A legacy of learning.
A new chapter at Roots.
Our story began in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex in 2000. Today, Roots Prep School brings that educational experience to a new chapter in Irving.
Built on Experience. Designed for the Future.
The story of Roots Prep School began in 2000, when Lata Nathani founded Montesschool at Hillcrest in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex with a vision to provide exceptional early childhood education that respects each child’s individuality, natural curiosity, and unique pace of learning.
Building on this foundation, Coppell Creek Montessori was established in 2007, followed by Firewheel Montessori Academy in 2010. In 2015, following the opening of the fourth school in Irving, all four schools were unified under the name Ivy Montessori Academy.
In 2026, the Irving location was rebranded as Roots Prep School, marking a new chapter in more than 25 years of educational experience.
Under the leadership of Lata Nathani, Head of Schools and Co-Owner, who brings more than 35 years of early childhood education experience, Roots introduced its distinctive Roots 360° Curriculum.
Independently Owned. Professionally Led.
Roots Prep School combines the high standards of a professionally managed educational institution with the flexibility of independent ownership. Our leadership remains actively involved in curriculum development, teacher training, family engagement, quality assurance, and daily operations.
This independence allows us to make educational decisions based on children’s individual needs rather than a standardized, one-size-fits-all corporate curriculum.
After more than 25 years of serving Dallas–Fort Worth families, our commitment remains unchanged: build on proven educational principles, embrace meaningful innovation, respect each child’s individual journey, and continually evolve to prepare children for the future.
The people behind the school
Lata Nathani
Lata Nathani, Head of Schools and Co-Owner, brings more than 35 years of early childhood education experience to Roots Prep School. She has led four Montessori schools across the Dallas–Fort Worth area and has spent her career strengthening Montessori education through the thoughtful integration of complementary learning approaches.
At Roots Prep, Lata has developed the Roots 360° Curriculum, combining Montessori principles, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines within one intentionally designed program.
The result is a balanced approach that combines Montessori’s focus on independence and purposeful learning, EYFS’s whole-child developmental framework across seven areas of learning, and Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines that build foundations for future TEKS-aligned learning.
Under Lata’s leadership, Roots Prep offers children a learning experience that is structured yet flexible, academically purposeful yet developmentally appropriate, and designed to support confident, curious, capable learners.
Three educational foundations. One comprehensive approach.
Roots 360° Curriculum
Beyond Montessori. A More Complete Foundation for Learning.
The Roots 360° Curriculum combines Montessori principles, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines, building foundational skills for future learning aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Montessori
Independence & Exploration
Children build independence through purposeful, hands-on exploration. A prepared environment, guided choice, and time to concentrate encourage curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking.
- Child-led discovery
- Practical life and sensorial learning
- Independence through purposeful work
EYFS
Whole-Child Development
The Early Years Foundation Stage supports the whole child across seven connected areas of learning. Communication, creativity, relationships, and physical development grow alongside early literacy and mathematics.
- Communication and relationships
- Creative, social, and emotional growth
- Seven connected areas of learning
Texas Readiness
Pre-K Guidelines → TEKS
The Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines guide age-appropriate early learning and build foundations for future TEKS-aligned learning. Our goal is a confident transition into Independent School District (ISD) programs and life beyond the classroom.
- Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
- Foundations for future TEKS-aligned learning
- Confidence for the transition to school
Select a foundation to see how it supports your child.
Independence, curiosity, creativity, confidence, communication, and critical thinking—supported together.
Explore Roots 360° in practice →What you can count on
A few things that distinguish a family-run school from a managed one.
5 Days a Week
We're open Monday through Friday, every week of the year. No exceptions, no surprises.
7:00am to 6:00pm
Monday through Friday, all year. We understand working parent schedules. Extended hours aren't an add-on — they're the baseline.
Valley Ranch, Irving TX
2750 Ranch Trail, Irving TX 75063. Easy access off 635/LBJ and MacArthur Blvd — serving Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, and surrounding DFW communities.
CCR Licensed Since 2000
Child Care Regulation licensed from the day we opened. Not acquired later. Not grandfathered in. We've met state standards for 25 years running.
Not a Franchise
There's no regional manager, no corporate curriculum kit. The owners make the decisions. When something goes wrong, you talk to the people accountable for it.
Daily Updates
Infant Care families get daily updates — photos, notes, feeding and sleep times. You always know what your child's day looked like.
Come see it for yourself
A 30-minute tour will answer every question on this page and a dozen you haven't thought of yet. Tours are free, low-pressure, and run by the people who own and teach here.