Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Seijas.
Hi Maria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My First Academy of Alpharetta is a family-owned and operated school founded in 2008 by Maria
and Otto Seijas.
It came from the result of the vision of an educator (Maria Seijas) who believes passionately in the
significance of an early education, and her older brother (Otto Seijas), who is the financial investor
and who promoted Maria to make her dream come true.
My First Academy of Alpharetta is an educational center that creates a community in which children
work cooperatively in a social atmosphere of freedom, founded on respect. In our community, we
allow children the freedom to develop their own personality and individuality. Children are the most
important part of our small community; therefore, they can make important decisions that will help
them develop a sense of responsibility, motivation, and self-discipline.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey with My First Academy has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t been easy. One of our biggest challenges has been navigating constant changes in regulations, staffing, and daily operations while still maintaining the high standards we expect for our children and families. Building a strong, consistent team in early education is especially challenging, and there were times when we had to rebuild, retrain, and adapt quickly.
We also faced the financial and logistical pressures that come with improving a school—everything from playground updates to curriculum investments to meeting state requirements. Balancing quality, compliance, and affordability is not simple.
But every challenge pushed us to grow. Those obstacles made us more organized, more resilient, and more committed to creating the warm, safe, and enriching environment that My First Academy is known for today
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My First Academy is a Montessori-inspired, Spanish-immersion preschool located in Alpharetta. We serve children from infancy through pre-K, and our mission is to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. We combine Montessori principles with hands-on, bilingual education so that every child grows not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and culturally.
We specialize in providing individualized attention, a structured environment, and an authentic family atmosphere. Families often tell us that what sets us apart is the warmth they feel the moment they walk through our doors. Our teachers know every child personally, and we focus on building relationships—not just running classrooms. We also pride ourselves on communication, transparency, and really partnering with parents, which is something that not every school prioritizes.
What truly makes My First Academy unique is the blend of culture, language, and Montessori philosophy. Children learn Spanish naturally throughout the day, develop independence through practical life skills, and grow in confidence through purposeful play. We believe children thrive when they feel connected, understood, and respected—and that is at the heart of everything we do.
Brand-wise, we are proud of the reputation we’ve built through love, consistency, and hard work. Our families trust us, and that trust means everything. We’ve grown almost entirely through word-of-mouth, which speaks to the experience we create for both children and parents.
What I want readers to know is that My First Academy is more than a school—it’s a community. We’re committed to providing high-quality early education, supportive teachers, and a warm environment where every child can flourish. Whether a family is looking for bilingual learning, Montessori structure, or simply a safe and loving place for their child, MFA is a home away from home.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A few key books and resources have had a big impact on both my personal life and my work at My First Academy. Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman has been essential in helping me understand people, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy—skills that are so important when working with children, families, and staff. I also love Montessori From the Start by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard; it’s a foundational book that aligns closely with our philosophy at the school and reminds me of the beauty of fostering independence from an early age.
Another favorite is The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Even though it’s not an education book, it has shaped how I understand relationships, connection, and how people express and receive care—something that translates directly into my work with families. And of course, Atomic Habits by James Clear has helped me build structure, discipline, and consistency in both my personal life and my businesses.
For podcasts, I love listening to anything by Mel Robbins. Her practical, motivating approach helps me stay focused, confident, and intentional in my daily routines.
Pricing:
- All day Infants: newborns to 21 months $1,386
- All day Toddlers: 24 months to 35 months $1,328
- All day Primary 3-6 year old $1,276
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mfamontessori.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfirstacademya/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/My-First-Academy-100063563891508/
