Montessori Preschool & Elementary in Poway, CA
Programs · Ages 2½ through 5th grade
Montessori Programs from Preschool to 5th Grade
Each stage at CMS, a private, nonprofit Montessori school, builds on the one before, from the independence of preschool to the leadership of 4th and 5th grade, all on one Poway campus.
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- WASC accredited
- Full member of AMS
- Care 7:30–6:00
- Serving Poway since 1989
Find the right program for your child
Choose a program to see the classrooms, curriculum, daily schedule and parent questions.
Ages 2½–5
Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
A warm Montessori classroom where children build independence, focus and confidence through hands-on work.
Explore preschool & kindergarten →
Lower Elementary
Grades 1–3
Long work periods, small-group lessons, plus Spanish, music, art and P.E.
Explore grades 1–3 →
Upper Elementary
Grades 4–5
Leadership, research projects and advanced academics that prepare students for middle school.
Explore grades 4–5 →
Preschool–5th grade
Summer Camp
Seven weeks of themed camps with hands-on activities, creativity and outdoor fun.
Explore summer camp →Programs at a glance
| Program | Ages | Teacher ratio | School day | Enrichment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool & Kindergarten | Ages 2½–5 (Montessori Early Childhood) | 1 teacher per 12 children | 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | Spanish and music; kindergarten adds art and P.E. |
| Grades 1–3 | 1st–3rd grade (Montessori Lower Elementary) | 1 teacher per 10 students | 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Spanish, music, art, P.E. and digital literacy |
| Grades 4–5 | 4th–5th grade (Montessori Upper Elementary) | 1 teacher per 10 students | 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Spanish, music, art, P.E. and digital literacy |
All programs offer before- and after-school care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Every class is led by credentialed Montessori teachers.
The Montessori difference
Why Montessori education works
Children work with hands-on materials at their own pace, building real understanding instead of memorization, in multi-age classrooms where they observe, lead and collaborate.
Child-led learning
Students choose purposeful work, which builds motivation and confidence.
Multi-age classrooms
Older students model leadership while younger students gain support and inspiration.
Whole-child approach
Academic skills grow alongside social, emotional and practical life skills.
One path, preschool to 5th
Families can stay from age 2½ through 5th grade in a consistent, nurturing and rigorous program.
30-second tour
See Country Montessori in action
Program questions
What ages does Country Montessori serve?
Children can start preschool at age 2½ and continue through 5th grade: preschool, pre-K and kindergarten (what Montessori schools call Early Childhood), grades 1–3 (Lower Elementary) and grades 4–5 (Upper Elementary).
What are the school hours?
The preschool and kindergarten school day runs 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and Elementary runs 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Before- and after-school care is available for all programs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Do you offer kindergarten?
Yes. Kindergarten is part of our preschool program, a multi-age, three-year classroom for ages 2½ to 5. Learn more about kindergarten at CMS.
How small are the classes?
Preschool and kindergarten classes have 1 teacher for every 12 children. Grades 1–5 have 1 teacher for every 10 students.
Is Country Montessori a private school?
Yes. CMS is a private, nonprofit Montessori school in Poway, serving children from age 2½ through 5th grade since 1989. We are WASC accredited and a full member of the American Montessori Society, with 1:12 ratios in preschool and kindergarten and 1:10 in grades 1–5.
Do you offer summer camp?
Yes. We offer seven weeks of themed summer camps for preschool through 5th grade, with hands-on activities, creativity and outdoor fun.
See our classrooms in person
Tour during the school day to watch children at work and find the right program for your family.
12642 Monte Vista Rd, Poway · (858) 673-1756