José and his wife Ester were inspired to start a Montessori school when they were looking for a school for their first child.  That was about 23 years ago.  They established their own school which has provided excellent educational services to the Astoria community and surrounding neighborhoods ever since.  Thousands of children between the ages of 2 and 6 have benefited from the Montessori method of education that focuses practical life, sensorial, mathematics, and languages.  The school offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of the parents - full- and half-day plans, after-school sessions, and transportation to and from school. The school also offers computer, French, and Spanish language classes for students aged 3 years and older.

José first consulted the SBDC in 1997 for assistance with financing and planning an addition to the school.  Construction finally began in 1999 after a lengthy process to secure the necessary financing. José returned to the SBDC in early 2000 to obtain additional financing.  He persevered through another lengthy process of negotiations. When the funding was approved, José told the SBDC that he was able to save 9 jobs and create 10 additional jobs with the expansion.