Dr. Maria Montessori believed children learn best in a “prepared environment.” In our classrooms, students enjoy freedom within structure, use hands-on materials, and move at their own pace under the guidance of Montessori-trained teachers.
Montessori Preschool & Elementary in Poway, CA
About Country Montessori School
Country Montessori School (CMS) has served families in Poway and greater San Diego since 1989, offering Montessori education from Preschool (ages 2.5–6) through Elementary (grades 1–5). We are committed to nurturing independent, confident learners who thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Maria Montessori
The Montessori education system originated in 1907 with the Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori:
- Born to a well-respected family, Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was expected to grow up to fulfill the traditional role of the Italian woman. Instead, she pursued an advanced degree at the University of Rome and became the first woman physician to graduate in Italy.
- Her interests drew her to work with children, initially those who were disadvantaged and had special needs. Dr. Montessori’s Casa dei Bambini (House of Children) was a radical departure from traditional schools of the time and gained immediate worldwide recognition for the Montessori system.
Our Montessori Philosophy
The Prepared Environment
Our classrooms, outdoor gardens, and campus facilities are intentionally designed. Every detail – from furniture height to material placement is carefully chosen to support children’s autonomy, respect, and independence.
Country Montessori School has been serving the Montessori community since 1989.
Our Mission
We aim to foster independent, confident, and socially responsible citizens who become lifelong learners and problem-solvers.
Our values include: inclusivity, respect, equity, and community. At CMS, we stand against racism, hatred, and exclusion, and actively promote diversity and belonging.
Who We Serve & Our Campus
CMS is located on nearly 3 acres of lush grounds in northwest Poway, with serene gardens and multiple play areas. We serve children ages 2.6 to 11 in our Early Childhood (Preschool/Kindergarten) and Elementary (grades 1–5) programs.
Parents and community members are woven into our ecosystem – from volunteering and parent education workshops to community events.
Governance & Community
CMS operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, guided by a Board of Directors comprised of parents, community members, and staff. The Board oversees policy, mission alignment, and fiscal responsibility.
As part of our commitment to community, we encourage parent education: Montessori workshops, speaker series, classroom observations, and social events—all fostering collaboration among students, teachers, and families.
Our Faculty & Staff
Our teachers are Montessori-credentialed, with many pursuing further training. The average tenure is over 12 years, demonstrating stability and dedication. Staff retention and professional development are foundational to our school culture.
Montessori Teaching Credentials
Teachers receive their Montessori teaching credentials from a Montessori Accredited Center of Teaching Education organization such as AMS (American Montessori Society) or AMI (American Montessori Internationale).
Montessori teachers study a rigorous curriculum of child development and Montessori philosophy. AMS Montessori credentialing requires a 9-month practicum and a series of written and oral exams. A Montessori-credentialed teacher is trained to recognize a child’s readiness according to age, ability, and interest in a specific lesson and is prepared to guide individual progress.
All lead teachers at Country Montessori School are Montessori-credentialed for their teaching programs. Some of our teachers and Classroom Assistants are in training and completing their practicum under the guidance of an experienced teacher. All elementary teachers must have a minimum college education of a Bachelor’s degree.
Our Community
Parent Education
We believe parent participation is vital to the success of the children’s education.
At Country Montessori School, we strive to create a program empowering parents to understand the basics of Montessori philosophy. In true tradition, we work with parents to integrate Montessori practices at home and in parenting.
Country Montessori School provides many opportunities for parent education. Some examples include:
- Montessori Journey, an innovative parent workshop simulating a Montessori classroom.
- Parent Education Program including guest speakers on topics of child development.
- Mother’s Nights and Father’s nights events
- Classroom Observation sessions
- Our classroom ambassadors support the school through family social events and parent education. Trust and mutual respect are the two most essential factors in the Parent and CMS partnership. Together, staff, parents, and children become a community of learners.
- Parent Involvement: In the application form, parents are asked to read the Parent Handbook and sign that they agree to an annual service hours commitment. There are many opportunities to meet individual and family needs.
Join Us For a Tour
Seeing Montessori in action brings clarity no words can match. Book a Tour to experience classroom life, meet teachers, and envision your child’s next stage of growth.