Montessori School FAQs for Poway Families

Montessori is a child-centered approach that builds independence, confidence and a love of learning. At CMS, credentialed teachers guide children from age 2½ through 5th grade with hands-on materials that build practical skills, academics and social growth, all on one Poway campus.

Montessori classrooms are multi-age on purpose. Younger children learn by watching older classmates, and older children build leadership by helping and mentoring.

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.

The American Montessori Society (AMS) and Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) are both respected Montessori organizations. CMS is a full member of AMS. AMS schools follow core Montessori principles and also use supplemental resources and newer teaching methods to enrich the curriculum.

It isn't religious instruction. It means helping children grow into respectful, kind and aware people who care about others and the world around them.

Yes. Country Montessori School is a nonprofit and has served Poway families since 1989.

Children from age 2½ through 5th grade. Early Childhood (preschool, pre-K and kindergarten) serves ages 2½ to 6, Lower Elementary is grades 1–3 and Upper Elementary is grades 4–5.

Preschoolers must be at least 2 years, 6 months old by September 1. Kindergartners must be 5 by September 1, and first graders at least 6 by September 1.

Yes. Preschoolers should be toilet-trained and in regular underwear when they start.

Yes. Kindergarten is the final year of our three-year Early Childhood classroom. Kindergartners take on leadership roles, go deeper in their academic work, and add art and P.E. to Spanish and music.

Transitional kindergarten (TK) is California's public-school program for children who turn 4 by September 1. At CMS, 4-year-olds are in the pre-K year of our Early Childhood program: a full-day (8:30–2:30) multi-age Montessori classroom with a 1:12 ratio, Spanish and music, and care on campus from 7:30 to 6:00. Children then stay in the same classroom for kindergarten and can continue at CMS through 5th grade. See our TK and Montessori pre-K guide.

Most children start full days right away. If a child needs time to get used to school, a short-term half-day Transition program (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) is available.

All Early Childhood students have Spanish and music, and kindergartners add art and P.E. Elementary students (grades 1–5) have Spanish, music, art, P.E. and a digital literacy program taught by classroom teachers.

CMS graduates move on with a strong academic foundation and real strengths in independence, organization and leadership.

Yes. We offer seven weeks of themed summer camps for preschool through 5th grade, taught by CMS faculty, with care before and after camp.

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., Monday through Friday.

Yes. Care is available on campus from 7:30 a.m. before school and until 6:00 p.m. after school. Rates are on our Tuition & Admissions page.

Early Childhood (preschool through kindergarten) has 1 teacher for every 12 children. Elementary has 1 teacher for every 10 students.

CMS provides a healthy daily snack for Early Childhood students. Families pack lunches, and children eat together.

We use positive discipline. Teachers model respect, guide children through resolving conflicts, and help them take responsibility and learn from mistakes.

No. Children wear comfortable clothes for active learning and outdoor play.

School runs from August to June, with summer camp available. View the school calendar (PDF).

Current tuition, fees, payment plans and care rates are listed on our Tuition & Admissions page. Tuition can be paid in 10 monthly installments.

Yes. Siblings receive a tuition discount, CMS is an approved provider for Child Development Associates (CDA) subsidies, and we partner with Child Care Aware of America for military families. Details are on the Tuition & Admissions page.

Book a tour, meet our admissions team, then apply online. Enrollment is rolling, and space in some programs is limited.

Book online on our tour page or call (858) 673-1756. Tours are offered Monday–Friday during the school day and take about 45 minutes.

Yes, children are welcome on tours.

We're at 12642 Monte Vista Rd, Poway, CA 92064, and serve families from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch and Scripps Ranch.