We are moving to Palo Alto area in California in June (probably closer to San Jose, ) We do not have a house yet but would like to find a school we liked first before finding a house we want to rent. My boys are currently in a traditional AMI Montessori program in Arizona which we love and feel Montessori method is a good fit for our kids. I would love to hear any recommendations for a Montessori program in the south bay area or up the Peninsula.
Sorry I can't answer your question. My kids didn't go to Montessori preschool. I did want to say welcome to the area! My kids went to Merry Moppet Preschool in Belmont and the Belmont Oaks Academy for elementary school (private school). Belmont is a bit further north than Palo Alto, so it may not be what you want. It's been a great school for my four children! Again welcome!
I've heard good things about Casa Dei Bambibi in Palo Alto. http://www.cdeib.com/ Here's another school in Mountain View. I know nothing about it, but I live in Mountain View and think it's a great area. http://www.western-montessori.com/
These schools have AMI teachers, but most schools around here have AMS teachers. There are some pedagogical differences between AMI and AMS, but a good Montessori teacher and classroom should always be inviting, inspiring and lovely no matter what the training background of the teacher :) Good luck with your move!
There are a couple of Montessori programs that I know of in the San Jose Area. One is Mariposa the other is Casa Di Mir. There is also a charter school in San Jose that is Montessori. I work at a local Independent school, so am not familiar with the process for admission to the charter. We have had students come to us from Mariposa and Casa Di Mir and they were all well prepared. Mariposa is preschool and Casa Di Mir goes through 6th grade. There is also a Montessori elementary school in Santa Cruz.
