For Sara Madle, education is more than a career. It is a lifelong calling. With 37 years in Montessori education, Sara brings both deep experience and heartfelt purpose to her work at Alegria Montessori School, the bilingual immersion school she founded in South St. Petersburg in 2008.

Sara graduated from American University with a major in Spanish and Latin American Studies.  She then began her Montessori journey with training from Chaminade University in Hawaii, received her Master's from USF, and later earned her EdS degree from Barry University. She is a proud mother of three accomplished children, Sophie, Kiana, and Austin, and a grandmother to two young granddaughters in the Washington, D.C. area.  Her family-centered perspective is reflected in the nurturing environment she has built at Alegria.

Alegria Montessori School was created from Sara’s vision of a school that embraces both academic excellence and global awareness. She always dreamed of opening a bilingual immersion school that would promote cultural understanding and respect for others. At Alegria, children are encouraged to explore the world around them and learn about different cultures and ways of life. This approach prepares them not only for school, but for life.

Alegria serves children from age one through eighth grade, offering traditional Montessori education with mixed-age classrooms beginning at ages 3 through 6. The school provides Spanish immersion with native Spanish speakers, along with strong programs in art and individualized learning tailored to each child’s needs. Students are guided toward independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning through hands-on exploration.

What truly sets Alegria apart is its commitment to honoring each child’s individuality. The Montessori philosophy is practiced authentically, allowing students to progress at their own pace while learning to collaborate, problem-solve, and take responsibility for their work. Cultural awareness is woven into daily life at the school, helping children grow into thoughtful and empathetic members of the community.

Alegria also maintains strong ties to the local community. ESL students visit to learn about Montessori philosophy while engaging with elementary classrooms, and Alegria’s elementary students volunteer their time at Boyd Hill, reinforcing the importance of service and stewardship.

Despite facing major challenges after hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, which destroyed the school’s main campus, Alegria has shown remarkable resilience. In January 2025, the school reunited at its upper campus location, bringing all age groups back together under one roof. Sara and her team are now focused on rebuilding and growing back to their pre-hurricane size, energized by the opportunity to move forward together.

This summer, Alegria Montessori School is offering engaging Elementary Summer Camps for rising fourth through eighth graders, designed to blend learning with creativity and discovery:

June 8 through 12 from 9:00 to 3:00: Anatomy and Physiology
June 15 through 26 from 9:00 to 3:00: Little Women, Reading and Plays
July 6 through 10 from 9:00 to 3:00: Learn About Ancient Rome and Latin

Families consistently describe Alegria as more than a school. It is a community. One parent shared that Alegria fosters a lifelong love of learning and instills confidence and compassion that lasts well beyond the classroom. Another family praised the balance of academic rigor, kindness, and joy that shapes children into capable and thoughtful individuals. Former students echo the same sentiment, crediting Alegria for teaching them independence, emotional awareness, and how to truly be part of a caring community.

Through every chapter of growth, challenge, and renewal, Alegria Montessori School remains rooted in its mission to nurture kind, capable, and curious learners who are ready to engage with the world.