Discover the New May Sands Montessori

There has never been a better time to become part of the May Sands Montessori family. Our school is beginning an exciting new chapter with fresh ideas, dedicated educators, and a shared commitment to helping every child thrive.

We are proud to welcome Principal Ron Walton, an educational leader with more than 18 years of experience in Exceptional Student Education (ESE), traditional classroom instruction, Title I schools, and school leadership.

Ron holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Florida Gulf Coast University, 2023) and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Florida Gulf Coast University, 2025), along with a Bachelor of Arts in English (University of South Florida). He is Quality Matters (QM) certified as Coordinator, Rubric Reviewer, and Peer Reviewer, and is CPR, First Aid, and PCM certified.

Since moving to Key West two years ago, Mr. Walton has served the Monroe County School District as a teacher and the College of the Florida Keys as an Adjunct Professor and Assistant Director of Student Distance Learning and Student Success.

Many families may also recognize Mr. Walton from local athletic events, where he proudly serves as an official umpire and referee for many youth and high school sports. He is excited to bring that same spirit of leadership, teamwork, and service to May Sands Montessori.

A School on the Rise

May Sands Montessori is building an exceptional learning community with new teachers, a committed staff, and a renewed focus on academic excellence. Together, we are creating engaging classrooms where students feel safe, supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed every day.

What makes May Sands different is the personal attention each child receives. Our small class sizes allow teachers to truly know their students, build strong relationships, and provide the individualized support children need to grow with confidence.  We recognize that every child learns in their own way, and we strive to create a learning path that fits each student’s strengths, interests, and needs.

In addition to strong core academics, students enjoy a variety of electives and enrichment opportunities that reflect our Montessori philosophy and support the whole child.  From hands on learning to creative experiences, our goal is to help children discover their talents, build independence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

This summer, our new Summer Success Academy gave students extra time and support to strengthen key skills and prepare for the next grade level. By offering focused, small‑group instruction during the summer, we are helping students make important gains so they can move forward with confidence when school begins.

What Families Can Expect

• A caring and welcoming school community
• Dedicated teachers and committed staff who believe in every child
• High academic expectations with personalized support
• Small class sizes that make individualized learning possible
• Strong partnerships between home and school
• A Montessori environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and confidence
• Electives and enrichment opportunities that help children explore new interests
• A focus on academic achievement, character, leadership, and lifelong learning

Join Our Growing School Community

We invite families, local businesses, and community partners to help us build a school that Key West can celebrate with pride. Whether you already know Mr. Walton from the classroom, the college, or the ball field, we welcome you to visit our campus, meet our amazing team, and experience the exciting things happening at May Sands Montessori.

Come tour our school, meet our dedicated educators, and discover why May Sands Montessori is a wonderful place for children to learn, grow, and succeed.

May Sands Montessori
Growing Great Minds. Inspiring Bright Futures. Building Community.