santa-cruz-montessori-new

2025 SCM Open House

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:33:51 GMT

Saturday, February 1st, 10:00am-12:00pm , Both Campuses

We are hosting an All School Open House for anyone to come check out all of our different programs. Join the different guides and explore the classrooms at both of our campuses. Our Primary and Elementary programs are at 6230 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003. And our Young Children's Community (18 months-3 years) and Junior High are at 2446 Cabrillo College Dr, Soquel, 95073.

RSVP Here

2025 Holiday Parade

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:50:27 GMT

Saturday, December 6th, 10am-12pm, Downtown Santa Cruz

Join SCM students, families, and staff as we walk together in the Downtown Holiday Parade!

Wavecrest Junior High Info Night Fall 2025

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:00:08 GMT

Wednesday, November 5th, 6pm at Winston Campus

You are invited to learn about the Wavecrest Junior High Program and hear alumni share how their SCM experience helped them in their transition to high school.

We encourage families of all ages to attend this program. If you have an older elementary student they are welcome to join with parents and listen to the presentation as well. This is open to current community members and outside community members who may be interested in our program.

This will be held at our Winston Campus 2446 Cabrillo College Dr. Soquel, CA 95073.

2025 Harvest Festival

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:36:15 GMT

Annual Family Workday

Aug. 16th from 9:00-12:00

Join us to prepare the school, meet other families, and earn parent participation points and get the classrooms, fields, gardens, outdoor environment, ready for the start of the new year. No care will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your children to work by your side.

Drinks, snacks, and lunch after will be served!

RSVP in the school newsletter.

Annual Campus Workday

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:09:01 GMT

Annual Family Workday

Aug. 16th from 9:00-12:00

RSVP in the school newsletter.

Journey and Discovery

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:46:28 GMT

Journey and Discovery Friday and Saturday , March 14th -15th

Experience the educational journey through the eyes of a Santa Cruz Montessori student. Participants will find answers to their questions about the Montessori program through their own experience. You will come away with a deeper understanding of Montessori education and its focus on meeting the developmental needs of the child.

The ‘Journey’ portion happens on Friday and begins with a silent walk through the classrooms where you will have an opportunity to look at the materials and appreciate the beauty of the classroom. Afterward, you will come together as a group to share your observations. On Saturday, you have the opportunity to ‘Discover’ by interacting with the Montessori materials. Learn how the child constructs meaning and how each level is the springboard for the next.

Please RSVP in the school newsletter.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 19:20:59 GMT

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Friday, March 14th

We're excited for our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day! Any special guest is invited to stop by between 9:30 and 11:00am to visit the students in their classes. Check in at the Community Room for coffee and snacks and then head down to the class where students can share their classroom and work.

Note: Because it would be too disruptive for our Young Children's Community, the YCC does not participate in this event.

Elementary Positive Discipline Class

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:35:34 GMT

Parent Development - Positive Disciple Series for Elementary Families

Tuesday, March 4th, 11th, and 18th at 6pm

Connect with other parents through this interactive and engaging experience. You will be introduced to the Positive Discipline pathway to becoming an effective parent who is respectful and loving with clear boundaries and structure.

March 4 - What's working and what isn't. We will be defining and differentiating punishment and rewards versus discipline. Explore your own relationship with effective and ineffective parenting tools.

March 11 - Navigating emotional triggers (yours and your child’s). We will dive into how to lead with confidence and support emotional intelligence in your home for raising capable resilient children.

March 18 - Connection before Correction: We will end this series exploring the many responses we can have to navigate challenging behavior as opportunities for social and life skill building.

Handouts will be available for anyone who misses a session. Each night will build on knowledge to scaffold learning. Those who are parenting / raising elementary aged children invited to attend this 3 week series.

RSVP Here

SCM Arts Auction

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:28:46 GMT

Saturday, February 23rd, Arts Auction at the Chaminade

celebration at the Santa Cruz Montessori Arts Auction Dinner and Gala this Saturday, February 22nd! This exciting fundraising event features incredible artwork from our talented Montessori classrooms—all available for bidding! But that’s not all—there will be many other fun and unique items to bid on, ranging from exciting experiences to special handmade treasures. We can’t wait to celebrate Santa Cruz Montessori's 60th anniversary with you!

SCM Open House

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:52:22 GMT

Saturday, February 1st, 10:00am-12:00pm , Both Campuses

RSVP Here

Parent Development— Montessori Language Journey

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:31:57 GMT

Thursday, January 23rd, 6:00-7:00pm , Main Campus Community Room.

Please join us to learn about the Montessori Language Journey a child takes from the Young Children's Community to Wavecrest Junior High. Hear from the guides of each level about why language instruction is so unique in Montessori and how concepts are presented at different ages, the Montessori language materials, lessons, and the work of the children in the classroom. A great opportunity to deepen your understanding of what your child's incredible Montessori language journey is like.

Childcare (for elementary and primary aged children) and dinner (pizza and salad), will be offered at 5:30 with the talk to begin at 6:00pm.

Lower Elementary Info Meeting

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:01:15 GMT

Saturday, January 11th, 9 am-10am, Main Campus Community Room.

Join Lower Elementary guides Nina Noorzad and Mariah Lambert to hear about our Lower Elementary program. This is a great opportunity to meet the teachers, learn more about the program, and ask questions about the transition process from Primary to Lower Elementary. Childcare will be provided during the meeting.

Upper Elementary Plays

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:47:56 GMT

Thursday, December 19th and February 6th, 6pm , Colligan Theater

The Cypress Class and Junior Classes will be holding their annual class plays at the Colligan Theater. This year they'll be performing the Wizard of Giggles.

Holiday Parade

mollydipiero@scms.org (Molly DiPiero) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:44:53 GMT

Saturday, December 7th, 10am-12pm, Downtown Santa Cruz

Join SCM students, families, and staff as we walk together in the Downtown Holiday Parade!

Upper Elementary Great Work Fair

mollydipiero@scms.org (Molly DiPiero) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:27:35 GMT

Friday, November 22nd, 10-11:15am in the Community Room, Main Campus

You are invited to come see the "Great Work" of our Upper Elementary students. In the Montessori Elementary environment, students are encouraged to dive deeply into subjects they are passionate about and get creative to show their learning. Come and learn more from these students about the projects they have been working on.

Importance of the Final Year of Primary - Chat with Kim and Molly

mollydipiero@scms.org (Molly DiPiero) — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 21:15:13 GMT

Thursday, November 21st, 9am in the Community Room, Main Campus

Parents of children in our Primary program are invited to hear more about the Primary program, including the importance of the final year of Primary. Molly and Kim will share about the benefits of this final year and hold a casual chat about the Primary program. A great opportunity to learn more and discuss your child's experience. Look for the RSVP link in the newsletter.

Wavecrest Junior High Info Night

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:11:41 GMT

Wednesday, November 6th, 6pm at Winston Campus

You are invited to learn about the Wavecrest Junior High Program and hear alumni share how their SCM experience helped them in their transition to high school. We'll hear from Taylor (Santa Cruz High), Hannah (Stevenson), Saffron (Kirby School), Eli (York School), and Jada (

We encourage families of all ages to attend this program. If you have an older elementary student they are welcome to join with parents and listen to the presentation as well. This is open to current community members and outside community members who may be interested in our program.

This will be held at our Winston Campus 2446 Cabrillo College Dr. Soquel, CA 95073.

Harvest Festival

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 02:59:11 GMT

Saturday, October 5th, 10am-2pm Main Campus

Join us for our annual Harvest Festival! All are welcome - bring your neighbors and friends!

We'll have a book fair, drumming with Ibou, climbing wall, petting zoo, cake walk, and special surprises to celebrate our 60th anniversary!

Free Admission - bring cash for food & treats.

The Role of the Montessori Teacher

hello@montessorithrive.com (Montessori Thrive) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:55:02 GMT

What, exactly, is the role of the Montessori teacher? How is it so different from that of any other teacher?

Sometimes it’s easiest to begin by explaining what a Montessori teacher isn’t.

A Montessori teacher is less like the traditional idea of an instructor, and more like a gentle guide. They don’t consider it their job to give a child information. They rather lead children in the general direction and give them the tools they need to find the information themselves.

Maria Montessori once said, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher...is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’”

Montessori Teachers Cultivate Independence

In a Montessori classroom, rather than seeing a teacher at the front of the classroom giving the same lesson to every child, the teacher will be working quietly with individual children or small groups. While that is happening the rest of the children are free to spend their time doing the work that calls to them. A Montessori teacher works hard to create structures that allow children to be independent and to trust themselves as learners.

One large part of what a Montessori teacher does is to intentionally prepare a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate, is inviting to children, and supports them on their journey to work independently. This environment is constantly changing in tiny ways as the teacher notices new and evolving needs of the students.

Montessori Teachers are Trained to Think Like Scientists

Parents should know that Montessori teachers are highly trained. Most have recognized Montessori credentials in addition to their college degrees. Montessori certification programs are intensive and demanding; one might compare them as being the equivalent of another college degree. These training programs don’t just teach Montessori educators how to use the specialized materials; there is extensive coursework about Montessori philosophy, child development, and integrating the arts.

When it comes to assessments, Montessori teachers don’t rely on standardized tests; they rely on the power of observation. They have notebooks brimming with evidence of what their students have mastered, need more support with, and are curious about. They are constantly recording what they notice children working on, how that work is being executed, and ideas they might have in anticipation of a child’s next steps. Montessori teachers literally sit beside a child and determine exactly what they know about a wide range of content areas.

Montessori Teachers Think Long-Term

Because of Montessori’s three-year cycles, teachers have the unique ability to consider their big picture when working with students. There is a natural tendency to allow the children to genuinely learn at their own pace. Getting to know a child and their family well over the course of a few years really supports this approach.

Montessori Teachers are Often Called ‘Guides’

...and for good reason. While children in Montessori classrooms have an abundance of choice in their educational pursuits, Montessori is based on the idea of ‘freedom within limits’. It’s the Montessori teacher’s job to carefully craft those limits. Children rely on having a certain amount of structure in place. This gives them comfort and a safe place in which they can take risks and try new things. Montessori teachers set some boundaries and then carefully help students navigate within them.

What if your second grader loves to read but tends to avoid math? Their Montessori teacher will find ways to ensure the math still gets done. Sometimes this involves a gentle discussion with a child about time management skills, priorities, or setting goals. Sometimes the teacher will find a way to integrate the child’s interests into the less desirable work. Sometimes all it takes is a minor change in the environment. Montessori teachers gives children freedom, but they assist children in finding their way to success in this environment.

Montessori teachers value independence, self-reliance, and intrinsic motivation.

They also value cooperation, kindness, and strength in community.

Still curious? Call us to set up an appointment today to observe in a classroom. See what Montessori is really all about.

The Benefits of Multi-age Grouping

hello@montessorithrive.com (Montessori Thrive) — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 15:45:52 GMT

One hallmark of a Montessori education is the use of multi-age classrooms.

Infants and toddlers may be together or separate, with a toddler classroom serving children 18 months to three years. Primary classrooms are for children ages 3-6, with preschool and kindergarten-aged children together. The elementary years serve children ages 6-12; some schools separate into lower (6-9) and upper (9-12) elementary, while many split elementary into two groups. Even Montessori middle- and high-school students learn in multi-age classrooms.

While Montessori is not the only type of education that utilizes this approach, it’s not what most people are used to. What are the benefits of structuring a classroom this way? Read on to learn more...

Learning at an Individual Pace

Children in multi-age classrooms tend to have a little more flexibility when it comes to mastering skills within a specific timeframe. We know that learning is not linear, and that learners have periods of significant growth, plateaus, and even the occasional regression. In multi-age classrooms, children are typically able to work at their own pace without the added pressure of keeping up with the whole group, or even being held back by the whole group.

When children in a classroom range in ages, everyone has someone they can work with, regardless of their skill level. Children don’t feel left behind if they struggle with a concept, and they also don’t feel bored by repetition of something they have already mastered. Teachers who teach in multi-age classrooms typically have deep knowledge for a range of developmental abilities, leaving them well-equipped to differentiate instruction for each individual child.

Building Stronger Relationships

Traditionally children move from one class to the next each year. This means not only a new set of academic expectations, different routines, and different classroom structures, but a different teacher.

In multi-age classrooms teachers have a longer period of time to get to know a student and their family, and vice versa. When teachers really get to know a student, they are able to tailor instruction in regards to both content and delivery. They know how to hook a specific child onto a topic or into a lesson. They know what kind of environment a child needs to feel successful.

Parents have an opportunity to get to know teachers better this way, too. If your child has the same teacher for two or three years, the lines of communication are strengthened. Parents get to know the teacher’s style and expectations. The home to school connection becomes more seamless, and the biggest beneficiary is the child.

Mentors and Leaders

When a child spends multiple years in the same class they are afforded two very special opportunities.

Children who are new to the class are fortunate enough to be surrounded by helpful peer mentors. Children often learn best from one another, and they seek to do so naturally. First and second year students watch as the older children enjoy advanced, challenging work, and this inspires them. They look to the older children for guidance, and the older children are happy to provide it.

After a year or two in the same room, students have a chance to practice leadership skills. In Montessori classrooms, the older children are often seen giving lessons, helping to clean up spills, or reaching out a comforting hand to their younger friends.

The best part is kids make the transition from observer to leader in their own time. It doesn’t happen for all children at the same time, but when it does it’s pretty magical to observe.

Mirroring Real-Life

There is no other area in life in which people are split into groups with others who are exactly their chronological age. Whether in the family, the workforce or elsewhere, people ultimately need to coexist with people older and younger than themselves. Doing so makes for a more enriching environment, replete with a variety of ideas and skills.

Why not start the experience with young children in school?

Moving On

While staying in the same class for multiple school years has many benefits, a child will eventually transition into a new class. While this can feel bittersweet (for everyone involved!) children are typically ready when it is time.

The Montessori approach is always considering what is most supportive of children depending on their development. When formulating how to divide children into groupings, Maria Montessori relied on her ideas about the Planes of Development. There are very distinctive growth milestones children tend to reach at about age 3, another set around age 6, and yet another at age 12. The groupings in our schools are intentional, and they give kids a chance to feel comfortable in their community, while also preparing them to soar forward when the time is right.

The Planes of Development

hello@montessorithrive.com (Montessori Thrive) — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 15:35:22 GMT

Maria Montessori based her entire educational philosophy on the idea that children developed through a series of four planes. Each of these planes is easy to recognize and has clear, defining characteristics. If we study and understand these stages, we can approach our interactions with children with a new perspective.

Learning about the planes of development isn’t just for Montessori educators. Understanding your child’s development can help at home, too.

The First Plane: birth-6 years

During this stage children absorb everything like sponges. They are, indeed, excellent examples if what Montessori called ‘The Absorbent Mind.’ This is a time in which we are able to utilize what Montessori called sensitive periods of learning. While each child is different, there are typical patterns that emerge in regards to brain development and general readiness to learn particular skills.

During the first three years of this plane, all learning is done outside of the child’s conscious mind. They learn by exploring their senses and interacting with their environment. During the second half of the plane, from about 3-6 years, children enter the conscious stage of learning. They learn by using their hands, and specialized materials in the Montessori classroom were developed with this consideration.

During this time, children have a wonderful sense of order. They are methodical and can appreciate the many steps involved in practical life lessons in their classrooms. The organization of the works on their classroom shelves is intentional, which appeals again to this sense of order.

The first plane is a time in which children proclaim, “I can do it myself”; it is a time of physical independence.

The Second Plane: 6-12 years

During the elementary years children begin to look outside themselves. They suddenly develop a strong desire to form peer groups. Previously, during the first plane, a child would be content to focus on their own work while sitting near others. In the second plane, a child is compelled to actually work with their friends. It is during this time that children are ready to learn about collaboration.

During the second plane there is a sudden and marked period of physical growth. This may be a contributing factor to the observation that many children of this age seem to lack an awareness of their body, often bumping into things and knocking things over. Children begin to lose their teeth around this time as well. Their sense of order and neatness tend to fade a bit during this plane.

Throughout the second plane, children’s imaginations are ignited. Since Montessori education is based in reality, we find ways to deliver real information to children through storytelling and other similar methods. For example, when teaching children about the beginnings of our universe, Montessori schools use what is called a Great Lesson. The first Great Lesson is a dramatic story, told to children with the use of props, experiments, and dramatics (think: a black balloon filled with glitter is popped to illustrate the Big Bang, with bits of paper in a dish of water used while talking about particles gathering together). This lesson is fascinating for children in the way it is presented, but gives them basic information about the solar system, states of matter, and other important concepts.

Children in the second plane have a voracious appetite for information, and are often drawn strongly to what we in Montessori call the cultural subjects: science, history, and geography. While we support their rapid language and mathematical growth during this time, we are also responsible for providing them with a variety of rich cultural lessons and experiences.

It is important to note that children develop a sense of moral justice at this time. They are very concerned with what is fair, and creating the rules to a new game is often as important (if not more so) than playing the actual game itself.

This is the period of time in which children are striving for intellectual independence.

The Third Plane: 12-18

The third plane of development encompasses the adolescent years. During the second plane, children become aware of social connections, but in the third plane they are critical. During this time children rely heavily on their relationships with their peers. They feel a strong desire to remain independent from adults, although they are not quite ready to do this entirely. It is our job to find ways that allow them to experiment with independence while also providing a safe structure in which they may do so.

Children in the third plane tend to require more sleep, and they sleep later than when they were younger. They long for authentic learning experiences, and Dr. Montessori imagined just that. Her ideas of Erdkinder (children of the earth) led her to contemplate a school setting that would support children’s development during this time. She imagined a farm school, in which children would work to keep the farm operational, but also contribute to planning and decision making while doing so.

During the third plane children are refining their moral compass while developing a stronger sense of responsibility.

The Fourth Plane: 18-24

The final plane is a time in which young adults are striving for financial independence. They are often living away from home for the first time, and use this time to figure out where they fit into their society. Many make choices to further their education and/or explore career paths.

It is during the fourth plane that people begin to develop a truer sense of who they are as individuals.

Each plane of development should be mindfully nurtured. If a child is able to experience one developmental phase in a rich and carefully prepared environment, they are ready to fully take on the next phase when it is time.

santa-cruz-montessori-new

2025 SCM Open House

Saturday, February 1st, 10:00am-12:00pm , Both Campuses

2025 Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 6th, 10am-12pm, Downtown Santa Cruz

Wavecrest Junior High Info Night Fall 2025

Wednesday, November 5th, 6pm at Winston Campus

2025 Harvest Festival

Annual Family Workday

Annual Campus Workday

Annual Family Workday

Journey and Discovery

Journey and Discovery Friday and Saturday , March 14th -15th

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Friday, March 14th

Elementary Positive Discipline Class

Parent Development - Positive Disciple Series for Elementary Families

Tuesday, March 4th, 11th, and 18th at 6pm

SCM Arts Auction

Saturday, February 23rd, Arts Auction at the Chaminade

SCM Open House

Saturday, February 1st, 10:00am-12:00pm , Both Campuses

Parent Development— Montessori Language Journey

Thursday, January 23rd, 6:00-7:00pm , Main Campus Community Room.

Lower Elementary Info Meeting

Saturday, January 11th, 9 am-10am, Main Campus Community Room.

Upper Elementary Plays

Thursday, December 19th and February 6th, 6pm , Colligan Theater

Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 7th, 10am-12pm, Downtown Santa Cruz

Upper Elementary Great Work Fair

Friday, November 22nd, 10-11:15am in the Community Room, Main Campus

Importance of the Final Year of Primary - Chat with Kim and Molly

Thursday, November 21st, 9am in the Community Room, Main Campus ﻿

Wavecrest Junior High Info Night

Wednesday, November 6th, 6pm at Winston Campus

Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 5th, 10am-2pm Main Campus

The Role of the Montessori Teacher

What, exactly, is the role of the Montessori teacher? How is it so different from that of any other teacher?

Montessori Teachers Cultivate Independence

Montessori Teachers are Trained to Think Like Scientists

Montessori Teachers Think Long-Term

Montessori Teachers are Often Called ‘Guides’

The Benefits of Multi-age Grouping

One hallmark of a Montessori education is the use of multi-age classrooms.

Learning at an Individual Pace

Building Stronger Relationships

Mentors and Leaders

Mirroring Real-Life

Moving On

The Planes of Development

The First Plane: birth-6 years

The Second Plane: 6-12 years

The Third Plane: 12-18

The Fourth Plane: 18-24

﻿

Thursday, November 21st, 9am in the Community Room, Main Campus