Our Founder

A Message from the Founder

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Heritage House School.

When Heritage House was established in 1998, it began with a simple but powerful vision—to create a school where children are not only taught, but truly nurtured… a place where each child is seen, valued, and guided to become the very best version of themselves.

Today, that vision has grown into a vibrant learning community serving children from 3 months to 13 years, providing a strong foundation from Crèche through Primary and into Basic 9.

Our Heart and Commitment

At Heritage House, we believe that every child carries within them unique potential—talents, abilities, and possibilities waiting to be discovered and developed.

Our role is not just to educate, but to:

  • Create a safe, joyful, and stimulating environment
  • Inspire a genuine love for learning
  • Build confidence, discipline, and character
  • Prepare each child for the next stage of life with excellence

This is why our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared, our class sizes are intentionally small, and our educators are deeply committed to the success of every child.

 

Our Guiding Philosophy

Everything we do is anchored on one enduring principle:

Aspire. Inspire. Achieve Excellence.

We teach our children to aspire beyond limitations,
we create an environment that continually inspires growth and curiosity,
and we guide them to achieve excellence—not just academically, but in character and purpose.

Our People Make the Difference

The strength of Heritage House lies in our dedicated team of educators and support staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that every child experiences success daily.

Their commitment, passion, and attention to each child make it possible for us to maintain the high standards we are known for.

A Partnership with Families

We believe that education is most effective when there is a strong partnership between the school and the home.

We welcome you warmly into our community and invite you to experience firsthand the environment we have created for your children.

An Open Invitation

Our doors are always open.

We encourage you to visit, connect with us, and see what makes Heritage House truly special.

We will be delighted to welcome you and your family.

Warm regards,
Founder & Director

Meet the Founder

Debola Atoyebi

Founder & Director,
Heritage House Schools
MACTE Award-Winning Montessori Teacher Educator

Debola Atoyebi is a highly respected Montessori educator, teacher trainer, and educational leader with over 25 years of experience in early childhood and foundational education.

She is the Founder of Heritage House Schools and the Heritage House Montessori Centre (HHMC)—a MACTE-accredited teacher training institution recognized for raising competent Montessori educators across Nigeria and beyond.

Her work has consistently been driven by a deep passion for child development, excellence in education, and raising future leaders through intentional, values-based learning.

Professional Recognition & Impact

  • Recipient of the prestigious “Wisdom of the Elders” Award by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), USA (2023)
  • Pioneer of the first MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher education programmes in Nigeria
  • Trainer and mentor to hundreds of Montessori educators and school leaders
  • Recognized voice in early childhood education and values-based learning

Educational Leadership

Through Heritage House Schools, Debola Atoyebi has built a learning environment that:

  • Combines Montessori principles with strong academic structure
  • Emphasizes character formation, independence, and leadership
  • Supports children from infancy through early adolescence (3 months – 13 years)
  • Maintains a reputation for excellence, discipline, and holistic development

Philosophy & Approach

Debola believes that education must go beyond academics to shape the whole child.

Her approach is anchored on the conviction that:

  • Every child is unique and capable
  • Learning should be intentional, engaging, and child-centered
  • Strong values and character are as important as academic success
  • The environment plays a critical role in shaping behaviour and learning

This philosophy is reflected in the culture and outcomes of Heritage House School.

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to her work in education, Debola Atoyebi is:

  • A mentor and coach to women and emerging leaders
  • Founder of the Hadassah Women Ministry, incorporating Chosen Vessels Empowerment Foundation, focused on impacting the lives of women intentionally through lifestyle mentoring
  • Founder of Hadassah Alliance Cooperative Multipurpose Society, focused on empowering women through wealth creation and leadership

Her work across education, leadership, and community development reflects her commitment to raising individuals who will lead, influence, and transform society.

A Personal Note

“At the heart of everything I do is a deep desire to see children thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. I believe that when we get the early years right, we set the foundation for a lifetime of success.”