Seeds of Life Montessori Academy, located on Whitfield Avenue in southern Manatee County, has been recognized as a Top Montessori Academy for 2026 by Education Insider Magazine. The school and its founders were also featured in the publication’s cover story.
Founded by Maria and Jeff Chaffin, Seeds of Life serves children from 18 months through age 12, with programs ranging from Nido and Casa through lower and upper elementary. The academy focuses on Montessori education while emphasizing inclusion for children with a variety of learning styles and developmental needs.
Maria Chaffin, founder and executive director, began her education career more than 25 years ago in Venezuela, working with children with special needs and advocating for inclusive education. After moving to the United States, she entered the Montessori field and spent 17 years working in Montessori education before helping establish Seeds of Life about six years ago. Jeff Chaffin serves as founder and head of school.
The academy’s approach centers on adapting the learning environment to individual children rather than expecting every student to learn in the same way. Depending on a child’s needs, that can include quieter spaces, headphones, visual schedules or lessons divided into smaller steps while maintaining the Montessori classroom environment.
Observation also plays a central role. Teachers consider how students interact with their surroundings, approach their work, respond to challenges and develop independence when determining how best to support their learning.
According to the magazine feature, lead teachers and assistants at Seeds of Life are Montessori-trained through accredited programs recognized internationally. The school is part of the American Montessori Society and is currently an AMS verified school. It is also pursuing additional accreditation through Montessori Educational Programs International, where Maria Chaffin has been named to the board of directors.
The school’s work extends beyond its Manatee County campus. Through the sister organization Montessori Behavior, Chaffin provides training and consulting focused on Montessori education and neurodiversity. Educators from countries including Egypt, Australia and India have participated in the online training.
Seeds of Life is also considering expansion as demand grows in the Bradenton-Sarasota area. The founders are looking for a larger property or new campus that would allow the independently owned school to add classrooms while maintaining its educational model.
