About us
Two decades of Montessori practice,
built by a Montessori educator.
iSpark Montessori House was founded on a simple belief: that children raised with freedom, respect and the right environment will grow into independent, capable individuals — in their own time, not on a fixed schedule.
Our founder
Manisha Kanoria Lohia
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International diploma from The London Montessori Centre, nursery foundation teaching course
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Founded Vatsalya Montessori House in Chennai in 2002
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Set up Montessori departments within established schools, including Lady Andal Matriculation School
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Author, Kathak dancer and advanced yoga practitioner
Manisha Kanoria Lohia is an accountancy graduate whose passion for working with children led her away from a conventional career and into Montessori education. She trained at The London Montessori Centre before returning to Chennai, where she has spent over two decades building spaces that put the child, not the curriculum, at the centre.
In 2002, she founded Vatsalya Montessori House. In the years since, she has helped set up Montessori departments inside traditional school systems across the city, before bringing everything she had learned into a single, purpose-built space in Mylapore: iSpark.
Her approach is shaped as much by her own practice — yoga, Kathak, and years of writing for and about children — as it is by Montessori pedagogy. She describes her guiding aim simply: helping children grow into independent individuals, developed in mind, body and spirit alike.
The Achievements
While our biggest reward is seeing a child find their own way, it’s also special when others notice the heart we put into our work.
Montessori Global Award
iSpark was the recipient of the 2025 Montessori Global Award for Community Learning Initiative of the Year. This recognition celebrated our efforts to expand Montessori principles and create positive social change among communities globally.
Outstanding Preschool for Holistic Learning
In 2025, iSpark was honoured as Tamil Nadu’s Outstanding Preschool for Holistic Learning. To us, this award was a beautiful sign that more people across the country are discovering the power of the Montessori method and choosing a holistic and self-paced learning experience for their child.
Our Story
From one Montessori classroom to a house children call their own
2002
Manisha founds Vatsalya Montessori House, her first classroom, in Chennai.
2003–2020
Early childhood development work
2025
Recognised as Tamil Nadu's Outstanding Preschool for Holistic Learning.
Today
iSpark Montessori House operates from Mylapore, running Toddler, Primary and Daycare programmes for children 18 months to 6 years.
What we stand for
Three ideas behind everything we do
The child leads
A prepared environment exists so the child can choose their own work, at their own pace, rather than follow ours.
Mind, body and spirit together
Movement, nutrition and emotional security are treated as part of learning,
not separate from it.
Independence over instruction
Trained adults observe and guide rather than direct, so a child's confidence comes from their own effort.
+91 88259 70607
044-43570807
iSpark Montessori House of Children.
8/17, 8th Street, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004