At Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy (BMLA), our unwavering commitment is to provide a comprehensive and enriching educational experience, embracing the holistic development of every child. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, we prioritize the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social facets of a child’s growth.
In our nurturing and academically excellent bilingual environment, we go beyond traditional education. We recognize and celebrate the unique qualities of each child, fostering a sense of belonging and security. Our mission is to create an atmosphere where children thrive emotionally, intellectually, and linguistically.
BMLA is dedicated to cultivating a love of learning by tapping into each child’s strengths, interests, and curiosities. By seamlessly integrating both English and Spanish languages, we provide a rich tapestry for exploration, encouraging our students to engage with the world around them in a bilingual Montessori learning environment.
We take pride in our role as architects of a warm and enriching Early Childhood experience. Our approach aims not only to educate but to inspire. Through the development of an empathetic, curious, and fearless mindset, we empower our students to navigate the journey of discovery with confidence and enthusiasm.
At BMLA, our mission extends beyond the classroom, shaping individuals who embrace diversity, value lifelong learning, and contribute meaningfully to the global community. Join us on this transformative educational journey where each child’s potential is nurtured, and bilingualism blossoms in an environment of limitless possibilities.”
Our Founders
Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy: Nurturing Minds, Fostering Bilingual Excellence
Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy (BMLA) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to shaping the minds of young learners aged 3 to 7 through a unique blend of the Montessori philosophy and bilingual education. Founded in 2018 by the visionary duo, Claudia and Rosalio Medina, BMLA thrives as a non-profit early childhood program committed to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience.
Meet the Visionaries: Claudia and Rosalio Medina
At the heart of BMLA’s success are the founders, Claudia and Rosalio Medina. Claudia, a seasoned Montessori teacher and teacher trainer with over 30 years of experience in both AMI and AMS education, has left an indelible mark on the field. Hailing from Colombia and Nicaragua, the Medinas are passionate advocates for bilingual education, and their commitment shines through in every aspect of BMLA.
Claudia’s expertise extends beyond the walls of BMLA; she serves as a faculty member at Duhovka Institut in Europe and has been a Curriculum Coordinator at several Montessori schools in the Chicagoland area. With a rich background in teaching and training bilingual educators for over two decades, Claudia has successfully developed language immersion programs that transcend traditional boundaries.
Inspiration from Maria Montessori’s Legacy
The genesis of BMLA finds its roots in Maria Montessori’s profound experiences in India, where the power of language immersion was evident among refugee children. Claudia and Rosalio were inspired by Montessori’s observations of children seamlessly acquiring language in diverse environments. This inspiration, coupled with Montessori’s encouragement of language immersion in her global teacher training initiatives, became the catalyst for BMLA.
Years of Planning, Authentic Creation
BMLA wasn’t conceived overnight; it emerged after years of meticulous planning and the culmination of Claudia and Rosalio’s collective vision. The academy was born from the beauty of Spanish and English immersion experienced in Colombia, reflecting a commitment to providing an authentic bilingual Montessori learning experience.
Today, Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy stands as a testament to the Medinas’ dedication, offering a warm, nurturing environment where each child’s uniqueness is celebrated, and bilingualism flourishes. Join us on a journey of exploration, curiosity, and fearless learning at BMLA, where education transcends boundaries and opens doors to a world of limitless possibilities.
