Every parent wants to find a school where their child feels like they belong — a place where they're encouraged to ask questions, explore their interests, build meaningful friendships, and develop the confidence to become the best version of themselves.
At Riverside Montessori Academy's South Riverside Campus, we've created a nurturing learning environment where children are empowered to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and personally. Through authentic Montessori education, caring educators, and a strong sense of community, we help children discover not only what they're capable of learning — but who they're capable of becoming.
Here, learning is more than academics. It's about building confident learners, compassionate leaders, and curious thinkers prepared to thrive in school and in life.
The Right Fit
Is Our South Riverside Campus Right for Your Child?
Every child has unique gifts, talents, and ways of learning. Some thrive when given the freedom to explore; others flourish with individualized support. Many simply need an environment where they feel safe, understood, and confident enough to take risks and grow.
Our carefully prepared Montessori environment encourages children to develop independence, responsibility, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Above all, it's a place where children are respected as individuals and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Families often find we're an excellent fit for children who…
Love learning through hands-on experiences
Benefit from individualized attention
Are naturally curious and creative
Thrive in nurturing environments
Need opportunities to build confidence and independence
Learn at a pace different from traditional classrooms
Enjoy meaningful relationships with teachers and peers
Experience the Difference
You'll Feel It the Moment You Walk Through Our Doors
The atmosphere feels welcoming.The classrooms feel calm.The children are engaged.
Instead of students passively receiving information, visitors observe children actively participating in their learning — concentrating deeply, collaborating respectfully, and taking pride in meaningful work. You'll notice teachers guiding rather than directing, and children confidently making choices, solving problems, and developing independence in ways that often surprise first-time visitors.
It's a place where children look forward to coming each day — and where parents feel confident knowing their child is thriving.
Virtual Photo Tour
Take a Peek Inside South Riverside
Explore the spaces where children learn, create, collaborate, and build confidence every day through this virtual photo tour of South Riverside.
Programs at South Riverside
Designed for Every Stage of Growth
Each stage of childhood brings unique opportunities for growth. Our programs are intentionally designed to foster confidence, independence, and a love of learning through these important developmental years.
Preschool · Ages 2–3
Independence, language, social skills, coordination, and concentration through engaging, hands-on Montessori experiences — building the confidence that comes from accomplishing things on their own.
Kindergarten & Elementary
Strong academic foundations alongside leadership, responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving — students take ownership of their learning with individualized support from experienced educators.
Summer Camp
Learning, exploring, creating, and building friendships through hands-on activities, outdoor experiences, and creative projects — keeping the joy of discovery alive all summer long.
The Growth Families Notice
Benefits That Go Far Beyond Academics
Parents often begin their Montessori journey looking for a strong educational foundation — but many tell us the greatest benefits reach into every area of life. They see children becoming more confident, more independent, more responsible, and more willing to tackle challenges on their own.
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Greater independence
Improved concentration and focus
Better communication skills
Increased responsibility at home
Stronger problem-solving abilities
Positive social interactions
Greater resilience
Increased curiosity and creativity
Excitement about learning
These outcomes don't simply prepare children for the next grade level. They help prepare children for life.
The Educators Behind the Experience
Great Schools Are Built by Great People
Our educators are passionate about helping children develop academically, emotionally, socially, and personally. More than teachers, they serve as mentors, role models, and trusted guides throughout each child's learning journey.
Because Montessori classrooms emphasize individualized learning, our teachers build meaningful relationships with students and truly understand their strengths, interests, and developmental needs.
Children feel known.Parents feel supported.Families become partners.
Dr. Amila Chandrapala
Executive Director and Owner
Read Dr. Amila’s Story[ Add a short bio here — background, Montessori philosophy, and a personal note that helps families feel connected before they visit. ]
Teacher Profiles
Meet the Educators Supporting Each Child
Our teachers create warm, prepared classroom environments where students feel seen, encouraged, and guided with care.
Mrs. Radika
Campus Director of South RiversideMrs. Radika Ratnayake is the Campus Director for the South Riverside Indiana location at Riverside Montessori Academy, where she has been a dedicated part of the school community for 33 years. She began her Montessori journey in 1987 after earning her certification through the Association Montessori Internationale and has spent more than three decades working in early childhood education. Over the years, she has played a key role in supporting the school’s growth and creating a strong, positive learning environment for students and staff. Her lasting impact on the community is evident in the many families she has served, including two generations of students who have passed through her classroom and care. She truly enjoys working with preschool children and loves helping them learn new skills while also building strong values. Her focus goes beyond academics—she works to help students become independent, kind, and responsible individuals. Her caring and supportive approach helps children grow in confidence and prepares them to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Through her dedication, experience, and genuine love for teaching, Mrs. Ratnayake has become a valued and respected member of the Riverside Montessori Academy family.
Ms. Tyra
Program DirectorMs. Tyra serves as the Program Director for both campuses and brings more than 27 years of experience working with children. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to helping young learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing and supportive environment. Her passion for education and child development is reflected in her commitment to creating positive learning experiences that inspire confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is creating meaningful experiences that help children reach their fullest potential. Ms. Tyra is committed to fostering a welcoming school community where students feel valued, families feel supported, and every child is encouraged to thrive. She also takes great pride in helping to ensure that students, families, and staff feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed each day.
Ms. Cookie
Campus Director of North RiversideMs. Cookie Amador is a dedicated educator and educational leader with 17 years of experience at Riverside Montessori Academy. She currently serves as Campus Director of the North Campus Pachappa while teaching Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Ms. Amador holds Bachelor's Degrees in Business Management and Economics, as well as Early Childhood Education, providing her with a strong foundation in both leadership and child development. Her passion for education is rooted in the belief that every child can thrive when learning is meaningful, engaging, and tailored to their individual needs. Throughout her career, Ms. Amador has been committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where students feel valued, supported, and motivated to reach their full potential. She believes that education extends beyond academics, focusing equally on character development, confidence, and social-emotional growth. By fostering strong relationships with students and families, she strives to cultivate a lifelong love of learning and help children become compassionate, responsible, and successful members of their community.
Our Community
Proudly Serving South Riverside Families
We're proud to serve families throughout South Riverside and neighboring communities seeking a more personalized and meaningful education for their children — one that develops the whole child, not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and personally.
Over the years, many families have become lifelong members of our community, building friendships and connections that extend far beyond the classroom. We're honored to be part of each family's journey and grateful for the trust they place in us.
What Families Are Saying
Words From Our Parents
The confidence our daughter has developed since joining Riverside Montessori Academy has been amazing to watch. She truly loves learning.
— South Riverside Parent
The teachers genuinely care about each child and take the time to understand who they are. We couldn't be happier with our experience.
— Riverside Montessori Parent
The moment we toured the South Riverside Campus, we knew this was where our son belonged. It felt warm, welcoming, and completely different from any school we'd visited.
— Riverside Montessori Parent
Family Stories
Hear From South Riverside Families
Watch these short video testimonials from families sharing what they have experienced as part of the Riverside Montessori Academy community.
Real stories from families can help you picture what your child’s experience could feel like here.
What Happens Next
Finding the Right School Should Feel Exciting
We've designed our admissions process to be simple, informative, and supportive every step of the way.
1
Schedule a Tour
Visit our campus and experience Montessori learning firsthand.
2
Meet Our Team
Get to know the educators who will support your child's growth.
3
Explore the Classrooms
Observe engaged learners and what makes Montessori unique.
4
Discuss Enrollment
We'll answer your questions and find the best fit for your family.
5
Join Our Community
Become part of a school dedicated to helping your child thrive.
Imagine What's Possible
Imagine Your Child Waking Up Excited to Go to School
Imagine them developing confidence in their abilities, building meaningful friendships, and discovering a genuine love of learning.
Imagine a place where your child feels known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to become their very best self. That's the experience we strive to create every day at our South Riverside Campus.