We were lucky to catch up with Alejandra Tryon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alejandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The Dahlia School is a non-profit equitable Spanish Immersion Montessori school with a clear and deeply personal mission: to provide access to high-quality education and an intentionally diverse environment to students from all backgrounds. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is not just a statement—it is the foundation of everything we do.

This mission was inspired by my parents, my own journey, and my 20+ years of experience as a teacher. My parents were never able to continue their education beyond elementary school due to economic hardship. Yet they believed wholeheartedly in the power of education, and made it their life’s purpose to ensure their children had access to the opportunities they didn’t. They taught me that education can open doors, change life trajectories, and uplift entire communities.

Thanks to scholarships and sponsorships, I was able to pursue both college and Montessori training. These opportunities allowed me to grow, learn, and eventually dedicate my life to creating those same access points for others. I carry with me the understanding that when students without financial means are given the opportunity to thrive, they don’t just better themselves—they often turn around and create opportunity for others too.

In my career as an early childhood and Montessori educator, I’ve seen the inequities firsthand—both in terms of who gets access to quality education and how educators are undervalued and underpaid. When we founded The Dahlia School, we were determined to address both. It was essential for us to offer every student the same access to enriching experiences—meals, uniforms, immersive curriculum, and high-quality materials—regardless of family income. Equally important was providing a living wage, benefits, and ongoing professional support to our educators, who are at the heart of our work.

Today, we’re proud to say that Dahlia has grown into a thriving, mission-driven community. Our families come from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, brought together by a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and educational excellence. We grow and learn together—and we support one another every step of the way.

Our mission is meaningful to us because it is lived experience. It reflects not only what we believe, but who we are.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Alejandra, and I’m originally from Colombia. From a young age, I was deeply drawn to the field of education. This passion was shaped by my parents, who—despite not having access to education themselves—instilled in me a strong belief in its power to transform lives and create opportunity. I pursued a double major in Early Childhood Education and Psychology in Colombia and spent several years working in the education field, integrating both disciplines in support of children’s development.

In 2011, I moved to California and began searching for work in a field that aligned with my passion. I came across a Montessori school that was launching its very first Spanish Immersion program. I was fortunate to join as one of its first educators. It was there that I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy. I was inspired by the way it respects and empowers children as independent, capable individuals and offers practical life skills starting from the earliest years.

I pursued formal Montessori training and spent the next several leading Spanish Immersion Montessori classroom the role of the adult is essential to the success of any Montessori environment. During the pandemic, I launched a Montessori home pod, which became an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience for both the children and families involved.

Shortly after, a colleague—now my co-founder—approached me with an idea to start a school rooted in the values we both care deeply about: authentic Montessori education, Spanish immersion, equity, and diversity. Together, we founded The Dahlia School, a nonprofit Montessori school created to serve and reflect the vibrant and diverse city of San Francisco.

Now in our fourth year, I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve built. The Dahlia School is more than a place of learning—it is a community that celebrates cultural richness, nurtures equity, and equips children with the skills to become thoughtful, capable, and responsible members of society. Every child in our school—regardless of background—receives access to the same high-quality education, the same daily experiences, and the same opportunities to grow and lead.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to equity and authenticity, not only in our pedagogy but in how we build community. We believe that when children are given the tools and trust to grow independently, and when families and educators are supported and included, powerful things happen. I want people to know that The Dahlia School is a place where values live in action, where children thrive, and where community matters deeply.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation within the Montessori community was built through a consistent commitment to quality, collaboration, and integrity. As an individual, whether I was working as a teacher or consultant, I always strived to do my work with excellence and to support and collaborate meaningfully with other Montessorians. Building genuine, respectful relationships and staying grounded in the Montessori philosophy helped create a strong and trustworthy presence in the field.

As a school, The Dahlia School has developed its reputation through our clear values, thoughtful protocols, and deep partnerships with both teachers and families. We prioritize transparency, inclusion, and mutual respect in all aspects of our work. The experience that families have with us is incredibly important—when they feel heard, supported, and inspired, they naturally share those stories with others. That word-of-mouth has been instrumental in our growth.

Most importantly, our children speak for us. When people see our students out in the world—in their school uniforms, moving with confidence, kindness, and independence—it leaves a lasting impression. They are the clearest reflection of who we are and what we stand for. Their presence tells the story of a school where values, community, and purpose come to life.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The Montessori community is small, deeply committed, and beautifully interconnected—so over time, you naturally cross paths with like-minded individuals. I first met my co-founder years ago while doing some consulting work at a school where she was working. Later, we reconnected through Montessori refresher courses and professional development gatherings. During the pandemic, her children even joined the Montessori home pod I was running for a short period of time.

These overlapping experiences gave us the opportunity to observe each other’s values, work ethic, and vision for what education can and should be. Over time, it became clear that we shared a deep commitment to authentic Montessori education, equity, and community building. When she decided to take the leap and co-found a school grounded in those principles, she reached out—and I didn’t hesitate. I knew this was the kind of project that could truly make a difference, and the kind of legacy I wanted to be part of. That’s how The Dahlia School was born.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thedahliaschoolsf.org/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-tryon-9461959b/