Corte Madera Montessori

We moved to Corte Madera in the fall of 2014 and immediately started hearing wonderful things about Corte Madera Montessori. I called to see if they had spots in the 2 year old program and was relieved that they had one left. We toured the school and immediately fell in love. The physical space is filled with sunlight, airy, and completely child centered. The 2 year old room was the calmest space for 2 year olds I had ever seen. Miss Shamia and Miss Lena have a way of working with kids that can only be described as a special gift and I watched as they comforted a little boy who was having a tough morning transitioning. They didn’t overwhelm him or pressure him to stop crying. They just let him know that they were continuously there for him and of course, tried to redirect him. When my daughter went for her trial day, she was cautious at first and then, within minutes, jumped right in. I couldn’t get over what the other kids had learned in such a short time — taking out one toy at a time, respecting each other’s space, using indoor voices, walking, etc. I swore they were older than 2 or maybe I was just doing something wrong with my daughter. In the end, we ended up moving back to San Francisco before my daughter actually started (was sort of a crazy situation) and I can honestly say that knowing she wouldn’t attend Corte Madera Montessori was a huge downside and something we weighed heavily in our decision making process. Unfortunately, other factors won out but I’m not sure we’ll ever find a place this special again.

When looking for a pre-​school for my daughter, I was looking for an environment that would be calm, loving and would be a great introduction to learning. I can’t speak highly enough about Corte Madera Montessori. It has been such an incredible experience for my daughter and myself as a parent watching my child thrive. She is currently in the pre-​primary class with Miss Shamia and Miss Lena and will be moving to the next level in the Fall. Miss Shamia and Miss Lena are truly gifted. They are so warm, caring and are an extension of our family.
One of my favorite things about Montessori is that it’s an environment that fosters independence, not only in learning, but also in daily life activities, such as when children make a mess, they have learned to go and get the classroom’s little broom and help clean up after themselves. This all stems from an understanding that we need to respect others and the area around us. It’s so cute to see my daughter push her chair in after dinner at home (without me saying a word) because that is what she has learned at school. She is learning so much at school simply by playing with her friends and also learning social graces, such as respect for her peers, her teachers, etc. Miss Shamia and Miss Lena foster an environment where children are caring toward one another. I’ve heard them teach the kids about what they can do to help someone else feel better if they are upset. I saw it first hand when a couple of weeks ago I was picking up my daughter from school, my daughter fell and was crying, her peer came up to her and asked if she was okay and gave her a hug. It was heartwarming to see that type of interaction!
We couldn’t be happier with our decision to have our daughter at Corte Madera Montessori. My daughter just loves it. She is happily playing and learning there, and also loves Miss Susan’s music class! I would happily speak to any parent thinking about sending their child there. My daughter will continue to go to this wonderful school and our son will soon follow when he is old enough. Hands down — five stars!

I couldn’t have been happier sending my older son to Corte Madera Montessori. The staff members are all down to earth, very loving and gentle with the children, yet eager to make sure that each one is treated as an individual. They are attentive to each child’s needs and do what they can to foster their growth. My son has learned so much and has come so far by being at this school. I cannot say enough about how much he has blossomed since he started attending at the age of 2. My younger son will be turning 2 in September and we know that he will have a great experience there as well!

Our family has been so blessed and pleased by our experience at Corte Madera Montessori! Our daughter, who started in Pre-​Primary as a two year-​old is about to «graduate» after having been there for three years, and our son had one fantastic year there after we relocated from Seattle before he went off to Kindergarten. The teaching staff is gentle, considerate, beyond dedicated and truly seeks and nurtures «the individual» in each child. I have loved the curriculum as well — focused on practical life skills, letting children explore their natural and discovered interests, kindness to one another, responsibility to others and your shared space — just imagine if these principles were practiced by adults! The world just might be a better place :) The balance of art, nature, music and foundational skills that support early math, reading and writing is very well executed to a wonderful experience for the kids. I honestly feel my daughter is extremely well prepared for Kindergarten as a result. From a functional standpoint, Corte Madera is a great fit for my dual working parent family with their early drop-​off and after-​care options as well. There is a great level of flexibility in the schedule to accommodate different types of needs. I am so going to miss this wonderful, little school and am indebted to each of the teachers and staff for sharing with my young kids the joy of education.

We sent our son here this past school year and have nothing but amazing things to say regrading this institution. They helped him transition from terrible twos into a thoughtful, inquisitive and confident toddler. And while all the teachers here are completely compassionate and professional, we hold a special place in our heart for Miss Shamia — our «toddler whisperer».

Corte Madera Montessori (CMM) has a very professional staff, loving teachers and the community is wonderful. The teachers are all so lovely, and attentive to each child. They are passionate about teaching, and it shows. They listen, and work on each individual’s needs and strengths.
Everyone (parent and child) that I have encountered at CMM is wonderful, and it is a joy to send my children there. I know they are safe, and well cared for throughout the day. They also have many additional programs, like music, yoga, art and an outdoor classroom.
My oldest son graduated in 2014, he’s now 6 years old. My youngest (3 yrs) is still there, and loving it! You could not get a better preschool.

Our children went here for two years before we moved to Colorado. It really broke my heart to leave this sweet, professionally run, inspiring school.
Corte Madera Montessori is simply lovely. The school is set within the grounds of the old «Granada» school, which features sixties style geodesic dome architecture (aaack! my tongue feels fuzzy just typing that! like I’ve been licking macramé!). Don’t let the questionable architecture throw you off, however. CMM’s facility is set up such that it COULD have four full classes at all times. Instead of maximizing its space for profits, however, the school dedicates an entire classroom space for an Emilio Reggio inspired art room.
I’ve compared many Montessori schools, especially after we moved to Denver, and I have to say that CMM stands out for the excellence of its staff and its warm ambiance.
If you have any specific questions about the school, please feel free to private message me. I simply cannot say enough things that reflect how happy we were with this school!