Welcome to Santa Rosa Montessori School!

Preschool & Kindergarten

At Santa Rosa (formerly Brush Creek) Montessori School, we believe in nurturing the individual essence of each child to help them become capable, empathetic world citizens. Our mission is to provide an inviting and prepared environment that supports the holistic development of children aged 2 - 6 years. With our unique program and experienced teachers, we offer a rich educational experience grounded in the Montessori philosophy. Santa Rosa Montessori School is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors.

Schedule a Tour

Our Programs

Primary Prep - Acorns

Ages 2 – 3 (not potty trained)
Our Primary Prep program runs in the Acorns classroom and fosters independence, sensory exploration, and early social skills. Children engage in activities that support their physical, cognitive, and emotional development in a nurturing environment.

Primary - Sequoia and Redwood

Ages 3 – 6 years (potty trained)
Our Primary program runs in Sequoia and Redwood classrooms and focuses on hands-on learning, language acquisition, and cultural awareness. Through our curriculum, children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Santa Rosa Montessori School is an American Montessori Society (AMS) member school and adheres to its strict guidelines for Montessori education and ethics. As dictated by AMS, all Head Teachers hold Bachelor's degrees as well as Montessori teaching certificates from a school accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

Learn more about the American Montessori Society.

AMS was founded in 1960 and has grown to be the largest Montessori organization in the world. AMS is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting the use of the Montessori teaching approach in private and public schools. Member-supported, its funding comes mainly from Montessori-credentialed teachers, schools, administrators, teacher education programs, parents of Montessori schoolchildren, and interested friends. 10,000 members strong, they are committed to furthering Montessori philosophy, making it a growing educational alternative, and promoting better education for all children regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or geographical location.

It is important to note that because Dr. Maria Montessori did not obtain a copyright for her name, Montessori in the name of a school does not mean the school adheres consistently to the Montessori philosophy of teaching.

Daily Schedule & Tuition

2025-2026 School Year

Full-Time Options
Prices will remain the same for the 2026-2027 School Year!

2025-2026 School Year

Part-Time Options
Prices will remain the same for the 2026-2027 School Year!

Summer 2026

The SRMS Summer Program offers the consistency and continuity of the academic year with the added enjoyment of weekly themes that create a camp-like experience. The program consists of three separate sessions. You may enroll in one, two, or all three!

Camp hours are 9 am to 3 pm, with the option to add morning and/or afternoon care.

Are you interested in joining us for Summer Session? Reach out to us at 707-495-7685 or admin@santarosamontessori.org.

Montessori Curriculum

Practical Life

In the Montessori primary classroom, practical life activities help children develop independence, coordination, concentration, and a sense of order. Activities such as pouring, sweeping, buttoning, and food preparation not only foster self-care and care for the environment but also instill an understanding of structure and sequence.
Sensorial

Sensorial activities help children refine their senses and classify the world around them. Using specially designed materials, children explore textures, shapes, colors, sounds, and smells, enhancing their perceptual and cognitive abilities.
Language

The language area fosters communication skills through a phonetic approach to reading and writing. Children engage in activities like sandpaper letters, movable alphabets, and storytelling, developing literacy and a love for language.
Cultural

The cultural area includes geography, science, art, and music, exposing children to diverse cultures and natural phenomena. Activities like map-making, plant studies, and musical exploration broaden their understanding of the world and foster curiosity.
Math

Math activities in the Montessori classroom use concrete materials to introduce abstract concepts. Children work with beads, number rods, and other tools to understand counting, operations, and the decimal system, building a strong mathematical foundation.
Grace & Courtesy

Children learn social skills and polite behaviors through grace and courtesy lessons. These activities teach respect, empathy, and effective communication, laying the foundation for positive interactions within the classroom and beyond.
Peace Education

Peace education in Montessori emphasizes inner calm and conflict resolution. Children engage in activities that promote mindfulness, empathy, and understanding, creating a harmonious classroom environment.
Active Learning

Given the right environment and materials, children show a deep passion for learning. Work is any activity a child chooses that helps them grow. Montessori work nurtures confidence, concentration, and a lifelong love of learning.

“Play is the work of the child.”
- Maria Montessori

Family & Community

Parental Involvement

As a non-profit organization, we require parents to volunteer six hours per year per child. Volunteer hours can be completed by any family member, and there are plenty of ways to do so:

Become a member of or provide help to the fundraising committee
Become a member of the Board of Directors
Help take care of our garden
Share your experience, knowledge, or heritage with children
Help with playground or classroom maintenance
Fulfill classroom Wishlist
Make a monetary donation to the school

Donate to SRMS

Family Education

We use an app called Montopia to increase understanding of and connection to your child's classroom experience.

Montopia provides access to classroom lessons through short videos that help parents deepen their understanding of Montessori principles.

Montopia also provides home activity suggestions, empowering you to complement your child's in-school learning in a fun way while using materials you already have at home.

Preview Montopia's Features

Community Connections

During the school year, we create several opportunities for families and staff to get to know each other:

Back to School Night
Dine-and-Donate
Picnic in the Park
Spring Fling Fundraising Night
Thanksgiving Stone Soup Lunch
Holiday Cookies & Cocoa Party
Monthly Parents-only Coffee meeting

Photo Gallery

Schedule a Tour

We'd love to show you around Santa Rosa Montessori School!

Schedule a tour with us and experience our nurturing environment firsthand. See our classrooms in action and learn about our unique programs. Click the button to book your tour today.

Please do not schedule an Acorns class (2-year-old) tour between 12:15pm and 2:15 pm. Children are napping, and the room is closed.

Some GPS systems give wrong directions. Please see the pictures in the directions at the bottom of this page to find us easily.

Schedule a Tour

The Montessori Difference

Montessori Education

Teachers

Passionate Professionals
As dictated by the American Montessori Society, all Head Teachers hold Bachelor's degrees as well as Montessori teaching certificates from a school accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. Already rich with experience in child development, our teachers continue their education through professional development. Our smaller class sizes enable meaningful connections to be formed between SRMS teachers and students.

Traditional Education

Teachers

According to the Learning Policy Institute, teacher shortages negatively impact student learning as districts resort to relying on a revolving door of underprepared teachers and substitute teachers, increasing class sizes, and reducing course offerings altogether.

Montessori Education

Classrooms

An Environment Tailored to Children
A Montessori classroom is intentionally designed to be an inviting space. Quality materials and furniture, curated and constructed with the child at the forefront, support the development of independence and confidence.

Traditional Education

Classrooms

Many traditional models are focused on entertaining the child and filling time. They use toys and group activities to get through the day, rather than focusing on the child's developmental learning needs.

Montessori Education

Learning Materials

Education through Action
Children are exposed to a range of materials that encourage hands-on exploration. Children have the freedom to choose from these offerings, following their own instincts and interests, creating strong neural pathways in their developing brains.

Traditional Education

Learning Materials

Traditional education programs tend to be adult-centered, where the teacher decides what the children work on and when, limiting a child’s choice and stifling creativity. When children aren’t free to follow their interests, the spark for education can suffer, and some children may fall behind.

Montessori Education

Curriculum

Adapts to the Child
Children have their own unique path through education and development. Montessori education is designed to follow the child’s lead, adapting to their individual needs at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Traditional Education

Curriculum

Traditional, standardized education operates under a one-size-fits-all model. This approach neglects the unique needs of children.

Montessori Education

Parental Education

Holistic Family Support
Children thrive when they experience consistency at home and at school. We are committed to supporting our entire community, which includes offering resources for parent education.

Traditional Education

Parental Education

Opportunities to educate parents are limited or unavailable, leaving adults ill-equipped to carry the spirit of lessons outside of the classroom.

Skills to Learn

What Parents Say About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we enroll? What is your admission process?

Step 1: Schedule a Tour
Reach out to our office to book a tour; we would love to show you around.
Step 2: Child's Classroom Visit
Your child may be invited to visit the classroom they’ll be enrolling in.
Step 3: Consultation
We’ll discuss with you and the classroom teacher to ensure SRMS is the right fit for your child.
Step 4: Enrollment
Complete the enrollment contract and pay the applicable fees.

We strive to balance age and gender in classrooms and maintain teacher continuity. While we can’t guarantee specific classroom or teacher requests, we do our best to accommodate them.
New students without prior Montessori experience are encouraged to join our Summer Program. This helps them get familiar with the Montessori environment, meet some students and staff, and become part of the Santa Rosa MS community.

Non-Discrimination Policy Santa Rosa Montessori School welcomes all students and does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, or any other characteristic.

Do you have a waitlist?

Yes! If classes are full or your child is not yet within our age range, you can opt to be placed on our waiting list. When we have an opening, preference is given to siblings of current students.
To join the waitlist, please complete the enrollment application and pay the application fee.

How many children are in a classroom?

All classrooms have maximum capacity of 18 children.

Do you provide meals?

Afternoon snack and lunch are to be supplied by the parents. We provide morning snack for the children that stay for PM Care.

Can children bring their own toys from home?

Toys from home are not allowed. There are some exceptions that have to be discussed with the classroom teacher.

Privacy Policy

We do not sell or share your information

We are committed to your privacy and manages your information as outlined in this policy. We collect personal data when you contact us, enroll your child, or join school events. Your data is used to manage admissions, communicate updates and events, and enhance our services. We do not sell or share your information except when legally required or with trusted, confidential service providers. We implement security measures to protect your information and use cookies on our website to improve your experience, which you can disable via your browser. You have the right to access, correct, or delete your information by contacting us at admin@santarosamontessori.org. This policy may be updated periodically, with changes posted here.

Non-Discrimination Policy

In accordance with the Montessori philosophy, SRMS admits children of any race, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, or other legally protected status. SRMS does not discriminate in its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid or scholarships, or other school-administered programs, and any other activities generally accorded or made available to students at SRMS.

Our Staff

Anna Garcia

Sequoia Class Teacher

Meet Ms. Anna, Sequoia Lead Teacher!
With 19 years of experience in Montessori education, Anna is a passionate educator who obtained her Primary Montessori Certificate from the National Center for Montessori Education. She has worked in various Montessori programs, including authentic, progressive, public charter, and infant-toddler settings, always in a lead teaching role. Anna is also in the process of earning her Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education from Sierra College.

Anna's journey into Montessori began at 17 when she took a Montessori teacher's assistant course and was gifted Maria Montessori's The Formation of Man by her father. Inspired by the poeticism of Montessori’s words and the living example of those principles in the classroom, Anna developed a deep commitment to human education with regard and reverence for all stages of development. She fosters independence and creativity in her students through her "The Way" approach, which focuses on safety, body control, making good choices, and friendship.

Outside the classroom, Anna is an avid gardener and loves storytime, making language learning fun for her students. Fun fact about Anna? She’s a P.O.S.T. trained 911 dispatcher! Her favorite Montessori material is the red knobless cylinders, which she finds to be the perfect tool for teaching perseverance.

Lori Sturm

Redwood Class Teacher

Meet Ms. Lori, Redwood Lead Teacher!
With 20 years of experience in both Montessori and non-Montessori schools, Lori has taught infants to elementary students across Sacramento, Cameron Park, Davis, Maui, and Oregon. She holds a BA in Fine Art from CSU Sacramento, an MA in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix, and a Montessori Primary (3-6) Teacher Certificate.

Lori believes in the philosophy that “children are people too.” She creates a nurturing, engaging environment with natural materials and focuses on fostering independence and creativity. Lori's approach is to follow the child, meet them where they are, and make learning fun with positive discipline and encouragement.

Outside of teaching, Lori enjoys traveling, writing, illustrating children’s books, making jewelry, reading, swimming, and painting. Fun fact: She lived in Maui for 10 years, spent 4 months every winter in Mexico, and is a published author working on three children’s books. Her favorite Montessori material is the bead chains, perfect for making multiplication fun and easy.

Brittaney Girdler

Acorns Class Teacher

Meet Ms. Brittaney, Acorns Lead Teacher!
Brittaney Girdler brings over a decade of early childhood education experience, with a special passion for the Montessori method. She holds an Associate Teacher Certificate and an Infant/Toddler Montessori Diploma from the North American Montessori Center. Her educational journey began at Santa Rosa Junior College and continued with specialized Montessori training, which deepened her understanding of child-led learning for young children.

Brittaney’s teaching career has spanned various settings, including play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired, and Montessori environments. After discovering her passion for Montessori education, she joined Santa Rosa Montessori School, where she has flourished as an educator for three years. Brittaney values hands-on exploration and fostering children’s independence, which aligns perfectly with Montessori principles.

Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a respectful, nurturing environment that honors each child’s curiosity, individuality, and cultural background. Brittaney believes in empowering children through meaningful, practical activities and fostering their self-confidence, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

In the classroom, Brittaney incorporates her vibrant personality and creativity to make learning joyful and engaging. Her favorite Montessori activities are in the Practical Life area, where children learn essential self-care and life skills that build independence and pride in their accomplishments.

Outside of teaching, Brittaney enjoys spending time with her two daughters, Aveah and Evangelina, through activities like painting, cooking, nature walks, and cozy movie nights. She also loves crafting holiday wreaths and cheering on her favorite sport—softball, which she played for 12 years. A fun fact about Brittaney? She’s a twin and comes from a family of five children!

Brittaney’s dedication, positivity, and love for her work make her a cherished part of the School community.

Melissa Vielma Luna

Sequoia Assistant Teacher

Meet Ms. Melissa, Assistant Teacher in Sequoia!
Melissa brings warmth, patience, and dedication to her role as Assistant Teacher in the Sequoia classroom.

She graduated from Montgomery High School and attended Santa Rosa Junior College, where she is currently completing her Child Development Certificate. With plans to pursue Montessori training next, Melissa is deeply committed to expanding her knowledge and expertise in early childhood education.

Melissa has over six years of experience working with children, including four years as a Classroom Leader in the after-school program at Taylor Mountain Elementary. For the past two years, she has been an integral part of Santa Rosa Montessori, where she has embraced Montessori principles and seen firsthand the benefits of hands-on learning and independence.
Her inspiration to teach began early. Growing up, she often accompanied her mother, who works in special education, and witnessed the compassion and dedication her mom poured into her students. That experience shaped Melissa’s own desire to make a positive impact in children’s lives.

Melissa’s teaching philosophy is centered on strong, meaningful relationships. She believes that when children feel respected, understood, and supported, they thrive both academically and emotionally. In her classroom, she creates a welcoming environment where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and share ideas.

Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys hiking, cooking, shopping at thrift stores, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves collecting unique trinkets, each with its own story.

Her favorite Montessori activity is pouring, which she appreciates for how it fosters independence, concentration, and a sense of accomplishment in young learners.

Rebecca DeLair

Acorns Assistant Teacher

Meet Ms. Becky, Assistant Teacher in Acorns!
Rebecca DeLair, known as Ms. Becky, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at Santa Rosa Montessori. With an Early Childhood Teaching Certificate and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development with an emphasis on Gifted and Talented Education, she’s a true advocate for creative and individualized learning.

Ms. Becky has an impressive background, having taught 3rd grade in public schools while also serving as a Science Liaison, Principal Substitute, and Student Support Team Coordinator. Her Montessori journey began at Santa Rosa Montessori, where she applies her years of experience and her belief in hands-on, exploratory learning.

As a teacher, Ms. Becky fosters a kind, loving, and positive environment, encouraging children to learn through trial and error, exploration, and independence. She has a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy, having integrated its principles into her teaching in traditional public schools as well.

Fun fact: Ms. Becky attended five different elementary schools as a child! In her free time, she enjoys quilting, reading, camping, and hiking. Her favorite Montessori material? The Puzzle Maps—perfect for combining her love of puzzles and all things math.

We’re thrilled to have Ms. Becky’s patience, positivity, and expertise as part of our Montessori family!

Dionicia Nevarez

Classroom Aid

Meet Ms. D, Our Wonderful Teacher Support/Assistant!
Dionicia Nevarez, lovingly known as Ms. D, brings over 5 years of experience to her role at Santa Rosa Montessori. She holds certifications in Early Childhood, Montessori Overview, and Assistant Teaching from the Montessori Teacher Education Center.

Ms. D has worked with children of all ages, supporting Montessori classrooms at Tiburon Montessori, Montessori de Terra Linda, and now here at Santa Rosa Montessori. Her expertise includes assisting with curriculum setup, playground supervision, nap time, aftercare, and engaging children in science and art activities.

When called upon to lead a classroom, Ms. D ensures consistency by following established schedules and curriculum, guiding and redirecting children as needed. She believes in the Montessori philosophy of allowing children to learn by doing, and she loves witnessing their growth and independence as they discover the world around them.

Fun fact: Ms. D is an artist! She enters her artwork into the Sonoma County Fair each year and enjoys refinishing wooden dollhouse models, painting, and working with pastels. Her favorite Montessori material? The Sorting Cup and Ball Work, which is both colorful and versatile, encouraging creativity and focus.

Alla Mulholland

Office Manager

Meet Ms. Alla, Office Manager & Substitute Teacher!
Alla wears many hats at Santa Rosa Montessori, seamlessly balancing administrative duties and classroom support. With a Master’s in Public Administration, an AMI Montessori Primary Guide Certificate, and an M.Ed. from Loyola University Maryland, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our school.

As Office Manager, Alla keeps things running smoothly—handling billing, parent communication, social media, and even giving school tours. When needed, she steps into the classroom, offering just the right mix of guidance and challenge to our students.
Her teaching philosophy? "Inspire interest, and the child will learn." Alla believes in fostering independence while respecting each child’s unique journey.

Fun fact: Alla is a doula and an artist! Her works are in private collections in USA and UK. Her favorite Montessori material? The Number Rods, which combines math and creativity in the most fascinating way.

We’re so grateful for Alla’s dedication to our community and her passion for Montessori education!

Our Board of Directors

Parent Volunteers Guiding the Vision, Sustainability, and Success of SRMS

If you're interested in joining, please email bod@santarosamontessori.org.

President

Kaleena Ciociolo

Kaleena has been a Sonoma County resident for 25 years and has a four-year-old son who has attended the school for two years. She also has a daughter in elementary school and enjoys family outings and trying to keep up with her kids' endless activities. Kaleena has grown her love and passion for her children through their education and is proud to serve both her children's schools. She joined the Board of Directors in October 2023 to grow her love for the Montessori Method and support her son's school and the amazing teachers and staff. Kaleena is currently a Manager for the North Bay property management company Woodmont Real Estate Services.

Secretary

Channah Zeldin

She and her husband moved to Santa Rosa from Philadelphia in 2016. She is Mom to her 4-year-old son, who has been thriving at the school since the summer of 2023. A recovering startup founder, Channah now works as a digital Product Manager for mission-oriented startups. She holds a degree in International Business and Economics from Drexel University. In her free time, you'll find her doing something active: Peloton, running, hiking, yoga, and climbing with friends. Channah is passionate about the Montessori approach to early childhood education. When the school faced the challenge of relocating, she joined the board to learn more and contribute to a smooth transition, ensuring the school continues to serve the community.

Treasurer

Ben Zaks

Ben is a father of 2 elementary school aged boys (5 and 7 at the beginning of 2025) and has been a Santa Rosa resident since 2015. He currently works at Keysight Technologies in Santa Rosa as an Engineering Project Manager and has degrees in Physics from UC Berkeley and UC Santa Barbara. He enjoys hiking and biking around Sonoma County with his wife and his boys and has taken many loops around Spring Lake. His youngest son attended Santa Rosa Montessori and had such a great experience, he wanted to make sure other kids had the same opportunity!

Member

Addie Kellerman

Addie moved to Santa Rosa in 2022 and, two years later, joined the Santa Rosa Montessori School community when her son was ready to begin preschool. Addie is the Director of Digital Marketing for Metallica and the band’s foundation, All Within My Hands, and has degrees in Politics and Sport Management from the University of San Francisco. She and her husband are avid music fans and vinyl collectors, an affinity they have passed on to their toddler, who already knows the value of a solid B-Side track. Addie’s son has flourished since joining SRMS, and she is thrilled to be able to support the school in return.

Member

Anna Reitman

Phone: 707-495-7685
E-mail: admin@santarosamontessori.org

Address:
4676 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

Maps are often WRONGLY placing us in the same building as Spring Lake MS. We are actually right across the street.
Come through an open driveway and go all the way to the back of the building complex.
This is our entrance. Please ring the bell on the gate door.

Leave your phone number and we will contact you!

Or you can call us yourself:

+1 (707)495-7685

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