Discover the
magic of learning
the Montessori Way
Learn, grow, discover & explore in a supportive and nurturing environment at Oak Park Montessori School.
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The Montessori Core Principle
The Montessori method is a child-centered educational approach developed by the Italian physician Maria Montessori, based on the belief that children learn best through self-directed, hands-on experiences at their own pace in a supportive, “prepared environment.” In this model, the adult acts as a facilitator rather than a traditional instructor, and children are. encouraged to explore materials and collaborate with peers in mixed-age classrooms.
Montessori differs from traditional preschool by focusing on child-led, self-paced learning with hands-on materials that foster independence, while traditional preschool uses a teacher-directed, group-focused curriculum with standardized activities that emphasize structured lessons and play. Montessori teachers act as guides, observing and supporting children, whereas traditional teachers lead instruction. Montessori classrooms feature “work” (purposeful tasks) instead of just “play,” often within mixed-age groups.
Oak Park Montessori is a nonprofit Montessori community dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of learning in children through independence, curiosity, and respect. Rooted in the authentic Montessori philosophy, our classrooms are carefully prepared environments where children learn at their own pace, guided by certified Montessori educators who honor each child’s unique developmental journey. We emphasize hands-on learning, social-emotional growth, and academic excellence, helping students build confidence, concentration, and a strong sense of responsibility to themselves and others. Located in Oak Park, California, Oak Park Montessori partners closely with families to create a warm, inclusive school culture that supports the whole child. We invite you to discover how our Montessori programs foster joyful learning and meaningful growth—schedule a tour today and experience firsthand how Oak Park Montessori can be the foundation for your child’s bright future.
Find A Program That Fits Your Needs
Montessori Nido Program
Montessori Nido Program
(Ages 2 months to 2 years)
Oak Park Montessori School offers a warm, nurturing Montessori approach to early childhood education for infants and toddlers ages 2 months to 2 years, honoring this critical stage of growth and development.
Nido is Italian for “nest,” is a Montessori environment designed for infants (typically 6 weeks to 18-24 months) that acts as a secure, calm, and nurturing bridge between home and school. It focuses on fostering early independence, motor skills, and curiosity through materials rather than containing equipment like swings or walkers.
Key Features of a Nido Environment:
* Prepared Space: The classroom is designed for maximum safety and freedom of movement, featuring low, accessible shelving and floor beds rather than cribs.
*Focus on development: Exploration of motor skills, language acquisition, and cognitive development.
*Individualized care: Nido programs follow each child’s unique, natural schedule for sleeping and eating, fostering trust and security.
*Natural atmosphere: Rooms are designed to be aesthetic and serene, avoiding loud, plastic, battery-operated toys.
*Independence: Children are encouraged to feed themselves to build confidence.
The goal of the Nido is to respect the infant’s rapid development, allowing them to gain self-confidence and independence within a peaceful, nest-like environment.
Montessori Lower Elementary
Montessori Lower Elementary
(Ages 2-3 years)
Oak Park Montessori School’s early childhood program for children ages 2 to 3 nurtures independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning during the most formative years of development. Guided by authentic Montessori principles, children learn in thoughtfully prepared classrooms that encourage hands-on exploration, self-directed activity, and purposeful work.
Our trained Montessori educators support each child’s individual pace while fostering concentration, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional growth. Through practical life activities, sensorial materials, early language development, and foundational math experiences, children build both academic readiness and real-world skills.
Oak Park Montessori provides a calm, respectful environment where children ages 2 to 6 develop confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Montessori Approach
* Learning: Child-directed; children choose activities (called “work”) that interest them.
*Teacher Role: A guide or facilitator who observes and supports individual discovery
*Environment: Prepared, hands-on, sensory-rich materials for self-correction, with freedom to move.
*Pace: Individualized; children learn at their own speed
*Classroom: Mixed-age groups (e.g., 3-6 years) that foster peer teaching and nurturing.
Montessori Foundation
Montessori Foundation Education (Ages 3-6 years)
Oak Park Montessori School’s Foundation for Education program bridges early childhood and elementary education by combining the proven Montessori approach with the structure and readiness skills children need for kindergarten success.
Designed for children who are developmentally ready for a more advanced learning experience, our program emphasizes independence, critical thinking, and a strong academic foundation in a calm, supportive environment. Through hands-on Montessori materials, children strengthen early literacy, mathematics, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills while developing confidence and responsibility. Our certified Montessori educators guide students at their individual pace, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and a love of learning.
Oak Park Montessori’s Foundation for Education program prepares children academically, socially, and emotionally for a smooth and successful transition into kindergarten and beyond.
History
Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator. She was the first woman to earn a medical degree at the University of Rome, Italy, in 1896. Born in 1870, she developed her method of educating children over a 40-year period of working with and directly observing children.
The Montessori concept of education allows children to experience the joy of learning at an early age. Turning Point Montessori is committed to providing a loving, safe, and secure environment in which the unfolding of your child’s potential can be nurtured. Each child’s efforts are encouraged and appreciated, allowing intellectual, moral, creative, and social growth to flourish.
These are activities that satisfy the child’s tendency to imitate and develop coordination of movement, independence, self-confidence, self-care, self-awareness, the social skills of grace and courtesy, awareness of and care for the environment (indoors and outdoors), problem-solving, concentration, attention, order, and positive attitudes towards learning.
We love our staff and
we think you will too
Meet our dedicated educators specializing in Montessori methods for early childhood development
Mary Gossett
Director
Miss Arlene
Program Educator
Miss Boom
Program EducAtor
Miss Rachael
Nido Program
What parents are saying…
We are so grateful for our experience at Oak Park Montessori. This was the best decision we could have made for our child, and the positive changes have been amazing to witness. She has truly embraced learning with a newfound curiosity and passion. In addition to her early reading and writing skills, we’ve seen her become a much more confident and independent little person. A huge thank you to all the caring and dedicated teachers and staff at Oak Park Montessori for their kindness and commitment to every student.
My son (4) has thrived since starting here. It is not a conventional “Play Based” school. Many people seem to think preschool is just fun and play, Montessori is NOT that way, which is why most Montessori kids get to TK more academically advanced. At a young age, their minds are sponges, so we wanted to take advantage.
My son is very active but extremely intelligent. “Play-based” schools would have him climbing a fence and escaping because he is not academically challenged. His teachers and Ms. Mary have been phenomenal. My son started not potty trained, but he was potty trained within a week!
He knows all upper and lower case letters. He writes three-letter words. He even reads “sight word” books to his sister (who starts in the Fall). We are thankful to be a part of the OP Montessori Family.Oak Park Montessori School’s sign greets its students and families with this quote, which so well summarizes our experience there. We have two children, 5 and 2 years old, who have attended over the past 8 months, and have thrived. The consistent, strong, kind, and loving guidance provided by the leadership there has helped our children to sleep well, demonstrate more independence, improve emotional regulation, patience, persistence, and responsibility, among many other important life skills. The moment my child looked at me wide-eyed during our school tour, there was no turning back. I knew that, combined with the structure, routine, and firm, but kind leadership, made this school the right choice for us. The friends and memories we have made reach far beyond our expectations, and we will be forever grateful for the time we have spent as a part of the Oak Park Montessori School family. Hopefully, however doubtfully, this recommendation has effectively conveyed my sincere gratitude towards Ms. Mary, the teachers, and the administration for their unwavering love, dedication, and commitment to preparing our children, and their friends not only for school, but for life. We love you!
Our family has been with Oak Park Montessori (OPM) since 2021 when our children were 2 and 4 years old, and both have now graduated from TK at OPM. Over the past three years, we have witnessed significant growth in our children’s academic capabilities and social maturity. We find that our children are ALWAYS advanced in comparison to other children we encounter on playdates and in sports activities.
Some of the highlights we found are the various holiday activities that allow parents to come on campus and participate in learning and celebrate with their child. We love that they learned the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner, all the continents and oceans well before they were 5 years old, while also learning Spanish and getting exposure to multiple languages. We love that OPM provides our children with the freedom to advance at their own pace while being challenged to try more. We truly appreciate that our children are in a safe environment where we know every child is genuinely cared for and nurtured–not just watched over and taught.
Most importantly, we are thankful for the character development our children have undergone during their time at OPM. Ms. Mary and the OPM staff are most intentional in instilling attributes of kindness, mindfulness, self-control, and discipline. Our children are not only performing at a higher grade level academically, they have gained a sense of independence and are well rounded socially as world citizens.
Through the years we appreciated that the concerns we brought to Ms. Mary were addressed and improved. We were also happy to have the BRIGHTWHEEL App option added as a resource for communication and payment. We are forever grateful for everything OPM has poured into our kids and highly recommend them as an excellent preschool for your family.My daughter has been attending Oak Park Montessori for several years, and we’ve been very happy with her experience. She has grown so much both academically and socially, and she’s learned a wide variety of things.
The school provides free meals every day, which is such a help for families. They also host wonderful events throughout the year, including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations, a Christmas party that bring every family together.
We love seeing her come home with all kinds of writing and artwork from class, as well as plants and vegetables she’s helped grow in their garden. It’s clear the teachers put a lot of care and thought into creating a nurturing, engaging environment for the children.
I’m grateful for everything Oak Park Montessori has done for my daughter and our family.