Montessori de Terra LindaSan Rafael, California · Est. 1970
We are an AMI Montessori school in San Rafael for children ages 2 through 6th grade, where each child stays in the same classroom for a three-year cycle.
Rooted in empathy and purpose, we nurture kind, confident learners who develop independence within a deeply connected community.
Our teachers and staff are known for their dedication, experience, and passion for Montessori education. Many of our teachers have been a part of our community for at least a decade, some several decades over. The longevity of our staff furthers our strong sense of community and provides consistency to our students and their families.
Montessori education prepares students for life. Our Elementary program, for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years (1st-6th grade), sparks the imagination, engages students in divergent thinking, and inspires life-long learners.
Our Pre-Primary program is for children between the ages of 2 to 3 years and can best be encapsulated by the phrase, "Help me do it myself."
During the Primary years, a love of learning is nurtured, foundational academic skills are formed, and confidence blooms.
Starting in Lower Elementary, students make planned and impromptu trips to the Marin County Free Library at the Civic Center.
The Head Teacher presents lessons, a child might give a presentation, small groups collaborate, and individuals can pursue their academic interests independently.
7:30
Before the bell
For students in Primary and Elementary, we offer child care from 7:30am to the start of classes.
8:20
Classes begin
The Head Teacher opens the day with a class meeting for announcements, reminders, and directions for special activities occurring that day.
11:30
Lunch
Students choose between enjoying lunch inside or at picnic tables in the Upper Elementary garden.
3:15
After school
Aftercare allows students the chance to unwind as well as participate in games, crafting, cooking, and gross motor activities.
Our Montessori classrooms are hands on, self paced, joyful, and collaborative. In Primary and Elementary, children remain in the same classroom for a three-year cycle, which is an integral component of an authentic Montessori school.
Our Spanish curriculum is informed by California’s World Language Standards. Children engage in small-group lessons, cultural projects, songs, and conversational practice that build skills naturally and meaningfully.
We screen all students in the fall using evidence-based assessment tools. Students who are identified through assessment and observation for needing extra support, or who have existing evaluations, are added to small support groups led by Wendy or literacy specialist Patti Lutke.
Our campus is nestled in the hills in Terra Linda, where we take full advantage of our beautiful surroundings.
Our school utilizes the Terra Linda Recreation Center field and playground daily.
Our Natural Playscape is an intentionally designed outdoor space for exploration, movement, and open-ended play.
The space includes sand, water, a mud kitchen, climbing areas, and gardens.
Each classroom has a designated garden bed for growing flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
Located behind the main campus, our school community garden serves as a living outdoor classroom.
We have two elementary gardens, where students plant, tend and harvest produce.
The Upper Elementary garden serves as an outdoor extension of the classrooms.
Elementary students may utilize the Cedar Art Room during “open studio”.
Enrichment programs are integrated into the daily experience in the Primary and Elementary program levels at Montessori de Terra Linda.
Our Open Studio space is open five mornings a week for student-led exploration.
Tuition 2026-27
Fees
Tuition may be paid annually or through a 10-month payment plan. A 10% Enrollment Fee/Deposit is due upon enrollment. The remaining balance is divided into nine equal installments, due on the 15th of each month from April 15, 2026 through December 15, 2026. A 3% discount is offered for families who pay annually.
Tuition Assistance Awards are available for children beginning in the Primary program (age 3). We do not offer TA for the Pre-Primary program. In the 2025-26 school year, approximately 38 awards representing 26% of our students were granted, ranging from 28% to 91% of tuition.
The MdTL Annual Fund is our once-a-school-year voluntary donation program. Our goal is to achieve 100% family participation, so we ask each family to make a donation that is meaningful to them, knowing that we are grateful for all contributions.
We’d love to welcome you to Montessori de Terra Linda.
Jan 30
Financial aid due
Mar 11
Decisions
Families interested in applying for the 2027–2028 school year may register to Visit MdTL on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between October and January. Visits are intentionally small and personal. Visits are for adults only and are approximately 45–60 minutes.
Children must be 2 years old to attend MdTL's Pre-Primary Program. Students who will turn 2 between September 1 and October 31 are welcome to apply. If offered admission, however, they may not begin school until their second birthday.
Families submit the application through a Finalsite Enrollment account, pay the $100 application fee, and complete the admissions checklist. Elementary applicants are asked to include a teacher evaluation, school records, and a child visit to MdTL.
Each year our 6th year students travel to New York City to participate in the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN).
As part of our Literacy Without Limits 2.0 initiative, we’re taking a structured and proactive approach to literacy instruction and support across all age levels.
