Montessori for Toddlers: Tuition, Admissions and Reviews | Marin Private Schools

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Novato, California · Est. 1989

Our garden is a classroom, too.

We are a year-round Montessori preschool for children ages 18 months to 4 years.

Ch. 1

The Story

We strive to instill in our students a love of learning.

Terese Bradshaw is our Directress and founder. Our school was established in 1989. Terese grew up in Marin, earned a bachelor’s degree in Child Development from San Francisco State University and completed her training at Pacific Coast Montessori School in 1989. She is a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer and leads workshops for local preschool staff.

Our Head Teacher is Lori Picardi, and Connie Blake is our Assistant Teacher. Lori completed Montessori and Positive Discipline courses. Both Lori and Connie completed Infant and Child CPR and First Aid certification. We provide parent conferences and educational evenings as part of our communication with families.

Ch. 2

A School Day

Full Day children also receive an afternoon snack.

9:00

Arrival

Full Day Program: children remove shoes, put on their slippers.

10:40

Snack

Organic Snack.

10:50

Outside

Outdoor Play.

12:10

Lunch

Hot Organic Lunch.

12:45

Rest

Nap time, rest time, or individual activities for full day children.

3:30

Pickup

Departure.

Ch. 3

Programs

Our program is a year-round program.

Half Day Program

DaysParents may choose 3, 4, or 5 days per week.

Hours9 am to 12:30 pm

Class size12 students maximum

Teachers2 trained teachers

Full Day Program

Naptime for children who stay for the full day program.

DaysMonday – Thursday

Hours9 am to 3:30 pm

Class size12 students maximum

Teachers2 trained teachers

Full and Half Days

Families may choose a combination of full and half days.

HoursHalf day 9am-12:30pm; full day 9am-3:30pm (Monday-Thursday)

Class size12 students maximum

Teachers2 trained teachers

Ch. 4

The Campus

We strive to provide a beautifully prepared environment, both inside the classroom and out in the garden that is safe, orderly, nurturing and inviting.

Our outdoor surroundings include sand play, tunnels and climbing equipment, a play house and outdoor kitchen, tricycles and riding toys, and a natural grass surface for tumbling and running.

Our classroom is a rich educational setting, filled with hands-on activities.

Ch. 5

Enrichment

We tell stories and read books about children, families and leaders who may be different from us. We learn about each other, and use art as a tool in our classroom to explore creative thinking, and celebrate the beauty of all our efforts in creating our unique artwork.

Art and Cultureoutdoor yogarhythm dancediscovering insects, butterflies and hummingbirdsMusic and languageSTEM or Science DiscoveryOutdoor Exploration and Physical CoordinationFood PreparationSensorial MaterialsGrace and courtesy lessonsSand PlayTunnels and climbing equipment

Ch. 6

Values

We recognize and appreciate each child’s unique personality.

i.

Open Communication

We work closely with parents to support a healthy separation experience.

ii.

Inside & Outside

We prepare a safe, orderly and nurturing environment in the classroom and garden.

iii.

Hands on

We teach through hands-on, individualized experiences.

iv.

Recognize and appreciate the unique personality

We support each child’s desire to be independent.

Ch. 7

Admissions

We ask parents to schedule an observation and call to receive an application. Applying puts a child on our waiting list for the first available opening. Most families are notified in March for the following school year, unless applying for a mid-year opening.

i.

Age to enroll

Ages 18 months – 4 years of age. Need not be potty trained.

ii.

Application

$50.00 application fee (non-refundable). No fee for siblings.