can find more about my work at https://www.ourmontessoripath.com/
and you can reach out to me at [email protected]
Marie Ghyslaine Rochelin
I'm delighted to join the Ancestors' Seeds learning community! I bring a unique combination of Montessori expertise, multicultural experience, and creative storytelling that I'm excited to share with your children.
For over two decades, I owned and directed a thriving 150-student Montessori elementary school in Haiti, where I developed a deep understanding of child development and authentic Montessori implementation. I've completed comprehensive Montessori training across all age levels (3-6, 6-9, and 9-12), which allows me to support each child's individual learning journey within our culturally responsive environment.
As someone fluent in French and Haitian Creole, with Spanish proficiency, I'm passionate about enriching our global citizenship approach while supporting families from diverse linguistic backgrounds. My recent experience with Atlanta International School's multilingual afterschool programs has shown me how to make language learning engaging and joyful for young children.
What I'm especially excited to bring to our community is my love of storytelling as a published children's author. My books "The Coconut Tree" and "Curious Little Hurricane" reflect my belief that stories help children connect to their heritage while sparking imagination and learning. I look forward to contributing to our elder wisdom keeper traditions and cultural narrative integration.
My background as a professional interpreter and my work with international organizations like UNICEF has given me a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills that I believe will support our inclusive, community-centered approach to education.
I can't wait to share my warmth, wisdom, and wonderful ways of making learning come alive through multiple languages and rich cultural connections with your beautiful children!
Daily Learning Rhythm
8:30-11:30 AM - Arrival & Work Cycle
Children self-select from culturally integrated Montessori materials. Morning greetings in multiple languages establish community connection while independent work cycles honor individual learning pace.
11:30 AM-12:30 PM - Nature Exploration & Open Play Outdoor
Discovery time connecting environmental science with traditional ecological knowledge. Free play supports social development and physical wellness.
12:40-1:15 PM - Lunch & Community Meal Time Featuring garden-to-table experiences. Children practice practical life skills while sharing food traditions from diverse cultural backgrounds.
1:20-1:30 PM - Clean Up & Bathroom Collaborative responsibility fostering independence and community care. Children develop practical life skills through meaningful daily tasks.
1:30-2:30 PM - Quiet Time Individualized Rest Period Accommodating diverse needs through napping, quiet work, or small group lessons. Teachers provide targeted instruction honoring learning differences.
2:30-2:45 PM - Bathroom Break Transition time Supporting self-care and independence development.
2:45-3:30 PM - Community Meal Time Connecting with peers eating a communal meal that was prepared by one another. After meal time, children practice cleaning up and engage in conversation , play, and story time.
