Thank you for your interest in Adams International School (AIS). The search for the best possible environment for a child's education can be a parent's greatest challenge. As a mother of twelve children, believe me, I understand that challenge. While exploring the possibilities for their children, parents sometimes find it difficult to articulate the exact qualities that would make a school an ideal fit for their child. Some can best describe what they hope to find as the opposite of what they experienced in their own education, or the opposite of what their child has already experienced at another institution. The essence of what they are seeking, however, can often be found in this simple statement: “We cannot make a genius. We can only give to each individual the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities.”
Maria Montessori wrote these words over a century ago. Her philosophy, which is rooted in education's duty to honor, challenge and inspire each unique child, is at the heart of why I founded Adams International School. I envisioned a place where academic rigor was a natural outgrowth of a child's genuine joy and enthusiasm; where respect for the environment was lived, not just taught; and where world cultures could be experienced through art, study, and play. AIS is all that I imagined and more. Here children and their families enter into a dynamic learning community, a safe haven for exploration, discovery and expression where students have access to world-class learning materials and facilities in an idyllic, farm-like setting. I welcome the opportunity to discuss our school's philosophy and practice with you and to determine if AIS might be the place where your child's education can flourish.
In the meantime, let me offer you a few brief glimpses of the AIS campus. Just outside our classroom door, the vegetable garden is lovingly tended by two children, one explaining the specifics of decay and regrowth to the other, both utterly focused on the wonder of what is in front of them. In a sunlit corner of the classroom, a child is thoughtfully considering her mathematics work, immersed in a project of surprising difficulty and sophistication, working for the sheer pleasure of the endeavor. And crossing the footbridge, a group of four children alternate between skipping and running -- the oldest occasionally slowing his pace to let the younger ones catch up -- their voices ringing with delight as they approach the door of the school's library.
At AIS, we know that moments like these sow the seeds of lifelong learning. I invite you to visit us, to spend time observing our day, and to see education as it grows naturally, moment by moment.
Most sincerely,
Tamra Adams, Director
FACULTY
Tamra Adams, Director/Middle School Lead Teacher
Tamra Adams founded Adams International School in 2009. She holds an undergraduate degree in Early Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Education. Prior to founding AIS, she taught public school in rural North Carolina, and later home schooled a number of her 12 children. Eight of the Adams children have graduated from or currently attend Virginia Governor Schools.
Based on her years of experience, Tamra is committed to individual interest-based learning fueled by the child's natural curiosity and desire to "do." She believes that genuine education teaches children how to think, not what to think. These are the founding principles of Adams International School.
Monique Taylor, Primary and Elementary Teacher/Guide
Montessori has been in Monique's entire life,as her mother was also a Montessori teacher. She was born in Amsterdam and lived in Brazil for many years. After studying in the Netherlands and graduating from Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia with an Association Montessori Internationale Primary diploma, Monique taught at Montessori schools. After teaching in the primary level for many years, she took an active role on an administration level. Four years ago, Monique received her Montessori Elementary training at the North American Montessori Center. She has enjoyed the elementary level and continues to learn alongside the children! Monique enjoys gardening and traveling. She cherishes spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren. Monique and her husband, Buzz, live in Henrico.
Emma Elder, Primary and Elementary Teacher/Guide
Emma has been around children and working with children for most of her life. She grew up in a large family and has been a nanny, among other child-centered roles since she was 12. Emma was homeschooled and helped homeschool her siblings which is where she developed her passion for teaching. Emma taught cooking classes in many Richmond City Public Schools. Later, she taught ages infant through 5 for Primrose Schools. After that, she made the decision to join AIS in 2022 as an assistant teacher. Emma received her Montessori Primary Teaching Diploma in 2023 from the North American Montessori Center and is excited for what is to come in her Montessori journey. She loves spending time outdoors, with family and her many nieces and nephews, and enjoys traveling. Emma resides in Goochland, where she recently moved to be closer to her AIS family.
Chitra Ravindran, Math and Science Teacher
Chitra holds a degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Madras in India and a Computer Science Application certification form the University of Delaware. Chitra has been in the education field for the last sixteen years, while beginning her second year at Adams International School. She is very passionate and has an aptitude for teaching. She enjoys listening to classical music and playing tennis. Chitra resides in the West End of Henrico with her husband and two daughters.
Andrea Barbuscia, Montessori Guide and Spanish Teacher
Andrea is an enthusiastic and motivated professional with 15+ years of experience teaching at the primary school level, especially with underprivileged children. She has an above-average capacity to understand the students' physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and ethical abilities. One of her most outstanding strengths is organizing school events to provide the students with unique learning experiences and integrate their families into school life.
She is originally from Argentina, where she received her elementary school teacher college degree. She was a full-time teacher in the public school system for many years, where she learned to support her students' development according to their families' specific circumstances.
She came to the United States in 2015 to accompany his husband, who finished his doctoral degree in Disaster Sciences at the University of Delaware. Her daughter Luana is 8 years old, fully bilingual, and an avid swimmer. She is also a great singer.
Chloe Fortin, Music Teacher
Chloe Fortin is excited to begin piano lessons at Adams International School this August! Residing in Richmond for well over a decade, Chloe has a degree in music education from Virginia Commonwealth University combined with over eight years of classroom music teaching and over fifteen years of piano lesson experience. She currently is teaching piano and voice lessons at her in-home studio, Bravura Music Studio. Chloe was recently President (‘21-‘23) of Richmond Music Teachers Association
(RMTA) and is currently enjoying her role with this wonderful organization as Past-President and co-chair of several RMTA student events this year. When she is not busy with her studio or RMTA, she is working on vocal repertoire, singing in a local choir, planning for her next global adventure, or spending time with her two beloved black cats, Aze and Schmitty.
Emma Lindsey, Student Ambassador
Emma Lindsey is a current student at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, and a graduate of Adams International School. She attended AIS for eleven years starting at age three, which allowed her to experience the full scope of a successful Montessori education. The experience of being at AIS for such a long period of time allowed Emma to become passionate about learning and teaching subjects related to humanities and literature, and develop practical skills beyond simple academic subjects. As a result of both her AIS education and personal interests, Emma loves to read, watch films, and listen to all types of music in her free time.
Miriam Johnson, Primary Assistant
In 2014, Miriam Johnson moved from Belize, C.A., to the U.S. to pursue a career in nursing. Effective communication initially challenged Miriam, who spoke predominantly Creole (Caribbean English) and Spanish. As she learned to navigate American culture, she immersed herself in the language and adapted to a new culture.
As a nurse in private practice, Miriam enjoyed serving the community. She valued the connections she made with patients, but after the birth of her daughter, she felt compelled to redirect her career to make a more significant impact on the lives of children.
After recognizing her calling to teach in a Montessori learning environment, Miriam embarked on a new professional development journey. She earned an AMS-certified Montessori Early Childhood teacher certification and gained practical experience through a two-year internship at a Virginia Montessori school. This experience paved the way for her to join Adams International School in 2024, where she continues to grow and learn in an international Montessori setting.
During Miriam's formative years in Belize, she learned that education is a great privilege. She now feels privileged to serve as a Montessori teacher and pass on her passion for learning to the children in her care.
Ariel Carter, Assistant to the Director
Ariel Carter has worked with children in and out of school for over ten years. She enjoys helping children through their developmental years by encouraging positive thinking and hands-on learning. Before joining our program, Ariel honed her skills in the restaurant industry. This experience equipped her with a deep sense of patience and understanding and the ability to be efficient and logical. These transferable skills will undoubtedly benefit our program. Throughout her career, Ariel has realized a passion for being present in the moments that matter most to people of all ages, particularly children's core moments and memories. She is delighted to join the staff at Adam's International School.