Which Montessori Preschool?
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Questions about Montessori Schools
- Affordable Montessori Recommendations
- Montessori Schools in Alameda
- Berkeley Montessori vs. Montessori Family
- Culturally Diverse Montessori School
Affordable Montessori Recommendations
Jan 2013
Moving to the east bay March 1. My husband will be working in Emeryville so we were looking at Alameda, Berkeley, Albany maybe or nicer parts of Oakland. My son is currently in a primary Montessori classroom and I am an assistant in a toddler/infant Montessori school. Looking for an affordable Montessori and/or one that is hiring an assistant.
Check out Urban Montessori Charter School at http://www.urbanmontessori.org. It is tuition free and might be a great alternative for you. Maya
I've recommended Nia House on this forum before, and though it has been quite a few years since my son attended, I would still recommend them highly. When we were there the school fee was based on a sliding scale. As far as I know, it was one of the first Montessori schools in the area to be so inclusive of all levels of income. Nia House Alum
I highly recommend Montessori Family School in Berkeley (preschool) and El Cerrito (K-8). Our daughter is currently attending the preschool program and we love it! The teachers have been terrific in engaging her, and the parents and families are all so friendly and welcoming. In our search, MFS was among the more affordable private schools. They also offer financial assistance. You should check it out. Happy MFS parent
Montessori Schools in Alameda
May 2006
My son is 16 months, and I'm looking into preschools to send him part time once he is about 2 years old. I am a fan of Montessori, and am looking in Alameda. Has anyone had a good experience s/he would recommend? Tara
My 3-year-old son is about to finish his first academic year at The Child Unique and we've been very pleased with it (BPN should have reviews on it ... I think I've sumbitted one). They have a very caring staff and nice kids and parents. Children may be enrolled full or part-time with varying scheduline options available starting at age 2. I think they have a waitlist for next year. Child Unique Parent
Sept 2005
Re: Montessori Schools in Alameda
I am an Alameda parent who sent my then-pre-schooler to 2 different Montessori schools and was disappointed (to a greater or lesser extent) both times. As an educated professional, I was not concerned about my child's academic preparation for kindergarten, and believe that in preschool it is more important for children to learn social and emotional skills. I am really baffled as to why! the Montessori method is so popular. I believe that this method is only appropriate for a small percentage of children, yet it seems to be the main option available. Some of the reasons it was not right for my child include: emphasis on individual work and lack of opportunities for children to work and play together, lack of emphasis and opportunity for children to be creative and use their imaginations (they can decide which materials to use and for how long, but the materials have a ''right'' way, like a puzzle, rather than providing any opportunity for experimentation and creativity). I also did not think that the focus on academics at the expense of play and fun was appropriate, and threatened to squelch my daughter's joy in learning. I will definitely not be sending my outgoing, social, imaginative, and fun-loving second child to a Montessori school. --! not a Montessori fan
Berkeley Montessori vs. Montessori Family
Jan 2005
We are trying to decide between Berkeley Montessori and Montessori Family for our 3 yr old. We enjoyed our tours of both but they have very different characteristics. If you have experience with both, could you offer your thoughts? Also, if he stays through elementary school, I'd love to hear from parents with older children. Montessori Mom
[Editor] replies were posted to the pages for Berkeley Montessori School and Montessori Family School
Culturally Diverse Montessori School
December 2003
I am looking for a culturally diverse montessori school for my 2 year old twins. I'm looking for something in the El Cerrito, Richmond, or San Pablo area. My twins need a loving and academic environment that most day cares do not provide. We would like it to cost less than $750 per month, per child. Tamara
Recommendations received:
- Bayside Early Learning Center
- Montessori Community School (3)
- Piccoli Preschool
- Roots & Wings Montessori School
Our three-year old daughter attends My Own Montessori. We love it -- check it out.
My husband attended a fairly orthodox montessori school on the east coast until high school and did an extensive search of the East Bay’s montessori schools for our preschooler who is now 7. Far and away the most “orthodox” of the programs (& with the most montessori-trained guides) was the Renaissance International School (TRIS). I have no background with montessori education so it’s been a steep learning curve for me as a parent! The program is both dedicated and experienced, and the faculty and administration have been there for decades. I wish there were more “free play” time, but we find that after school :)
Feel free to reach out to me directly
We are very happy with Rising Sun Montessori School in Albany, an exceptional Spanish immersion institution. The sense of community fostered within is truly remarkable, with parents forging meaningful connections and friendships. We appreciate the rich diversity present, coupled with the advantage of smaller class sizes compared to other establishments.
Nia House is an excellent Montessori preschool in West Berkeley. Students can continue there through their kindergarten year. My daughter (now five) has gone there the past three years and my son will be starting in the toddler program this fall.