Leaders

In the laughter of young learners and the wide-eyed wonder of pre-primary students lies a world untouched by hurry, fear, and burden. Their innocence is a gentle reminder of how life is meant to be seen, with curiosity, simplicity, and joy. The foundation of lifelong learning is laid in childhood.

Hence, early education should be engaging, meaningful, and blissfully pressure-free. Putting this thought into action is Stuti Mehrotra, Founder and Director of Linden Montessori, who has dedicated nearly two decades to shaping the future of early childhood education.

Stuti began her journey in 2000 as a preschool teacher, later expanding into the corporate world as a trainer for four years, before ultimately returning to her true calling: founding her own educational venture.

Teaching has been Stuti’s lifelong passion, deeply rooted in her childhood experiences. Growing up in a joint family surrounded by educators, she was inspired early on by the world of academics. Even as a child, she would come home from school, set up makeshift classrooms with wooden boards and chalk, and “teach” her imaginary students.

Stuti believes that the foundation for lifelong learning is laid in the formative years, and young learners, with their spontaneity and presence in the moment, have always fascinated her. This passion eventually led her to discover the Montessori method, a turning point in her career.

At Linden Montessori, she brings this vision to life, creating an environment where education goes beyond textbooks to spark exploration, creativity, and a genuine love for learning in children.

What inspired you to establish Linden Montessori? What’s the vision behind the educational institution?

Necessity is the mother of invention. When I began searching for schools for my own daughter, I realized there weren’t many Montessori options available. The few that did exist were good in terms of teaching, but lacked strong infrastructure; most were operating out of homes.

I felt there needed to be a balance: a place where children not only received quality Montessori education but also had access to well-designed, child-friendly spaces, even at the preschool level.

That’s really what led to the creation of Linden Montessori. I wanted to take Montessori to the next level, building a school that combined experiential learning with practical application, not just in a creative sense but in a way that truly deepens a child’s curiosity and understanding.

Linden Montessori was born out of that vision: to provide children with both a meaningful education and an environment that fully supports it.

What key methodologies and pedagogies do you leverage to facilitate positive learning outcomes at Linden Montessori?

Being a Montessori school, we follow authentic Montessori principles with a strong focus on independence and handson exploration. We respect each child’s pace of learning, something often missing in traditional schools. In our classrooms, children have the freedom to choose from a variety of activities such as, math, language, puzzles, and reading.

Our pedagogy revolves around experiential learning. Practical life and sensorial activities are at the core, and we emphasize inquiry-based learning and problem-solving. Even at the preschool level, children do hands-on science experiments. For example, exploring friction by rolling toy cars on slopes of different heights and textures. It’s not about memorizing facts, but about sparking curiosity and developing a scientific temperament.

We also integrate Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory, so children engage with concepts in many ways through music, art, play, or craft. This ensures learning is not one-dimensional but holistic.

What are some challenges faced by young learners today? How do you overcome these roadblocks as an educator?

We are living in a world today that is both exciting and overwhelming because of the excessive exposure to technology. The biggest challenge I see for children is the decline in real-world interactions. Many parents use screens and gadgets just to keep children occupied from a very young age.

As a school, we try to bring awareness through workshops and parent orientations. I always emphasize that screen time for children, especially from birth to six years, should be kept to an absolute minimum.

This is the most crucial stage of brain development, when neurons are making rapid connections. If children spend this time in front of screens instead of engaging in hands-on activities, their attention span suffers and their overall development is hindered.

I also believe children need a strong connection with nature. The more contact they have with the earth, the healthier and stronger they become both physically and mentally.

How do you foresee the Indian early education landscape evolving? Which industry trends are you aligning Linden Montessori with to stay relevant?

We need to stay updated with the latest trends in early childhood education. I make it a point to read widely, subscribing to newsletters, following education experts on LinkedIn, and constantly learning from thought leaders.

Similarly, our decision to introduce STEM learning for senior KG children came from continuous research. Using LEGO-like blocks, children not only follow guided projects like building a giraffe or a vintage car but also design their own creations independently. These experiences spark creativity, problem-solving, and innovation at an early age.

I also attend workshops and global conferences to stay connected with international practices. I am also really looking forward to attending my first international Montessori conference in Australia this October, where I will also get a chance to tour schools there.

Looking back, which professional milestones standout in your journey? What has been your success mantra?

Initially, many were sceptical about Linden Montessori's success. But our belief in quality teaching helped us grow purely through word of mouth. Today, Linden Montessori is recognized among the Top 5 Montessori Schools in India and consistently ranks among the Top 10 Preschools in Bengaluru and Karnataka.

My success mantra is to never stop learning. I consider myself a lifelong learner, whether it’s from people, experiences, or challenges. My only benchmark is how much better we are today compared to yesterday. That perspective keeps me focused, satisfied, and stress-free.

Stuti Mehrotra, Founder & Director, Linden Montessori

Stuti Mehrotra is the Founder and Director of Linden Montessori, a leading preschool in Bengaluru that blends authentic Montessori principles with experiential, holistic learning. A passionate educator, she turned her childhood dream of teaching into reality after completing her B.Ed. and leadership training at IIM-Kolkata. In 2014, she founded Linden Montessori with just 15 children, growing it into an award-winning institution recognized for its innovative pedagogy and child-centric environment. Honored as a Woman Leader in Preschool Education 2024, Stuti continues to shape early childhood education in India with vision, dedication, and a strong belief in lifelong learning.