About Us | Merry Journey Montessori Plus School

Our Story

Where It All Began

Merry Journey Montessori Plus School was founded with a single, clear purpose: to create an exceptional early childhood learning environment in Accra where children from 3 months to 6 years are truly seen, respected and supported to grow.

From the very beginning, the school was designed around Montessori principles — a philosophy that trusts in the child's natural desire to learn, and in the power of a carefully prepared environment to unlock that potential. Every classroom, every material and every routine has been chosen with intention.

Located at 80 Ambassadorial Enclave in East Legon, the school has built a warm and trusted community of families who value meaningful, developmentally appropriate early education for their children.

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Our Philosophy

What We Believe About Children

Three principles shape everything we do — from how we design our spaces to how our teachers guide each child's day.

The Child is Capable

Every child carries within them an innate drive to learn, explore and develop. Our role is not to direct, but to provide the right environment and step back — trusting the child to lead their own growth.

The Environment Teaches

A prepared, ordered and beautiful environment is the third teacher. When spaces are designed for the child's size, pace and developmental stage, learning happens naturally, independently and joyfully.

Respect Above All

Respectful, loving and gentle guidance is at the heart of our approach. We believe children who feel respected develop high self-esteem, strong inner discipline and a genuine love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

The Montessori Approach

What Montessori Looks Like Here

Montessori education is not a curriculum — it is a way of seeing children. At Merry Journey, Montessori means that children choose their work, move freely within the classroom, and engage deeply with hands-on materials that teach through experience rather than instruction.

Our teachers — trained as Montessori guides — observe each child carefully to understand where they are developmentally, and introduce new activities at exactly the right moment. Learning is individualised, unhurried and deeply meaningful.

We integrate the Montessori approach with the British and Ghanaian curriculum frameworks, ensuring children are fully prepared for primary school while developing the independence, concentration and love of learning that Montessori is known for.

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Practical Life

Everyday activities — pouring, buttoning, transferring, sweeping — that build concentration, coordination, independence and care for the environment.

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Sensorial Learning

Specially designed materials that develop and refine each of the senses — colour, dimension, shape, texture, weight, sound and temperature.

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Language & Literacy

Rich vocabulary development, phonological awareness, pre-reading and pre-writing activities that build strong language foundations.

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Mathematics

Concrete Montessori materials introduce quantity, number, sequence, measurement and mathematical relationships — making abstract ideas tangible.

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Culture, Science & the World

Geography, nature, science exploration and cultural appreciation — giving children a sense of their place in a rich and interconnected world.

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Creativity & Expression

Art, music, movement and dramatic play woven throughout the day — essential to whole-child development and not an afterthought.

Mission & Vision

Our Purpose & Promise

Our Mission

To nurture every child's natural curiosity and inner potential through authentic Montessori education — delivered in a safe, loving and purposefully prepared environment where every child is seen, valued and celebrated.

Our Vision

To be East Legon's most trusted early years school — where every child leaves as a confident, independent and compassionate learner, fully prepared for the next stage of their journey.

Our Values

What We Stand For

Six core values guide every decision we make — from how we design our classrooms to how we support our families.

Respect

We treat every child as a capable, whole person — respecting their pace, choices and individuality at every moment.

Safety

A secure, caring and child-safe environment is our first responsibility — everything else grows from that foundation.

Excellence

We hold ourselves to the highest standards in Montessori teaching, child care and professional practice — always improving.

Community

Strong, open partnerships with families are central to everything we do — parents are essential members of our community.

Joy

Learning should be joyful. We create environments where children delight in discovery and come to school with a smile.

Integrity

Honest, transparent and consistent in all our dealings with families, staff and the wider community.

Child Development

Our Approach to How Children Grow

We believe development happens across every dimension of a child's being — and that our role is to nurture each dimension with equal care and intention.

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Cognitive Development

Hands-on Montessori materials develop critical thinking, problem-solving and concentration — building intellectual foundations children carry for life.

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Physical Development

Gross and fine motor skills are developed through purposeful movement, practical life activities, outdoor play and carefully chosen materials.

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Social Development

Mixed-age groupings, collaborative work and a culture of respect help children develop empathy, communication and strong social skills from an early age.

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Emotional Development

We prioritise emotional safety and regulation — helping children name and manage feelings, build confidence and develop a positive sense of self.

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Creative Development

Art, music, dramatic play and movement are woven throughout the day — not as extras, but as essential pathways to expression and imagination.

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Independence & Self-Direction

We intentionally build each child's capacity to make choices, manage their environment and develop the inner discipline that lasts a lifetime.

Lavina Jonah

Proprietress & School Leader · Since 2016

Our Leadership

Meet Our Proprietress

M.Ed. Educational Leadership · B.A. (Hons) Economics · International Montessori Diploma, MCI London

Lavina Jonah is an experienced education professional, Montessori educator, school leader and consultant with more than a decade of experience in early childhood education, school administration, educational leadership and family engagement.

As the Proprietress of Merry Journey Montessori Plus School, Lavina has led the school since 2016 — overseeing its growth, programmes, operations and the strong community of families that has formed around the school's shared values. Under her leadership, Merry Journey has developed into a trusted and respected early years school in East Legon.

Her approach to education is shaped by the Montessori belief that children learn best when they are given the freedom to explore, make meaningful choices, develop independence and work within a carefully prepared environment. She places particular emphasis on the importance of order, routine, independence, respect and purposeful learning during the early years.

Lavina also works as a Montessori Consultant, supporting schools and educators with setup, recruitment, operational planning and professional development across Ghana, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"At the heart of my work is a simple belief: when children are given the right environment, the right guidance and the freedom to develop at their own pace, they are capable of extraordinary things."

Master's in Educational Leadership & Management — University of Ghana

B.A. (Hons) Economics — Kingston University, London

International Diploma in Montessori Philosophy & Pedagogy — Montessori Centre International, London

Daycare Owner Certificate — IAP Career College

Ms. Roslyn Laryea

Head of School · Since 2018

Our Leadership

Meet Our Head of School

MA in Organizational Leadership & Governance · BSc. Administration, First Class Honours (Human Resources) · Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management

Ms. Roslyn Laryea is a passionate advocate for purposeful, child-centred education and a committed leader dedicated to creating environments where children, educators and families can thrive.

Her leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, service, relationship-building and a strong commitment to excellence. Beyond her qualifications is a leader who understands that children flourish when they are provided with the right environment, guidance, encouragement and opportunities to discover their potential.

Ms. Laryea has been part of the Merry Journey Montessori family since 2018, contributing her experience, insight and leadership to the school's development and growth. Her professional journey spans education, human resources, organisational leadership and hospitality management — a diverse combination that brings both academic rigour and service-excellence thinking to her role.

At Merry Journey Montessori, Ms. Laryea works closely with teachers, parents and other stakeholders to foster a nurturing, inclusive and purposeful learning environment — ensuring that every child receives the confidence, independence and strong foundation needed to flourish.

MA in Organizational Leadership & Governance

BSc. Administration, First Class Honours (Human Resources)

Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management

Our Environment

Spaces Designed for the Child

Our school is a carefully prepared environment — ordered, beautiful, calm and sized for children. Every detail supports independence, movement and deep learning.

Child-Sized Spaces

Furniture, shelves and materials are designed to the child's height — building independence and ownership of their environment from day one.

Order and Calm

A serene, ordered environment gives children a sense of security and reduces the time needed to settle in — school feels like a safe extension of home.

Freedom to Move

Children are free to choose their work, move around the classroom and work at their own pace. Movement is learning, not a disruption.

Safety & Wellbeing

Your Child's Safety is Our Highest Priority

Merry Journey is a safe, secure and carefully governed environment. Every policy, procedure and practice below is in place — so you can leave your child with us with complete peace of mind.

Child Safeguarding

Comprehensive safeguarding policies are in place, with all staff trained to recognise and respond to welfare concerns and protect every child at all times.

Staff Background Checks

All staff members undergo thorough background screening and vetting before joining our team. We take who we hire very seriously.

First Aid

Qualified first-aiders are on site at all times. First aid kits are fully stocked and maintained, and staff training is regularly updated.

Emergency Procedures

Clear emergency protocols cover medical, fire and security situations. All staff are trained in these procedures and drills are regularly conducted.

Security

Controlled entry and exit points ensure only authorised individuals have access to the school premises. No child leaves unsupervised.

CCTV Monitoring

CCTV cameras cover all key areas of the school to ensure ongoing monitoring and an additional layer of security for your child.

Pick-up Authorisation

Children are only released to adults listed on their authorised collection list. We verify identity when required — no exceptions.

Visitor Management

All visitors sign in, receive visitor identification and are supervised at all times on school premises. Access to children is strictly controlled.

Infant Care

Dedicated infant care protocols cover sleep positioning, feeding, nappy changes and developmental monitoring — with warm, attentive and experienced staff in every room.

Medication Procedures

A clear medication policy is in place. Written parental consent and instructions are required before any medication is administered to a child.

Allergy Management

All allergies and dietary requirements are documented and shared with relevant staff. Emergency plans and medication (e.g. epi-pens) are in place where needed.

Hygiene & Sanitation

Rigorous daily hygiene routines include regular handwashing, clean surfaces and frequent sanitisation of shared materials and equipment throughout the school.

Fire Safety

Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and clearly marked fire exits are in place throughout the school. Regular fire drills are conducted with all children and staff.

Emergency Contacts

Up-to-date emergency contact information is held for every child and is immediately accessible to staff at all times during school hours.

A school built on love, learning and deep respect for the child.