FOUNDER & HEAD OF SCHOOL — PRIME MONTESSORI ACADEMY
A Legacy of Scholarship, Humanity, and Distinction
An editorial profile of Osato Ojofeitimi
Osato Ojofeitimi Founder & Head of School, Prime Montessori Academy
Across six continents and more than two decades of distinguished practice, Osato Ojofeitimi has shaped an educational legacy defined by scholarship, artistry, and the quiet strength of purpose. Her work lives at the intersection of science and childhood — a place where intellectual rigor meets the poetry of Montessori philosophy
A scholar of both chemistry and human development, Osato brings the rare ability to unite analytical precision with profound empathy. Her life’s work is devoted to nurturing children who think deeply, act gracefully, and step into the world with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.
“At Prime, we honor the individuality of every child — guiding them with purpose, grace, and a belief in their boundless potential.”
- Osato Ojofeitimi
The Foundation of Excellence
Osato’s academic journey began in the sciences — where disciplined observation, order, and inquiry shaped the architecture of her thinking. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, then pursued advanced graduate study across two scientific disciplines, completing a Master’s in Environmental Chemistry and a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry (GPA 3.9).
Together, these dual scientific master’s degrees formed a foundation of precision, methodological discipline, and exceptional intellectual rigor.
Guided by a desire to unite intellect with purpose, Osato expanded her studies into the field of Montessori education. She earned the prestigious Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) Primary Montessori Diploma and a Master’s in Primary Montessori Education from the Washington Montessori Institute and Loyola University Maryland (GPA 3.7).
Her mastery deepened with the A.M.I. Elementary Montessori Diploma and a Master’s in Elementary Montessori Education from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in Arizona and Loyola University Maryland (GPA 3.8). These credentials complete the full arc of authentic Montessori training across both the foundational and elementary planes of development.
Today, Osato’s rare dual grounding in scientific precision and Montessori pedagogical mastery informs an approach to education that is deeply analytical yet profoundly human, refined yet soulful — a philosophy that affirms her belief that true education must harmonize intellect, empathy, and purpose.
“To teach with mastery is to balance science with soul — precision with purpose.”
— Osato Ojofeitimi
Professional Mastery — From Science to Soulful Education
For over 27 years, Osato Ojofeitimi has shaped education across Nigeria, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Maryland — serving as a teacher, mentor, coach, and academic leader. Her work bridges the empirical rigor of science with the emotional intelligence of Montessori philosophy — creating a union of mind and heart at the center of every classroom she leads.
From teaching Chemistry at Miami Dade College to guiding young minds in both public and private Montessori schools — including the only public Montessori school in Baltimore City and a public Montessori school in Washington, D.C. — Osato’s influence has been global, scholarly, and deeply human.
Celebrated for her exceptional Montessori instructional mastery, she earned the distinction of “Highly Effective,” achieving a 95% instructional composite score, the highest tier of educator performance. She also holds the Maryland State Child Care Credential Level 6, the state’s pinnacle of professional recognition, awarded to educators whose leadership and practice demonstrate refined expertise and a transformative impact on child outcomes.
At the intersection of science and soul, Osato continues to redefine education itself — with precision, purpose, and profound care.
“Excellence in education begins when intellect meets empathy — and both serve the child.”
— Osato Ojofeitimi
Leadership Rooted in Vision
As Founder and Head of School at Prime Montessori Academy, Osato leads with a presence marked by warmth, mastery, and quiet distinction. Each classroom is intentionally curated for focus, beauty, wellness, and independence—a living expression of Montessori’s vision, refined through a modern, elevated lens.
Her leadership philosophy transcends traditional management; it is mentorship in motion—a cultivated balance of intellect, intuition, and grace.
Parents often describe her as “a teacher who sees the child beyond the lesson.” Under her guidance, Prime graduates consistently excel in gifted, honors, and advanced programs, carrying forward the timeless values of curiosity, character, and purpose that define The Prime Standard.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’’ — Dr. Maria Montessori
This enduring truth reflects Osato’s presence at Prime—intentional, refined, and quietly powerful. Her influence is felt in the independence, confidence, and calm strength of every child she nurtures.
Philosophy of Guidance
“We must support as much as possible the child’s desire for activity; not wait on him, but educate him to be independent… The teacher must be ready to help, but never the obstacle between the child and his experience.” — Dr. Maria Montessori
Guided by Montessori’s timeless principle that “the teacher must be ready to help, but never the obstacle,” Osato believes that the true measure of an educator lies not in instruction, but in preparation — in crafting an environment so intentional and peaceful that every child discovers their potential naturally.
At Prime Montessori Academy, her approach reflects a refined harmony of intellect and intuition. Each classroom becomes a living expression of calm precision and joyful discovery — where freedom and responsibility coexist, and learning unfolds with beauty, clarity, and grace.
For Osato, education is an act of trust — a belief that within every child lives an unshakable drive toward growth, purpose, and self-mastery. The role of the educator, then, is not to lead from the front, but to illuminate the path quietly from beside.
A Global Lens on Education and Culture
Osato’s perspective continues to be shaped by the world she explores. Having journeyed across six continents — from the historic cities of Europe and Africa to the vibrant cultures of Asia, Oceania, and the Americas — she carries with her a reverence for cultural diversity and a global literacy that infuses every aspect of her work.
Each encounter, whether in distant communities or close to home, reinforces her belief that education is more than knowledge; it is preparation for meaningful contribution in an interconnected world.
At Prime Montessori Academy, this worldview breathes life into each classroom, cultivating an environment where children learn to think globally, act graciously, and lead with humanity.
The Person Behind the Purpose
An avid reader, researcher, and creative, Osato finds joy in literature, design, travel, cinema, cultural exploration, and the quiet rhythm of reflective thought. Her personal pursuits mirror her educational philosophy — a harmony of discipline, wonder, intellect, and artistry.
She resides in North Potomac, Maryland, with her family. Her three sons — all Montessori-educated — embody her conviction that an education rooted in independence and love awakens the whole child.
For Osato, leadership and life follow the same compass: grace, intellect, and a devotion to human potential.
A Legacy Continued
At Prime Montessori Academy, Osato Ojofeitimi continues to lead with quiet strength, refined vision, and unwavering purpose. Her life’s work affirms a simple truth:
Under her stewardship, Prime stands as a sanctuary where excellence and humanity coexist — a place where each child is seen, known, and guided toward the fullest expression of their promise.
Her legacy is one of refinement, devotion, and enduring purpose — rooted in the belief that true education elevates both intellect and spirit.
“Here, learning is not rushed; it is refined. Growth is not demanded; it is discovered.”
— Osato Ojofeitimi