Montessori Preschool & Elementary in Poway, CA
About CMS · Serving Poway since 1989
About Country Montessori School in Poway
Since 1989, our nonprofit school has helped children from age 2½ through 5th grade grow into independent, confident learners on one Poway campus.
Prefer to talk first? Call (858) 673-1756
- WASC accredited
- Full member of AMS
- Nonprofit since 1989
- 5.0 ★ on Google
The quick facts
CMS at a glance
- 1989Serving Poway families as a nonprofit school
- 2½–5thOne campus from age 2½ through 5th grade
- 1:12 · 1:10Early Childhood and Elementary ratios
- 7:30–6:00Before- and after-school care, Monday–Friday
- WASC + AMSWASC accredited and a full member of AMS
- 5.0 ★On Google, in parents' own words
- ~3 acresGardens and play areas in northwest Poway
- 12+ yearsAverage teacher tenure at CMS
Why we're here
Our mission and values
Our mission
We aim to foster independent, confident and socially responsible citizens who become lifelong learners and problem-solvers.
Our values
Inclusivity, respect, equity and community. At CMS, we stand against racism, hatred and exclusion, and we actively promote diversity and belonging.
How children learn here
Our Montessori approach
Dr. Maria Montessori, one of Italy's first women physicians, opened her first Casa dei Bambini (House of Children) in Rome in 1907. Her idea was simple: children learn best in a prepared environment, with real work and the freedom to move at their own pace.
A prepared environment
Our classrooms, gardens and campus are designed with care, from furniture height to where each material sits, so children can work on their own.
Freedom within structure
Children choose purposeful work within clear routines, which builds focus, responsibility and confidence.
Hands-on materials
Montessori materials turn ideas into things children can touch and explore, building real understanding instead of memorization.
Guided by trained teachers
Montessori-credentialed teachers observe each child and present new lessons when the child is ready.
Our campus
Nearly 3 acres in northwest Poway
CMS sits on nearly 3 acres of green grounds with gardens and several play areas. Children can start in Early Childhood (preschool, pre-K and kindergarten, ages 2½–6) and continue through Lower Elementary (grades 1–3) and Upper Elementary (grades 4–5) without changing schools.
Classes run 8:30–2:30 for Early Childhood and 8:30–3:00 for Elementary, with care on campus from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Visit us
12642 Monte Vista Rd
Poway, CA 92064
Serving families from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch and Scripps Ranch in North County San Diego.
Faculty and staff
Experienced, Montessori-credentialed teachers
Credentialed lead teachers
All lead teachers are Montessori-credentialed for the programs they teach. Some teachers and classroom assistants are completing their training under an experienced teacher.
Teachers who stay
Our average teacher tenure is over 12 years, so children and families get to know the same caring adults year after year.
Always learning
All lead elementary teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree, and many of our staff continue their professional training.
Accredited, nonprofit and guided by our community
Country Montessori School is WASC accredited. In January 2025 the WASC Commission extended our accreditation for six more years. We are also a full member of the American Montessori Society (AMS).
CMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit guided by a Board of Directors made up of parents, community members and staff. The Board oversees policy, our mission and financial responsibility.
Families are part of CMS
A community of learners
Parents are partners at CMS. We help families understand Montessori and bring its ideas home.
Parent education
- Montessori Journey, a hands-on workshop that simulates a Montessori classroom
- Guest speakers on child development
- Classroom observation sessions
Family events
- Mother's Nights and Father's Nights
- Family social events led by classroom ambassadors
- School fundraisers like the Rock-A-Thon
Parent involvement
Families agree to an annual service-hours commitment (20 hours for two-parent families, 10 for one-parent families), with many ways to help that fit your schedule.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
What CMS families say
“We’ve been impressed by how thoughtfully and authentically the Montessori philosophy is implemented at CMS, and we feel very fortunate to have found such a wonderful school for our children.”
“I particularly love the practical life and ‘Grace and Courtesy’ that CMS teaches and focus on. … All the CMS staffs are warm and caring.”
“There is a strong sense of community with the other parents at the school. Community is not easy to find and often hard to build, but it is very strong at the school.”
About CMS: common questions
When was Country Montessori School founded?
CMS has served families in Poway and greater San Diego since 1989.
Is CMS a nonprofit school?
Yes. CMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit guided by a Board of Directors made up of parents, community members and staff.
Is Country Montessori School accredited?
Yes. CMS is WASC accredited and a full member of the American Montessori Society (AMS). WASC extended our accreditation for six years in January 2025.
Are the teachers Montessori-trained?
Yes. All lead teachers are Montessori-credentialed for the programs they teach, and our average teacher tenure is over 12 years.
Where is the campus?
CMS is on nearly 3 acres at 12642 Monte Vista Rd in northwest Poway, CA 92064, and serves families from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch and Scripps Ranch.
See Montessori in action
Tour during the school day to watch children at work, meet our teachers and picture your child's next stage of growth.
12642 Monte Vista Rd, Poway · (858) 673-1756