Welcome to Santa Rosa Montessori School!

Preschool & Kindergarten

At Santa Rosa Montessori School (formerly Brush Creek Montessori School), we believe in nurturing the individual essence of each child to help them become capable, empathetic world citizens. For over 50 years, our mission has been 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

Acorns

Primary Prep

Age 2+

Not Potty Trained

Redwood
Primary
Age 3-6

Potty Training in Progress
Able to Follow Teacher's Instructions

Sequoia
Primary
Age 3-6

Independent in Bathroom
Able to Follow Rules & Instructions

About Primary Prep
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.

About Primary
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.

Daily Schedule & Tuition

2026-2027 School Year

Full-Time Options

2026-2027 School Year

Part-Time Options

2026-2027 School Year Enrollment

If you would like to proceed with or preview the 2026-2027 New Student Enrollment Agreement, you can click the button below. You'll need to create a Brightwheel account or log in to an existing one to access the forms.

We are available to answer any questions you may have. Please get in touch with us at 707-495-7685 or admin@santarosamontessori.org. We also encourage you to sign up for a tour to experience our community firsthand!

2026-2027 New Student Enrollment Agreement

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

Classroom Enrichment Programs

Music

We are proud to host guest Music Teachers once a week. With their guidance, students sing songs, play rhythm instruments, listen actively to classical music, and learn music fundamentals with experienced instructors. Through music classes geared specifically to preschoolers, students will develop fine motor skills with fingerplays and large motor skills with movement to the music they hear.
Cooking

When children participate in meal-making, they experience purposeful, hands-on learning that fosters independence, confidence, and fine motor skills. Activities like washing, slicing, and mixing promote concentration, math readiness, and healthy eating habits while building social skills and responsibility.
Yoga

Yoga fosters holistic development by strengthening motor skills, enhancing emotional regulation, and improving focus. It promotes physical health (balance, flexibility) and mindfulness through non-competitive, breathing-focused movements, helping children self-soothe and build confidence, aligning with the Montessori emphasis on independence and body awareness.
Culture

Parents play an active role in enriching children’s experience by volunteering to lead cultural and science presentations. By sharing unique backgrounds, traditions, and expertise, children can explore diverse cultures and discover new ideas in engaging, hands-on ways. These visits spark curiosity, encourage questions, and help foster a deeper appreciation for the world around them, all while strengthening the sense of community within our school.

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 below to book your tour today.

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

Some GPS systems provide incorrect directions to our campus. Please see the pictures and directions at the bottom of this page to find us easily.

Schedule a Tour

The Montessori Difference

Montessori Education

Teachers

Passionate Professionals
Our teaching team includes experienced educators at different stages of their Montessori professional development. Head Teachers who are new to Montessori receive ongoing training, mentorship, and supervision to support their development in Montessori philosophy, observation, and classroom practice.

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 offer Spanish language education?

Spanish is incorporated into our daily classroom experience through songs, vocabulary, greetings, conversations, and everyday activities. Children are introduced to Spanish in a natural, engaging way while developing an appreciation for language and culture.

Do you provide meals?

Afternoon snack and lunch are to be supplied by the parents. We provide morning snack.

Can children bring their own toys from home?

Toys from home are not allowed. There are some exceptions that must be discussed with the classroom teacher in advance.

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.

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.

Ms. Nati, Redwood Lead Teacher!
Nati is new to the Santa Rosa Montessori School community. Stay tuned, her bio is coming soon!

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.

Caroline Barton-Hudson

Acorns Assistant Teacher

Meet Ms. Caroline, Assistant Teacher in Acorns!
Caroline holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Union College and has been working in the early childhood field for nearly six years. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.

One of the things Caroline appreciates most about the Montessori philosophy is its emphasis on hands-on learning, independence, and practical life skills. She enjoys helping children build confidence through meaningful experiences while fostering positive, trusting relationships with both children and their families.

Drawing from her experience working with children of various ages, Caroline strives to bring patience, encouragement, and a genuine love of learning into the classroom each day. She believes that forming strong connections with children helps create a positive foundation for lifelong learning.

A fun fact about Caroline is that her mom is originally from England, making her part British! Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, going on hikes, taking long drives, and visiting amusement parks and zoos.

Her favorite Montessori material is the Brown Stair because it reminds her of working one-on-one with a child who found great joy and confidence in exploring it. She appreciates how the material encourages children to develop visual discrimination, concentration, and an understanding of dimension through hands-on learning.

Ms. Amy, Assistant Teacher in Redwood!
Amy is new to the Santa Rosa Montessori School community. Stay tuned, her bio is coming soon!

Ms. Lupita, Floater & Spanish Teacher!
Lupita is new to the Santa Rosa Montessori School community. Stay tuned, her bio is coming soon!

Ms. Shenaaz, Teacher Support/Floater!
Shenaaz is new to the Santa Rosa Montessori School community. Stay tuned, her bio is coming soon!

Anthony Thomas

Substitute Teacher

Meet Mr. Anthony, Substitute Teacher!
Please give a warm welcome to our new substitute teacher, Anthony K. Thomas, also known as Mr. T! With 10 years of preschool teaching experience, Anthony brings a wealth of early learning expertise to Santa Rosa Montessori School. He earned his Child Development: Associate Teacher certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College and previously spent four and a half years as part of a dedicated teaching team at North Bay Children's Center. Though he is fresh to the Montessori environment, he is incredibly excited to support our students' self-directed growth.

Fun fact: A true creative at heart, Anthony is also a published independent author who has been crafting stories since his own middle school days. He loves weaving imagination into his daily interactions with children and looks forward to supporting your child in the classroom.

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

John Collins

John’s family is firmly rooted in this community. He was born and raised right here in Santa Rosa, and his wife, Kira, moved to the area at age 4. Their son began at SRMS in the fall of 2024 and has loved attending. John graduated from Sonoma State with a BS in Applied Mathematics and later earned his MBA. He has worked at Calix Inc for the past 17 years, and is currently Vice President, Commercial Engagement Strategy in Telecom. For vacation, the family enjoys adventures that include their three dogs and the cat in tow.

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

Mercedes Moore

Mercedes brings a passion for community, connection, and creating meaningful experiences for children and families to the SRMS Board. Originally from New Jersey, Mercedes left nursing school in Philadelphia to follow her passion for health and wellness, relocating to California in 2012. She is now a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor, teaching at Crunch Fitness and serving as a Founding Instructor at The Live Elevated Collective. As the proud mother of two endlessly curious and imaginative children, ages 3 and 5, she has experienced firsthand the incredible impact Santa Rosa Montessori School has had on her family. She has enthusiastically dedicated herself to giving back to the school’s nurturing and vibrant community through the fundraising committee, leading children’s yoga, and now, as a member of the Board of Directors.

Member

Janet O'Bryan

Janet grew up in Marin County and has called Sonoma County home for the past 10 years. Her elder daughter, Juniper, started at SRMS in 2025 and has blossomed in the mixed-age setting ahead of becoming a big sister in 2026. Janet is a physical therapist and an outdoor enthusiast, whether hiking, swimming, gardening, or bird-watching. She joined the board to support the wonderful teachers, staff, and families at Santa Rosa Montessori School.

Member

Anna Reitman

Phone: 707-495-7685
E-mail: admin@santarosamontessori.org
EIN: 68-0408407

Address:
4676 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
License: 493010650

Maps often incorrectly place us in the same building as Spring Lake Middle School. We are actually right across the street.
Come through the open driveway and go around 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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