Now enrolling · Preschool–5th grade
Montessori Preschool & Elementary School in Poway
Authentic Montessori for children age 2½ through 5th grade, with experienced teachers, real Montessori materials and a community that partners with parents.
Prefer to talk first? Call (858) 673-1756 · Mon–Fri 7:30–6:00
- WASC accredited
- Full member of AMS
- Nonprofit since 1989
- 5.0 ★ on Google
Why families choose Country Montessori
Authentic Montessori
AMS-credentialed teachers, mixed-age classrooms and real Montessori materials.
Whole-child focus
Social-emotional skills, leadership and independence, built every day.
Rooted in Poway
Serving families from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Del Sur and Scripps Ranch and north county for more than 35 years.
Our programs
Preschool through 5th grade on one Poway campus
Ages 2½–6
Preschool & Kindergarten
A warm Early Childhood classroom where children build independence, focus and confidence through hands-on work.
Explore Early Childhood →
Grades 1–3
Lower Elementary
Long work periods, small-group lessons, plus Spanish, music, art and P.E.
Explore Lower Elementary →
Grades 4–5
Upper Elementary
Leadership, research projects and advanced academics that prepare students for middle school.
Explore Upper Elementary →
Preschool–5th grade
Summer Camp
Seven weeks of themed camps with hands-on activities, creativity and outdoor fun.
See a sample schedule →Before- and after-school care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
What CMS families say
“As a parent you overthink many decisions for your child, but enrolling ours in CMS is easily the best decision my wife and I have ever made. … Most importantly, my kid loves this school and is thriving.”
“From the start, the teachers and staff made our daughter feel at home, and even the older kids would greet her by name.”
“Some of the other schools in the area are fine but once you see CMS it's clear that it is head and shoulders above the rest.”
See it for yourself
Watch Montessori in action
See how our teachers inspire curious, confident learners, and how our students give back to the Poway community.
Teaching with Purpose: Why Montessori inspires our teachers
Community service at CMS (KUSI)
One apple at a time: Feeding San Diego
CMS teacher Wendy West honored by SDCCU
Accredited, trusted and nonprofit since 1989
Country Montessori School is WASC accredited. In January 2025 the WASC Commission extended our accreditation for six more years after our self-study and on-site visit. We are also a full member of the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Our classrooms are prepared environments where each child learns at their own pace. Learn about our Montessori approach →
Questions parents ask
What ages does Country Montessori School serve?
Children from age 2½ through 5th grade. Early Childhood (preschool and kindergarten) serves ages 2½ to 6, Lower Elementary is grades 1–3 and Upper Elementary is grades 4–5.
What are the school hours?
Early Childhood classes run 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Elementary classes run 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Before- and after-school care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Is Country Montessori School accredited?
Yes. CMS is WASC accredited and is a full member of the American Montessori Society. WASC extended our accreditation for six years in January 2025.
How much is tuition?
Current tuition, fees, payment plans and financial assistance are listed on our Tuition & Admissions page.
How do I schedule a tour?
Book a tour online or call (858) 673-1756. Tours are the best way to see our classrooms in action and ask questions.
Visit our Poway campus
Families come to CMS from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Sabre Springs and Scripps Ranch.
- Address
- 12642 Monte Vista Rd
Poway, CA 92064 - Hours
- Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Phone
- (858) 673-1756
See a classroom in action
Meet our teachers, walk through the classrooms and get your questions answered.
For CMS families
CMS Rock-A-Thon
The Rock-A-Thon raises money for our school. CMS families can register online.
Thank you to our Walk-A-Thon sponsors
Platinum sponsors
Gold sponsors
Silver sponsors
Support CMS
Country Montessori School is a nonprofit. Every gift directly supports our students and classrooms.
Become a Montessori teacher
Interested in teaching? Learn about Montessori teacher training at the Montessori Center for Teacher Education.