Fountainhead Montessori

Archived Q&A and Reviews

August 2010

Re: Full Time Orinda Preschools?
Our son went to Fountainhead Montessori, and we all loved it. As far as I know, it's the only f/t preschool in Orinda, but I may be wrong about that. The teachers are kind and patient, and seem to instill a real love of learning in the kids. We were only there for a year and a half (before our son went to K), but saw no turnover in administration or staff - I think may of them have been there for years. It's not cheap, though! - my only complaint. orinda mom

March 2005

How does Palmer compare with Fountainhead Montessori School in Pleasant Hill? Does anyone have experience about this school? I am also considering this school for my 4yr old this coming fall. I will appreciate any opinions. ''headache'' Mom

Amazingly, you do find a parent of a Pleasant Hill Montessori child on this list. I've been commuting in from Benicia this year and dropping my four year old son off at Fountainhead on the way. Janet Schmidt, the head teacher for the pre-K and K class, is amazing, and my son has made just incredible leaps in learning with her. Without her there, I think the school would be much less than it is, but she is fantastic. Max just drops little pieces of information about wombats and the human body and deciduous trees, and he's reading at about a second grade level. I love the way she does not condescend to the children, which is a marked contrast to many of the teachers Max's older brother had at more than one preschool as we moved from Berkeley to Benicia. If you have any questions, feel free to send me e-mail. Heather