Ages 2½–5 · Montessori Early Childhood
Montessori Preschool & Pre-K in Poway
Hands-on Montessori learning for ages 2½ to 5, with lessons tailored to each child’s pace.
Prefer to talk first? Call (858) 673-1756
- Ages 2½–5
- 1:12 teacher–student ratio
- Care 7:30–6:00
- WASC accredited
Preschool and kindergarten at a glance
- Ages
- 2½ to 5 (the preschool, pre-K and kindergarten years)
- Classroom
- Multi-age, three-year cycle
- Classes
- Ladybugs, Bumblebees and Dragonflies
- Ratio
- 1 teacher for every 12 children
- Teachers
- Credentialed Montessori teachers
- Campus
- Three acres with large playgrounds
- School day
- 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Transition
- Short-term half day (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) if a child needs time to settle in
- Extra care
- Before- and after-school child care, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Enrichment
- Spanish and music; kindergarten adds art and P.E.
- Meals
- Daily snack provided; families pack lunch
- Location
- Northwest Poway, an easy drive from Rancho Bernardo (RB), Rancho Peñasquitos (PQ), 4S Ranch, Scripps Ranch and Escondido
One classroom, three years
Preschool, pre-K and kindergarten at CMS
In our multi-age classrooms, children build independence, focus and confidence over three years. Younger children learn by watching older ones, older children grow as leaders, and teachers observe each child to present the right lesson at the right time.
Preschool
Children start as early as age 2½. They build independence and coordination through practical life work like pouring, sweeping and preparing food, and refine their senses with Montessori materials.
Pre-K
Children build on that foundation with phonetic sounds, early reading and writing, and counting and the decimal system using concrete materials, all at their own pace.
Kindergarten: the capstone year
Kindergartners lead in the classroom, deepen their academic work, and add art and P.E. to Spanish and music. The year prepares children for a smooth move to Elementary.
Considering TK?
TK or Montessori pre-K: a one-year program, or a three-year journey
TK is a single year for 4-year-olds. Montessori pre-K is the middle year of a three-year classroom that carries your child from preschool through kindergarten.
| Topic | Transitional kindergarten (TK) | Montessori pre-K at CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting age | Age 4 | As young as 2½, so children can settle in before pre-K |
| Classmates | All 4-year-olds | Ages 2½ to 5 together: younger children learn from older ones, and older ones lead |
| Teachers | One year, then a new class for kindergarten | The same teachers and classroom from preschool through kindergarten |
| Learning | A one-year program to prepare for kindergarten | Hands-on Montessori materials, with individual lessons when your child is ready |
| Before and after school | A separate program with its own application | On our campus with CMS staff, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| After kindergarten | Changes depend on your district and school | Stay on one campus through 5th grade |
Why families choose CMS pre-K
What a Montessori pre-K year adds
Teachers who know your child
Children stay with the same teachers and classmates, so teachers know each child deeply and children feel secure.
Learning at their own pace
Teachers observe each child and present the next lesson when they're ready, so no child waits for the group or gets left behind.
Independence and leadership
Practical life work builds focus and confidence, and by kindergarten children become leaders who help younger classmates.
One campus through 5th grade
No school change after pre-K or kindergarten. Families can stay at CMS through 5th grade, with care on campus from 7:30 to 6:00.
What children learn
Practical life
Real-life activities such as pouring, sweeping and food preparation build independence and coordination.
Sensorial
Specialized Montessori materials help children classify, compare and describe their world.
Language
From spoken vocabulary to early reading and writing, children explore phonetics, storytelling and pre-literacy skills.
Mathematics
Concrete materials introduce counting, the decimal system, addition and subtraction.
Cultural studies
Science, geography, art and music help children explore cultures, the natural world and their place in it.
Grace and courtesy
Children practice kindness, respect and care for their classroom every day.
A typical day in preschool and kindergarten
The day balances focused learning, outdoor play and enrichment, with both structure and freedom to explore.
Morning work period
Children settle in, receive individual lessons and choose work that matches their interests.
Circle time
Songs, movement, stories and building the classroom community.
Outdoor play and lunch
Fresh air and active play, then lunch together in small groups.
Afternoon
Younger children may rest while others take part in enrichment like yoga, art or music.
Second work period
Individual and small-group lessons continue.
Dismissal and after-school care
Families pick up at dismissal. Optional care with arts and crafts, outdoor play and snack runs until 6:00 p.m.
30-second tour
Step inside our preschool and kindergarten classroom
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
What preschool parents say
“Our 3 year old son is always so happy to go to school, and when we pick him up, he gets in the car and says, ‘I had a busy day!’ He then excitedly tells us about everything he worked on that day.”
“Experienced, long-tenured teachers, a warm and nurturing atmosphere, and real academic rigor make CMS truly rare.”
“Our daughter developed leaps and bounds in Dragonflies. … She’s emerged more confident and capable. She problem-solves and approaches things from different perspectives.”
The prepared environment
Our classrooms are designed for independence and discovery. Every material has a purpose, and children learn to care for their space, respect one another and take responsibility for their learning.
Partnering with families
Regular parent–teacher conferences, ongoing communication and family events help us support each child’s growth at school and at home.
Preschool and kindergarten questions
What ages are served in Early Childhood?
Children may enroll as early as age 2½ and stay through kindergarten (age 6). Preschoolers must be at least 2 years, 6 months old by September 1, and kindergartners 5 years old by September 1.
Does my child need to be toilet-trained?
Yes. Children should be toilet-trained and in regular underwear. Teachers support routines that help them stay independent at school.
Do you offer pre-K?
Yes. Our multi-age classrooms cover the preschool, pre-K and kindergarten years in one multi-age, three-year program for ages 2½ to 5. Comparing pre-K with public TK? See how Montessori pre-K and TK compare.
My child turns 4 by September 1. What are my options?
Your child is eligible for California's transitional kindergarten (TK), and is also the right age for the pre-K year of our preschool program. At CMS, your child joins a multi-age Montessori classroom and stays with the same teachers through kindergarten.
Why choose Montessori pre-K instead of TK?
Montessori pre-K is part of a three-year classroom, so your child keeps the same teachers from preschool through kindergarten, learns with hands-on materials at their own pace, and can stay on one campus through 5th grade with care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Can my child do TK and then come to CMS for kindergarten?
Yes. Families whose children attended TK are welcome to apply for kindergarten at CMS, if space allows. Because kindergarten is the third year of our multi-aged early childhood classroom, many families start with us in preschool or pre-K.
What are the hours?
The preschool and kindergarten day runs 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 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. Before- and after-school care runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Is CMS a preschool or a daycare?
CMS is a Montessori preschool and a licensed child care center (License #372006093). Children spend the school day, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in a Montessori classroom with credentialed teachers. Optional before- and after-school care runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for working families.
How is Montessori preschool different from daycare?
Many daycare programs focus mainly on care and play. In a Montessori preschool, credentialed teachers give each child individual lessons in practical life, language, math and more, in a classroom prepared for independent learning. At CMS, families get both: a full Montessori school day plus on-campus care until 6:00 p.m.
What is the teacher–student ratio?
Preschool and kindergarten classrooms have a 1:12 teacher–student ratio.
How are lessons individualized?
Teachers carefully observe each child and present lessons when the child is ready, so students progress at their own pace.
What enrichment classes are offered?
All preschool and kindergarten students have Spanish and music. Kindergartners also have art and P.E.
Is food provided?
CMS provides a healthy daily snack. Families pack lunches, and children eat together.
How much is preschool tuition?
Current tuition for preschool, kindergarten and the Transition program is listed on our Tuition & Fees page.
Where is the school located?
Our nearly 3-acre campus is at 12642 Monte Vista Rd in northwest Poway, a convenient drive for families in Poway, Rancho Bernardo (RB), Rancho Peñasquitos (PQ), 4S Ranch, Scripps Ranch and Escondido.
Can I bring my child on the tour?
Yes, children are welcome on tours. Book a tour online or call (858) 673-1756.
See a preschool classroom in person
Visit during the morning work period to watch children choose their work, concentrate and receive individual lessons from their Montessori teacher.
12642 Monte Vista Rd, Poway · (858) 673-1756
Continue at CMS through 5th grade
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 →
Ages 2½ through 5th grade
Summer Camp
Weekly themed camps with arts, crafts, hands-on learning and time on our large playgrounds. Before- and after-camp care is available.
Explore summer camp →