In Boerne Monthly’s March 2025 cover story, Emmy-winning journalist Jeremy Ross spotlights ExcellED Montessori’s approach to early education. The feature highlights how ExcellED’s focus on critical thinking, personalized learning, and teacher-driven care is preparing children—ages 10 weeks to 6 years—for life, not just school.
A Better Start for Young Learners
Founder Sarit Kapur explains that early education should begin with the child’s interests and strengths.
- “We’re creating our own inquiry-based curriculum,” says Kapur. “We start from what the child is good at and build reading, math, and science from there.”
- Research supports this: 90% of brain development happens before age 5. These early years are when children develop the ability to think critically, problem-solve, and become independent learners.
Melissa Zamora, Chief Operating Officer, adds that today’s preschool is tomorrow’s kindergarten:
- “It’s no longer just about reading and writing,” she says. “It’s about social-emotional skills, collaboration, and confidence.”
What Sets ExcellED Apart
ExcellED Montessori started in 2019 and now has four campuses serving around 500 students. During the pandemic, it offered virtual preschool. Today, it’s back to in-person learning with a clear mission: help children become independent, curious thinkers.
Key differences:
- Hands-on, personalized learning: Children learn through investigation, not memorization.
- Multi-method teaching: While rooted in Montessori, ExcellED blends elements of Reggio Emilia and traditional methods.
- Qualified, passionate teachers: Every educator is trained to adapt to a child’s pace, needs, and personality.
“We’re not batch-processing like the 1950s,” says Kapur. “Each child learns differently. That’s why personalization is at the heart of what we do.”
Leading with Heart
Emily Venegas, Head of School in Boerne, shares that she once planned to become a doctor. But working part-time in a Montessori school changed everything.
- “Kids are like sponges. They absorb so much. Helping them develop into thinkers—that’s what I wanted to do,” she says.
She sees the results not just in the students, but in her own children, both enrolled at ExcellED. “As a parent and a teacher, I’ve seen the growth firsthand.”
Venegas also highlights how the school supports children with challenges—academic, emotional, or behavioral—through personalized strategies. “That’s the real reward,” she says. “Helping each child thrive in their own way.”
Community and Resilience
Boerne Monthly donated this feature to honor the educators at ExcellED, particularly those at the Fair Oaks campus who experienced a tragic accident at the end of 2024.
The community responded with deep support:
- Therapy dogs, food donations, and grief counselors came from local organizations and neighbors.
- Teachers and families leaned on one another with prayer, meditation, and shared space for healing.
“It reminded us why we do this work,” says Kapur. “We’re extremely thankful for the support from San Antonio and beyond. It’s strengthened our bonds and commitment.”
