San Anselmo Montessori School: Tuition, Admissions and Reviews | Marin Private Schools

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San Anselmo Montessori School

San Anselmo, California · Est. 1971

Seeds in the garden, independence in the classroom

A Montessori preschool, TK and Pre-K program in San Anselmo for children three and older, taught by Montessori certified teachers with a low student/teacher ratio.

Ch. 1

The Story

San Anselmo Montessori School is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in children and providing a solid foundation for future learning. Consistent with Montessori philosophy, children have the freedom to progress at their own pace, explore their world, make discoveries, and draw their own conclusions with the gentle guidance of a highly qualified Montessori credentialed staff. Children gain knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills that enable them to offer a positive contribution to their community.

San Anselmo Montessori School (SAMS) extends a warm invitation to families to join a thriving and supportive community. With a focus on fostering a sense of belonging, SAMS offers a range of events and opportunities to connect parents, teachers, and students throughout the school year.

Ch. 2

A School Day

The school's schedule provides a structured and balanced routine for the Morning Primary Program and TK Program, allowing children to engage in various activities, both indoors and outdoors, while also providing time for socialization and group activities.

8:00

Arrival

Early Care lets children arrive earlier and ease into the school day in a calm and quiet environment.

9:00

Outside

Students have the chance to spend time outdoors, engaging in physical activities, playing, and enjoying the fresh air.

11:45

Lunch

The children eat lunch together at tables in the classroom or outside, followed by outdoor play.

11:45

Pickup

The designated time for parents to pick up their children from SAMS.

1:00

Extended care

In the Afternoon Program, the children spend time cooking, doing movement and music, and art and science.

Ch. 3

Programs

SAMS Morning Primary Program, TK Program, and the optional programs are structured and intentional. They are based on the Montessori philosophy and there are ground rules, expectations and purpose built into each program; they are not daycare or play based.

Morning Primary Program

Class is a mixed age class, 3-6 years olds all together in one class.

Ages3 years

Days5 days: Monday to Friday; 4 days: Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday; 3 days: Tuesday to Thursday

Hours9:00 to 11:45

TK Program

The SAMS TK Program is specifically geared toward the developmental needs and strengths of the four year old child.

Ages4 years

Days5 days: Monday to Friday; 4 days: Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday

Hours9 to 11:45

Pre-Kindergarten

At SAMS, the Pre-Kindergarten year marks the beginning of what Maria Montessori called the "explosion into learning."

Ages5 years

DaysMonday to Friday

Hours9:00 to 2:30

Ch. 4

The Campus

San Anselmo Montessori School (SAMS) is located in beautiful Marin County.

The school's facilities include a dynamic, well-maintained classroom environment; scenic outdoor play area with a large play structure, swings and more; children's garden classroom; and a greenhouse classroom.

Ch. 5

Enrichment

During Early Care, children have the opportunity to engage in various activities that promote creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. These activities not only provide enjoyment but also help develop fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social interaction.

CookingMovement and musicArtScienceWater playImaginary playSolving puzzles

Ch. 6

Admissions

San Anselmo Montessori School does not run on rolling admissions. Admission is for the summer/fall for the following school year.

Jan 18

Application due

i.

Tours

Tours are for parents or guardians of children who meet the age requirements for enrollment for the summer/fall of the following school year. During the tour, families meet the Head of School, see the SAMS facilities, and observe the children working in the classroom and garden. Tours are for adults only.

ii.

Age to enroll

The school focuses on children who are three years old or older.

iii.

Application

Families whose child meets the eligibility requirements found under each program fill out a New Student Inquiry. Applications and instructions for videos are distributed at the end of the tour with a due date. A $150 non-refundable application fee is required with the child's application.

Ch. 7

Tuition

Tuition 2026-27

Pre-Kindergarten$23,750 per year

Morning Primary and TK, 5 mornings$20,650 per year

Morning Primary and TK, 4 mornings$18,780 per year

Morning Primary and TK, 3 mornings$18,000 per year

Fees

Application fee, non-refundable$150 once

Optional Lunch Program, 11:45, pick up 12:40 to 1pm$20 per day

Early Care Program, 8:00 to 8:30$16 per day

Afternoon Program, includes lunch$16 per hour

Tuition is payable annually, semi-annually or monthly.

Families with more than one child enrolled at SAMS are eligible for a 10% discount that is applied to the youngest child’s tuition. The older sibling’s tuition is not discounted. No other discounts apply.

Fundraising is essential for the SAMS program. Each family is responsible for purchasing $200 of tickets to the Spring Fundraiser, as well as attending the event.