East Bay Montessori
East Bay Montessori

An Authentic Montessori Education

East Bay Montessori is a non-profit school in El Cerrito providing an authentic Montessori education for children from Kindergarten Bridge (TK) to 8th Grade

East Bay Montessori

Formerly Montessori Family School

A Non-Profit School for Students Aged KB-8th Grade

Why ?

We Emphasize More than Just Academics

We focus on curiosity, independence, compassion, collaboration, and critical thinking.

...but the Academics are a Huge Strength

Our curriculum emphasizes early mastery of advanced skills through a discovery-based approach.

We're a Community

We view our relationship with you as a partnership, working together for the benefit of your child.


Cultivate a Love of Learning

Your child is a bright, capable being with an innate drive to learn. Your child is both an individual and a social being who desires a co-leadership role in their own education. We see that. We nurture that.


We observe children as they learn, make adjustments to a child’s next lesson, and move alongside them. We support students to excel and exceed beyond their imagination. We also know that learning is not linear, that children may want to return to a lesson a few times so that they truly understand rather than momentarily memorize. Montessori education is uniquely designed to support exactly that. 


Our mixed-aged classrooms don’t require that classmates be in perfect harmony with their peers; some may move quickly forward and some may seek additional lessons. We combine freedom of choice and movement, individual active learning, and mutual respect. The results are voluntary intellectual occupation and emotional balance. Our goal is to encourage a love of learning in our students of all ages.

Our Programs

We offer programs for children ages 4.5 years to 8th grade

“The first time I walked into the school, I was hooked. The classrooms were so beautiful. I’ll never look at regular school the same way. This is the way learning is supposed to be.”

- Madelaine Tayler, Parent

How to Apply

View our classrooms and learn more about Montessori education.

2. Submit an Application

After your tour you’re invited to apply for your child.

3. Join the Community!

Meet other new parents and connect with us on social media to get acquainted with our community.

The Latest from Our Blog

By Rachel Kleinman 04 Nov, 2024
From the Autumn Solstice to Día de los Muertos
By Rachel Kleinman 21 Oct, 2024
As elementary children admire heroes, Montessori uses this to inspire leadership, cooperation, and appreciation for both known and unknown heroes. 

The Dance of Governance

The Dance of Governance, Montessori Life Magazine Article

East Bay Montessori's Head of School, Alissa Stolz, recently published an article through Montessori Life magazine titled The Dance of Governance. We congratulate Alissa on this accomplishment and invite you to read the article!

Learn More

Nondiscrimination Statement

East Bay Montessori School admits students of any race, religion, color, citizenship, national or ethnic origin, sex, and gender to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. East Bay Montessori prohibits discrimination in the administration of its educational and employment policies, financial aid programs, and other school-administered programs. Feel free to contact us at info@eastbaymontessori.org

If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or schedule a tour online. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.

Free Download - Comparisons of the Montessori Philosophy to a more Traditional Education


Submit your email to receive our comparison sheet!


East Bay Montessori is a proud member of the following organizations:

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