Educating for Peace

“The greatest impact of my Montessori education was to preserve in me that innate, self-motivated curiosity, that desire to truly and deeply understand.” SCM Alumni

Santa Cruz Montessori School: A Santa Cruz Private School

Founded:

In 1964 as a nonprofit Montessori school

Enrollment:

280 students, 18 months – 15 years of age, preschool through 9th grade

Student Teacher Ratios:

Young Children's Community (18 months - 3 years): 6:1
Primary (3 - 6 years): 9:1
Lower Elementary (6 - 9 years): 10:1
Upper Elementary (9 - 12 years): 15:1
Junior High (12 - 15 years): 10:1

Mission:

Our mission is to guide and nurture the natural development of the whole person in a Montessori learning community, where students develop a respect for nature and the global family. Our students will grow with a healthy spirit, a clear intellect, and a strong character so they may realize their unique contributions as they work for a noble and peaceful world.

Values Statement:

We believe that respect - for ourselves, each other and our environment (school, community, and world) - is the foundation of Santa Cruz Montessori philosophy and drives our efforts at peace through education.

We are committed to respect in all areas of our educational efforts, including: collaboration among staff, Board members, volunteers, and parents to achieve mission-driven goals; an environment of acceptance for diverse people, ideas, cultures, and economics; compassion and trust with one another; and individual responsibility in contributing to the creation of a quality Montessori environment for all.

Philosophy:

Santa Cruz Montessori is founded on the methods and philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, who recognized the potential of each child to become a force for good in creating a better world for all.

Hours:

Regular morning (8:45 am - 12:00 pm) and full day programs (8:30 or 8:45 am – 3:00 pm) with extended care available 7:30 am – 6:00 pm.

School Calendar:

View our Academic Calendar.

Bus Service:

Bus service to Santa Cruz for Elementary & Junior High students

Facilities:

Two beautiful sites within a half-mile of each other:

Main Campus (Primary & Elementary)
6230 Soquel Drive
Aptos, CA 95003

Winston Campus (Young Children’s Community & Junior High)
2446 Cabrillo College Drive
Soquel, CA 95073

School Governance:

This Bay Area private school is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of 15 parents, staff, and community members charged with meeting the school's mission now and in the future.

Administration is headed by the School Director managing the operations of the school.

Academic Senate is composed of administration and head teachers overseeing the implementation of the Montessori curriculum and philosophy.

Staff Development:

All teachers spend a minimum of 20 hours per year on continuing education.

Operating Budget:

Approximately $3,000,000/year

Licensing:

Community Care License Numbers 440700557 and 444404974