25 years in Irving.
Still family-owned.
Roots Prep School started in 2000 with one idea: children learn better when adults don't rush them. That idea still runs everything we do.
Built on Experience. Designed for the Future.
In 2000, what would become Roots Prep School was founded in the Dallas Metroplex with a clear purpose: to create an early childhood program that never compromises on how young children learn, never relies on a one-size-fits-all corporate curriculum, and remains deeply committed to educational quality.
Twenty-five years later, that commitment continues under the educational leadership of Lata Nathani, Head of Schools and Co-Owner. With more than 35 years of experience in early childhood education, Lata has helped shape a distinctive learning model that thoughtfully brings together Montessori principles, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)—three complementary approaches rarely integrated within a single early childhood program.
Roots Prep School is independently owned and professionally led, giving our leadership the freedom to make educational decisions based on the needs of children rather than the requirements of a national franchise system. Our leadership team remains closely involved in curriculum development, teacher training, family engagement, quality assurance, and day-to-day school operations.
This structure gives Roots the best of both worlds: the consistency, systems, and high standards families expect from a professionally managed school, combined with the flexibility to continually strengthen our program based on educational research, classroom experience, and the evolving needs of our students.
At Roots, teachers are supported by a clear and consistent academic philosophy, families have access to experienced educational leadership, and decisions affecting children are guided by leaders who understand the school, its community, and its educational mission.
After more than 25 years in early childhood education in the Dallas–Fort Worth community, our philosophy remains simple: build on what has proven to work, embrace what improves learning, 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 a distinctive educational model that brings together Montessori principles, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) 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 the academic readiness reflected in Texas standards.
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 frameworks.
One school.
No other school in Irving does this.
Most schools pick one curriculum approach and call it done. We built a program around three frameworks that complement each other — because no single approach covers everything a young child needs.
This wasn't an accident. Lata spent decades in Montessori education before introducing EYFS to DFW schools. TEKS alignment ensures nothing is left out when children transition to Texas public school kindergarten.
Self-directed, uninterrupted work time. Hands-on materials. Child-led pace. The Montessori Cycle each preschool morning is the foundation everything else builds on.
Early Years Foundation Stage covers all 7 areas of early learning from birth to age 5. A UK-origin framework Lata has used in DFW Montessori schools for 10+ years.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Every child leaving our preschool program is aligned to Texas kindergarten readiness standards — no gap when they transition.
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.
6:30am to 6:30pm
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 45-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.