We Prepare Children For Life.

Shadowridge Montessori School is a private Preschool, Primary and Kindergarten, including Transitional Kindergarten (TK), that provides early childhood education for children ages 18 months - six years old. We offer a customized English/Spanish Bilingual educational program that blends classroom and real-world experiences to help children become learners, not just memorizers. Our program is based on the Maria Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of child-directed learning and hands-on exploration.

Our bilingual program exposes children to English and Spanish throughout our educational programs. Our guides speak both languages throughout the day, promoting cultural understanding and linguistic versatility. This bilingual component adds a rich dimension to their learning journey.

We believe every child is unique and has individual gifts and talents. We celebrate each child's individuality and help them discover how they can best contribute to our world. We believe that children are naturally curious and love to learn. We support this innate drive by providing environments that meet children's developmental needs, by having a staff of loving and well-prepared adults, and by building a community of families that actively support our mission.

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About Shadowridge
Montessori School

The Shadowridge Montessori School team has successfully founded and is currently operating two other Montessori schools in the San Diego area. Lifetime Montessori School, in the Rancho Santa Fe community, was established in 2007, and La Jolla Montessori School, in the La Jolla community, was established in 2019.

After 16 years of great success with these programs which serve over 320 children aged 18 months through elementary school, and after having been recognized as two of the top Montessori Schools in San Diego, the founders have decided to create a new Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) school called Shadowridge Montessori School. This school is located in North County within the Shadowridge community. We are very excited about the opportunity to provide the Shadowridge community with high-quality Montessori methodology, and we look forward to working with you and your children.

Why Choose Shadowridge Montessori School?

At Shadowridge Montessori School, we are passionate about helping children grow and learn. We believe that every child is unique and has their own individual gifts and talents. We are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where children can thrive.

We offer a variety of programs and activities that are designed to stimulate and challenge children's minds and bodies. We also believe that it is important for children to develop their social and emotional skills. We offer a variety of opportunities for children to interact with their peers and learn how to work together.

We are like gardeners. We plant the seeds of learning within our youngest learners, give them the strength and awareness to harness their potential, and watch them grow into confident and self-aware individuals. We are honored to work with you and your child, and we are committed to providing them with the tools they need to succeed in school, in life, and in the world.

Core Montessori Method Principles:

At Shadowridge Montessori School, everything is about your child.

  • Individualized learning - Unique and highly effective learning and academic approach.
  • Whole child education - Social, emotional, and physical development is as critical as academic skills.
  • Empowered by choice - Independence fosters a child's confidence and authentic self to capably navigate life’s transitions.
  • Supported by research - Current neurology and human development research consistently backs Montessori and found students have higher levels of executive function, reading, math, vocabulary, social problem-solving skills, self-esteem and self-confidence than students in traditional schools.

About Our Director

Sandrine Buntin is the Director of Shadowridge Montessori School. Her goal is to promote a fun, educational, safe and inviting preschool experience for staff, parents, and children alike. She is thrilled for the opportunity to provide a quality Montessori environment for children 18 months old to six years old and guide them to become happy, independent problem solvers. 

Our Staff

Ms. Sandrine Buntin
Ms. Sandrine Buntin
Director
Ms. Sandrine Buntin earned her Degrees in Behavioral Sciences as well as in Child Development and Family Services. She also received a certificate of completion of the Early Childhood Essentials Course from the Authentic Institute of Montessori and a Site Supervisor Permit Certification from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Ms. Sandrine has worked in education for her entire professional career as a teacher, Assistant Director, Director and owner in a preschool setting for over 30 years. After working as a Director at All Saints Preschool for the past 12 years, it was a natural transition to open Shadowridge Montessori School at the same location while offering Montessori education to the Shadowridge community. Read More
Mrs. Erika Dibos
Mrs. Erika Dibos
Assistant Director
Mrs. Erika Dibos earned an Associate's Degree in General Education with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Science and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development with an emphasis in Counseling Services. Her goals are to create a welcoming environment and to develop a nurturing and secure connection to all students and parents. Read More
Ms. Rosario Villegas
Ms. Rosario Villegas
Toddler Guide
Ms. Rosario Villegas earned her Associate of Arts and a Montessori Toddler Guide certificate from the Association Montessori Internationale in 2024.  Her first experience working with children was 4 years ago when she worked as a behavioral therapist serving children with autism. She enjoyed being a part of their lives and seeing them develop into more independent and confident human beings. As a result, she decided to pursue an assistant teacher role at Shadowridge Montessori School and she completed her foundational courses in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Rosario values helping children achieve their full potential by harnessing their uniqueness and she feels that the Montessori pedagogy allows for that to happen. She brings one year experience of working with children 3-6 years old. Read More
Ms. Amya King
Ms. Amya King
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Amya King earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology and Sociology. She’s been a reading tutor with foster youth and elementary school kids. Her goal is to become a therapist, working with a multitude of communities. She is aiming to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology minoring in Sociology and to join a Masters program after graduation. Read More
Ms. Srisakthi Rajkumar
Ms. Srisakthi Rajkumar
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Srisakthi Rajkumar earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and has completed a Data Management Course. With three years of experience working as a Kindergarten teacher in India and as an online math tutor for middle school children in the United States, she is passionate about continuously enhancing her early childhood development skills. She’s committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow, aims to further her knowledge in educational strategies and build strong relationships with the children and families. In the future, she hopes to contribute to educational programs that support child development and learning, both in the classroom and beyond. Read More
Ms. Alejandra Jacinto
Ms. Alejandra Jacinto
Toddler Guide
Ms. Alejandra Anahi Jacinto earned her Montessori Toddler Guide certificate from the North American Montessori Center in 2019. Ms. Alejandra comes with 17 years of experience in early childcare education. With the last 6 years working with 6 wks to 3 years olds. Ms Alejandra hopes to make learning a joyful experience, help grow self-confidence, and encourage curiosity, and independence. Read More
Ms. Cruz Ofelia Lopez
Ms. Cruz Ofelia Lopez
Toddler Guide
Ms. Cruz Ofelia Lopez received her Toddler Guide Certificate in 2016 from the North American Montessori Center. She has 20 years of experience working in early childhood education. Before joining our team she was at The Growing Place Montessori for 11 years. Her goals are to develop connections and partnerships with parents, students, and coworkers. Also, to impart ethical living practices, and develop courage, integrity, honesty, and kindness. Read More
Ms. Vanessa Grimsley
Ms. Vanessa Grimsley
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Vanessa Grimsley earned a Certificate of Achievement in Child Development as an Associate Teacher and a Child Development Assistant Permit from Palomar College in December 2022. Additionally, she possesses an Associate Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences (May 2012), an Associate Degree in University Studies with an emphasis in Education (May 2014), and an Associate Degree in Arts and Humanities (March 2019). Ms. Vanessa has 2 years of experience working with children and is passionate about fostering their understanding of the five senses. Read More
Ms. Allegra Maleki
Ms. Allegra Maleki
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Allegra Maleki earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Adolescence. Her first experience working with children was working at the YMCA after-school program. Her goal is to become a Montessori teacher or a private school teacher. Read More
Ms. Rosella Araiza
Ms. Rosella Araiza
Toddler Guide
Ms. Rosella Araiza earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Education from Montessori Universidad. She started teaching while attending school, gaining experience with children ages 0-6. Her first approach to a Montessori environment was during middle school, it was such an amazing experience that it made her want to become a teacher. She aims to foster a positive/inclusive environment and build strong bonds between her students and parents. Read More
Ms. Ariana Gallegos
Ms. Ariana Gallegos
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Ariana Gallegos is working on her Associates at MiraCosta College. She has been working in childcare for 5 years and has 2 years of Montessori experience. Her goal is to earn an Associates Degree in Child Development and a Montessori certification. Ms. Ariana is from Oceanside California. Read More
Ms. Monica Santos Del Prado
Ms. Monica Santos Del Prado
Toddler Guide
Ms. Monica Santos Del Prado earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Education from Montessori University in Mexico. During her studies, she traveled throughout the Netherlands—from Amsterdam to Nienhuis. There, she was hosted by Nienhuis Montessori School and finished in the study room of Maria Montessori at the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) while earning a Montessori Historical Studies certification. As a head guide, Monica has been guiding and educating young children for the past six years. Read More
Yadira Guanulema-Barba
Yadira Guanulema-Barba
Primary Guide
Ms. Yadira Guanulema-Barba earned a Montessori Primary diploma from the Centro de Entrenamiento Montessori FDH in Quito in 2023 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design Engineering. She has three years of Montessori teaching experience. Self-taught, she learned and applied the Montessori philosophy to her motherhood, and has sought to promote it in supporting the families of her local business. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where each child can develop holistically, encouraging independence, self-discipline and mutual respect. She seeks to cultivate a spirit of peace and collaboration in young children. Read More
Ms. Giselle Rios
Ms. Giselle Rios
Primary Assistant Teacher
Ms. Giselle Rios is currently working towards an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in childcare for two years and has acquired the knowledge and skills needed to provide a nurturing environment for the students. Her goal is to earn an Associate’s Degree in Child Development and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Read More
Mr. Saul Diaz
Mr. Saul Diaz
Primary Guide
Mr. Saul Diaz earned a Montessori Teacher Diploma in the city of Morelia, Mexico, where he completed his training. He was very lucky to have an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) center located in the city where he was born. He worked as lead Montessori guide in South Dakota where he had the chance to work for two years with the wonderful Sioux Falls community. His goals are to keep learning and helping from this wonderful method and one day become a Montessori teacher trainer. Read More
Ms. Judy Napolitano
Ms. Judy Napolitano
Primary Assistant Teacher
Ms. Judy Napolitano earned an Associate Degree in Child Development and is presently working towards a degree in Social Work. She has experience working as a nanny and a volunteer in the foster care community and has always wanted to be a teacher. Read More
Ms. Laleh Tafreshi
Ms. Laleh Tafreshi
Floater
Ms. Laleh Tafreshi earned her Child Development certification from MiraCosta College and Theoria College. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2005 as both a teacher and director. Her goals include helping each student reach their full academic potential and a love for learning. Read More
Ms. Ladan Zamahd
Ms. Ladan Zamahd
Floater
Ms. Ladan Zamahd earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, an Associate’s Degree in Biotechnology, and Certifications in Child Development. She has been at All Saints’ Preschool for 18 years. Her goals are to continue providing child care with the passion and dedication she has shown in the past two decades. Read More
Ms. Razieh Fasaei
Ms. Razieh Fasaei
Floater
Ms. Razieh Fasaei earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. She has more than 5 years of experience working with kids. Her goal is to assist teachers in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for the children. Ms. Razieh is from Iran and she speaks Farsi. She is passionate about saving money to help people in need. Read More

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Testimonials

Here's what our community is saying about Shadowridge Montessori School.



Blog & School Updates

Our Montessori school blog is filled with advice, lessons, and resources for parents and educators of toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.

August 10, 2023

Bilingual Early Childhood Education

Shadowridge Montessori School is a private Preschool, Primary, and Kindergarten that offers a comprehensive and bilingual early childhood education for children aged 18 months to six years. Our educational approach is centered around a personalized curriculum that seamlessly integrates classroom instruction with real-world experiences. This approach is carefully designed to foster a love for learning, encouraging children to become inquisitive learners rather than mere memorizers. At the heart of our program lies the Maria Montessori philosophy, which places a strong Read more "Bilingual Early Childhood Education"
May 16, 2023

Let Toddlers Make Mistakes

When incorporating independence in your little ones, one of the most important things to remember is to let toddlers make mistakes. It is when they make mistakes that they learn. Toddlers are constantly learning and exploring their world. As they do, it is inevitable that they will make mistakes so it is very important to let toddlers make mistakes as this is how they learn and grow. An important key in the Montessori Method is to let toddlers make mistakes Read more "Let Toddlers Make Mistakes"
May 16, 2023

Welcome to our Toddler Program!

Welcome to Shadowridge Montessori School!  We are currently enrolling for our Toddler program and have space available for your child.  Our focus is ensuring that your child learns ways to become an independent child while building respect for others and a joy for learning. Montessori differs from traditional preschools because it provides a methodological, coordinated foundation to develop children’s skill sets based on each child’s strengths. That’s why it’s helpful to visit and watch how our teachers interact with children.   Read more "Welcome to our Toddler Program!"
May 1, 2023

Welcome to our Primary + Kindergart …

Welcome to Shadowridge Montessori School!  We are currently enrolling for our Primary, Pre-K and Kindergarten programs and have space available for your child.  Shadowridge Montessori School is a private Preschool, Primary and Kindergarten that provides early childhood education for children ages 18 months – six years old. Our focus is ensuring that your child learns ways to become an independent child while building respect for others and a joy for learning. The Montessori Method is about giving children the time Read more "Welcome to our Primary + Kindergart …"

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Interested in exploring how our Montessori School will work for you and your family? Contact us today!