DAV Montessori & elementary school / Courtesy photo

Houston’s unique DAV Montessori & Elementary School (DAVMES) marked its 25th Jubilee this month with a sparkling celebration that honored donors, students, parents and supporters.

As an unexpected, unruly rainstorm lashed outside, impeccably dressed guests mingled indoors, gathering for an evening of reflection and cultural pride.

What is DAVMES?

The DAV Montessori & Elementary School is a private educational institution located on the campus of Arya Samaj Houston. (DAV stands for ‘Dayanand Anglo-Vedic’). Children are taught about India’s rich culture through language, music, and traditional celebrations, while also actively learning about American civic values and institutions.

“It is the only one school of its kind in the U.S.A., following an accredited curriculum and providing spiritual knowledge,” said Sanjay Jain, one of the leading volunteers with Arya Samaj Houston.

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DAVMES currently has 100 students from age 2½ through fifth grade. The staff includes Acharya ji, lead teachers, Hindi instructors, six support staff members, and two administrators—many of whom were present at the celebration.

“More than a school, DAV is a vibrant community that honors heritage while embracing innovation, fosters intellectual growth alongside strong character, and instills a lifelong love for learning,” said Arti Khanna, director of the school. Khanna became director in 2005.

After completing fifth grade, most DAV students transition to their zoned public schools or choose private or charter school options.

“Many of our alumni middle and high school students have been DECA state winners,” Khanna said. “Our school students have been state champions in the PSIA (Private Schools Interscholastic Association) competitions four years in a row.”

Beyond academics, students have earned top honors at the Houston Rodeo Art Competition, won a national cursive handwriting championship, and been featured at the annual Writers in the Schools event. They also participate in Robotics Club and practice yoga, meditation, and the study of Vedic values under Arya Samaj’s Acharya ji.

History of DAVMES

 The school was founded in 2000 by Dev Mahajan and Shekhar Agrawal, made possible through the vision, effort, and generosity of Houston’s then much smaller Indian community.

“What began as an idea rooted in hope and purpose has grown into a lasting institution that continues to shape generations of children,” Khanna said at the event.

The founders envisioned a school that would support American-born Hindu children—preparing them to move through life with confidence while thoughtfully integrating the values and experiences of both cultures.

“We started the school completely by leap of faith,” said Dev Mahajan. “However, only six students showed up in our very first class. But we had no choice except to embark on this journey…the school has been built and grown by the very close partnership of parents and the school management. Parents have been the true ambassadors of this school.”

Silver Tapestry

Titled Silver Tapestry in honor of its 25th anniversary brought together parents, teachers, shareholders, and community leaders. Held on Valentine’s Day, the evening also featured long-stemmed red roses and small gifts distributed to guests, adding a festive touch to the celebration.

Founders and longtime leaders shared the story of how the unique Montessori institution was established, the milestones achieved over the past quarter century, and their vision for the years to come.

Vikas Jhingran, whose children attended DAVMES, spoke about the school’s impact and why he chose it for his family. A senior leader at Shell Oil Company and an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard Business School, Jhingran underscored the value he believes the school offers families.

“I am humbled to get an opportunity to share some of my thoughts with the DAV community today in such an august setting…I have great respect for teachers because I feel sometimes they don't always get the credit they deserve, because they are usually in the background,” said Jhingran “I was a hesitant speaker, especially when I came to the US many decades ago, and through the guidance of coaches, mentors, role models and people who believed in my potential much more than I believed in my own potential.”

Jhingran became the 2007 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, prevailing over more than 25,000 speakers.

It was also an occasion to honor generous supporters, with four families recognized for contributions exceeding $100,000: Dev and Sushma Mahajan, Shekhar Agrawal and family, Malani family and Pallod Family.

“The future of our Hindu Sanatan Dharma is indeed in good hands,” Dev Mahajan said, referring to the two young couples in his remarks. “You are going to be the role models for our young parents.”

Director Arti Khanna presented a comprehensive three-phase plan, developed in collaboration with the PTA, outlining the school’s vision for the future.

Phase One focuses on academic excellence, including pursuing Cognia accreditation and investing in enhanced STEM and maker spaces to promote inquiry, innovation, and project-based learning. Beginning in 2026–27, students will lead initiatives such as developing a school garden and launching health and wellness projects to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.

The school also plans to expand enrichment programs in music, the arts, and athletics—reinforcing its commitment to holistic education that nurtures academic achievement, physical development, mindfulness, creativity, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking.

Phase Two centers on expanding capacity and advancing program growth. The school will refine its academic offerings, student support systems and operational infrastructure.

“Our small class sizes and personalized instruction is a key differentiator,” Khanna said. “We know and love every child.  We recognize that teacher quality is the most significant in-school factor for student success.”

Phase Three centers on a proposed middle school expansion, which Khanna said has drawn strong interest from current third- and fourth-grade families.

The expansion will involve community input and a full feasibility review, with a decision expected by October 2026 and a possible launch in Fall 2027 or 2028, depending on readiness and resources.

The long-term goal is to allow students to continue their educational journey at DAVMES during these pivotal formative years.

“This strategic growth plan is our roadmap—one that ensures the values we were founded on continue to thrive, while we move forward with purpose, care, and confidence into the future,” Khanna said. 

Discover more at New India Abroad.