For families of 4-year-olds · Poway
Considering TK? Discover Montessori Pre-K in Poway
If your child turns 4 by September 1, you have a choice to make. Montessori pre-K at Country Montessori gives your child a hands-on classroom, the same teachers through kindergarten, and one campus all the way to 5th grade.
Have questions? Call (858) 673-1756
- WASC accredited
- Full member of AMS
- Nonprofit since 1989
- 5.0 ★ on Google
The big difference
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 6 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.
Inside the pre-K year
What 4-year-olds learn at CMS
Early reading and writing
Phonetic sounds, building words and the first steps of reading and writing, using hands-on Montessori language materials.
Math with real materials
Counting, quantities and the decimal system, with concrete materials that make numbers something children can see and hold.
Practical life
Pouring, sweeping and preparing food build coordination, concentration and real independence.
Spanish and music
Weekly Spanish and music classes are part of every Early Childhood week.
Grace and courtesy
Children practice kindness, respect and care for their classroom and each other every day.
Science and the world
Geography, nature, art and cultural studies help children explore the world and their place in it.
Questions to ask on every tour
Whether you're visiting a TK classroom or a Montessori school, these questions show the difference:
- Will my child have the same teacher next year?
- Are children grouped by age, or do younger and older children learn together?
- How are lessons matched to what my child is ready for?
- Is before- and after-school care on the same campus, with the same staff?
- Where will my child go for kindergarten and beyond?
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
What CMS families say
“When our daughter started at CMS at 2.5 yo she was a bit behind in speech. In less than 6 months at CMS, she was speaking in full sentences and now at 4 yo she's writing her full name.”
“CMS teaches the kids their foundational skills using hands on material so that they're not just memorizing but interacting with it. In kindergarten they taught them how to clean and use a knife, and sew…”
“I love that the teachers are also bilingual. All staff is very welcoming.”
TK and pre-K questions
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 Early Childhood 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 Early Childhood classroom, many families start with us in preschool or pre-K.
How young can my child start at CMS?
Children can start at 2 years, 6 months old by September 1, and should be toilet-trained. Enrollment is rolling, and space in some programs is limited.
How much is tuition, and is there financial help?
Current tuition, payment plans, sibling discounts and CDA child care subsidies are listed on our Tuition & Admissions page.
Can I bring my child on a tour?
Yes, children are welcome. Tours are offered Monday–Friday during the school day and take about 45 minutes. Book a tour online or call (858) 673-1756.
See a Montessori pre-K classroom in person
Visit during the morning work period and watch 4-year-olds choose their work, concentrate and learn from their Montessori teacher.
12642 Monte Vista Rd, Poway · (858) 673-1756