Today we’d like to introduce you to Frisian Waller.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Frisian Waller, the Founder and CEO of Brainforest Academy, the first Montessori Microschool in the Southwest Ranches and Weston area. Although I hold a degree in Computer Science and served in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Brigade, teaching has always been my true passion. I obtained my Montessori certification at Montessori Centre International in London and had the opportunity to teach in some of the most incredible Montessori schools in London, New York City, and Seattle. I worked alongside amazing educators and learned so much not only from my peers but from the children themselves.
Building my own Montessori school has always been a dream, and for a long time, I thought it would remain just that. Becoming a parent to two children, one of whom has unique needs, shifted my perspective. It taught me that when it comes to our children’s education, we shouldn’t settle for anything less.
Like many families, my husband and I believed that if we found a strong traditional school in a great community, our children would fit in and everything would fall into place. And in many ways, we did find a good school. The teachers were kind, the resources were there, and the intentions were good.
Over time, though, it became clear that the system itself expected our children to adjust to a very specific mold. When children learned, communicated, or showed up a little differently, the responsibility to change often fell on them rather than on the environment. I began to notice how challenging it can be for even well-resourced schools to adapt to the wide range of children they serve. It made me wonder what school could feel like if understanding, curiosity, and inclusion were built into the foundation from the very beginning, rather than added later as an afterthought.
That curiosity led me to dive deeper. Always hungry for knowledge, I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Barry University. Through that experience, I gained a better understanding of the traditional education system, especially here in Florida. At the same time, it only strengthened my appreciation for the Montessori philosophy and the way it honors the whole child. Eventually, I realized that the kind of environment I was hoping to find for my children wasn’t going to come from changing an existing system. It needed to be built with intention, and Brainforest Academy grew from that realization.
Since our school’s inception, parents have come to us echoing many of the same concerns. The traditional, cookie-cutter approach to schooling simply isn’t working for many families anymore. Children learn differently, families have different needs, and one model doesn’t fit all. That’s why so many families are turning to homeschooling or exploring non-traditional education options that feel more intentional and more child-centered. We feel incredibly fortunate to share what we’ve created with like-minded families.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As one of the first Montessori microschools in the area, and one intentionally designed to be inclusive, one of our biggest challenges was the lack of a clear roadmap. There wasn’t an existing blueprint to follow, which meant navigating uncertainty while building a school that stayed true to Montessori philosophy while also meeting the real needs of families.
This challenge has been a gift to us as it allows us to intentionally shape a unique program grounded in authentic Montessori principles and best practices, instead of defaulting to one-size-fits-all solutions. We are indeed very fortunate to have this kind of freedom to grow and learn. And we’re also grateful for the guidance and support of experienced Montessorians, fellow microschool founders, and our families. Their collaboration with our school helps us continue to create a thoughtful learning environment that honors the whole child, their strengths, their needs, and their individuality.
Brainforest Academy is a living, growing school. Our responsibility is always to the children. We pause, reflect, and evolve our practices if needed so we genuinely support each child’s growth and well-being.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Brainforest Academy ?
Brainforest Academy is a Montessori Microschool for children ages 5–7, built with a lot of care, intention, and heart. Families often find us because they’re looking for something different, something that feels more thoughtful and personal, a place where their child is truly known and not expected to fit into a standardized mold.
Our work is grounded in the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician who believed deeply in observing children and trusting the way they naturally learn, ideas that are still supported by modern neuroscience and continue to guide how we approach learning every day. In our school, academics are strong but never rushed, and children are given the time to explore, repeat, make mistakes, and try again, because that process is where real understanding and confidence are built.
We intentionally keep our school small, just ten students with a certified Montessori Guide and a Montessori Assistant, because that closeness matters to us and allows us to truly know each child and build genuine relationships with families. We offer both full-time and part-time options, knowing that every family’s rhythm looks a little different and that flexibility is an important part of supporting children well.
At Brainforest Academy, strong Montessori academics are simply one part of a much larger experience, with learning often extending beyond the classroom through field trips, special visitors, hands-on projects, and meaningful community connections that help children see their learning as something alive and connected to the real world.
What we’re most proud of is the culture we’ve built, calm and respectful. Our children are challenged, supported, and cared for every day. It’s a place where it is safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow at one’s own pace.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We’ve had so many families reach out hoping we might one day welcome children as young as four, and that interest has been incredibly humbling. We’re also thoughtfully imagining what it could look like to grow alongside our students over time, eventually supporting children through age twelve, because continuity really matters to us and there’s something special about children being able to stay rooted in a place where they feel known. This kind of intentional growth has always been part of our dream for Brainforest Academy, and we’re taking each step slowly, carefully, and with a deep sense of responsibility to the children and families who place their trust in us… so yes, keep an eye on us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brainforest-academy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainforestacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564533486640
- Email: hello@brainforest-academy.com
