Why choose us
Why choose us
Why choose us

Why choose us


From Early Childhood through Grade 8, Summit-Questa Montessori School nurtures independence and joyful learning through authentic Montessori education on a nature-rich 10-acre campus. 

What sets Summit-Questa Montessori School apart is the way it blends authentic Montessori practice with exceptional outcomes. As a leading Montessori school in Davie, students benefit from individualized learning, visible progress, and experiences that build both character and capability - from entrepreneurship and public speaking to award-winning journalism, travel, and athletics.

With academic performance consistently above national benchmarks and 95% of graduates earning acceptance to their first-choice high school, Summit-Questa Montessori School prepares children not only to succeed in school, but to thrive in the world ahead.

A journey of growth and excellence

Since its foundation, Summit-Questa Montessori School has continued to grow, strengthening its campus, academic offerings, and student opportunities. Today, it is recognized by many families as a standout Montessori school in Davie, offering a nurturing environment for children from early years through Middle School.

  • 1991
    SQMS foundation

    SQMS foundation

    Summit-Questa Montessori School was founded by Judy Dempsey as Summit Private School of Ft. Lauderdale, beginning as a Montessori preschool in a small, one-building setting. From the start, it was rooted in a child-centered approach that nurtured curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

  • 1998
    Opening of Davie campus

    Opening of Davie campus

    The move to the current 10-acre campus in Davie marked an important step in the school’s growth. Surrounded by nature and open space, the campus created more room for exploration, hands-on learning, and a daily experience that extends beyond the classroom.
  • 2008
    Facilities and athletics expansion

    Facilities and athletics expansion

    The addition of the gymnasium and pools enriched student life and expanded opportunities for movement, athletics, swimming, and whole-child development. Around this period, the school’s athletics program also began to grow more fully, helping strengthen teamwork, physical development, and school spirit.

  • 2008
    Distinguished educator recognition

    Distinguished educator recognition

    Judy Dempsey’s recognition by the accrediting organization AISF as Distinguished Educator of the Year celebrated her lasting impact on Montessori education. The honor reflected her leadership, dedication, and the vibrant learning community she helped build at Summit-Questa Montessori School.

  • 2016
    AMS affiliation

    AMS affiliation

    The school’s affiliation with the American Montessori Society reflected a deep commitment to authentic Montessori education. This connection reinforced the school’s dedication to Montessori principles and helped strengthen its educational identity.
  • 2024
    Expanded outdoor learning space

    Expanded outdoor learning space

    The completion of The Meadow created a new natural environment designed for outdoor projects and nature-based activities. This space gives students even more opportunities to learn through exploration, connect with the natural world, and extend Montessori learning beyond the classroom.
  • 2025
    Summit-Questa Montessori School joins ISP

    Summit-Questa Montessori School joins ISP

    Summit-Questa Montessori School joined ISP, giving students a global network, collaborative learning opportunities, and the skills to thrive as true global citizens.

Excellent academic outcomes

Summit-Questa Montessori School students achieve strong academic results through personalized Montessori learning that builds critical thinking, independence, and confidence. As an established independent school in Davie, SQMS prepares students to thrive in high school and beyond.

95%

of graduates gain entrance to their first-choice High School

Top 5–10%

national IOWA Test performance across grade levels

12

state and national journalism awards earned in 2025 alone

2

students named national finalists for the Aspiring Young Journalist award

99th

Percentile average rank in English Language Arts 

99th

Percentile average rank in Mathematics

99th

Percentile average rank in Core Composite

Why choose Summit-Questa Montessori School?

Top reasons our families choose to belong here.

  • Authentic Montessori curriculum

    Authentic Montessori curriculum

    From Early Childhood through Grade 8, Summit-Questa Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori curriculum in Davie with mastery-based progression, mixed-age learning, and visible progress tracking.

  • Exceptional academic outcomes

    Exceptional academic outcomes

    Summit-Questa Montessori School pairs authentic Montessori learning with outstanding results, including top national test performance and strong high school placement that reflects deep mastery and confidence.

  • Fine Arts program

    Fine Arts program

    Summit-Questa Montessori School’s Fine Arts program blends visual art and music from Early Childhood through Middle School, helping students grow in creativity, confidence, and self-expression.

  • Thriving athletics program

    Thriving athletics program

    Summit-Questa Montessori School’s athletics program builds teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit through SSAL competition, strong coaching, and championship-winning teams across multiple sports.

  • Award-winning student journalism

    Award-winning student journalism

    Summit-Questa Montessori School’s nationally recognized journalism program helps students turn curiosity into voice, earning major awards while building creativity, leadership, and real-world communication skills.

  • Future-ready skills

    Future-ready skills

    Through Montessori philosophy and Practical Life, students develop confidence and real-world skills, supported by the ISP Life Competencies Framework and Camtree at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge.

  • Diverse extracurricular opportunities

    Diverse extracurricular opportunities

    From after-school clubs and student leadership to PTO events, special traditions, and memorable field trips, we offer a connected community where students grow in confidence, friendship, and real-world experience.

  • A nature-rich campus

    A nature-rich campus

    Summit-Questa’s 10-acre campus is a true oasis, with gardens, native habitats, a wetland preserve, pools, and a gymnasium that extend Montessori learning into every corner of the school day.
  • Experienced Montessori educators

    Experienced Montessori educators

    Summit-Questa’s educators are true Montessorians - deeply trained, highly experienced, and committed to guiding each child with expertise, consistency, and strong family partnership.
  • Montessori Teacher Training Institute

    Montessori Teacher Training Institute

    Summit-Questa Montessori School is home to the Summit Montessori Teacher Training Institute, extending the school’s commitment to authentic Montessori education by helping prepare future educators through experienced leadership and a deep foundation in the Montessori Method.

  • Language-rich learning environment

    Language-rich learning environment

    At Summit-Questa, language learning grows through authentic Montessori practice, Spanish instruction, strong literacy development, and a diverse, inclusive community where children learn to communicate with confidence and cultural awareness.
  • An ISP School

    An ISP School

    Summit-Questa Montessori School is part of International Schools Partnership, offering students transformative and skill-building learning opportunities empowered by a global network.
Vision

Vision

We envision a nurturing Montessori community where children grow into confident, compassionate, and adaptable lifelong learners.

Surrounded by nature and guided by authentic Montessori principles, students develop a love of learning, a strong sense of self, and the skills to thrive in a changing world. 

Mission

To provide a nurturing environment where every child can express themselves, explore all areas of development, and experience the joy of discovery, mastery, and belonging.

Through authentic Montessori practice, specially trained teachers, and a nature-rich community, we support each child’s natural drive to learn and help them progress with confidence, independence, and purpose. 

Our core values

As a Montessori method school in Davie, Summit-Questa offers hands-on, individualized learning that builds independence, confidence and strong communication skills.

Ms Rebeca

In spring 2023, after six years of homeschooling my eldest, we chose Summit-Questa Montessori School for his transition to middle school and immediately loved its peaceful, green campus.

I was concerned about his stutter, but weeks in, he told me, “Everyone is accepted here,” which reassured me completely. The following year, we enrolled our youngest, and I returned to teaching as an Upper Elementary teacher in fall 2024 - Summit-Questa is truly a safe and welcoming community.

Ms Rebeca

Parent and teacher

Mena Zavala

Questa prepared me for high school by introducing self-discipline and trust.

It taught me that you cannot always rely on others to push you to your potential or do the work for you. You will only see results and progress as a reflection of your own work and passion. Questa taught me to strive for a better future for myself and how to achieve it, no matter my age.

Mena Zavala

Alumni, class of 2025

Ms Rebeca

Parent and teacher

Mena Zavala

Alumni, class of 2025

Ms Rebeca

Parent and teacher

Mena Zavala

Alumni, class of 2025

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