We Prepare Children For Life.
Shadowridge Montessori School is a private Preschool, Primary and Kindergarten 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.
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 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.
Ms. Sandrine’s 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 to six years old, and guide them to become happy, independent problem solvers.
In her free time, Ms. Sandrine enjoys spending time with her five children and traveling back to France to visit her family.
Ms. Zuleyma Martinez earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Justice Studies & Sociology concentrating on Children, Youth and Family. Her goal is to become an Assistant Director.
In her free time, Ms. Zuleyma enjoys hiking, going to the movies, spending time with family, and hanging out with her dog. She also enjoys discovering new places to eat around San Diego & North County.
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.
Ms. Monica is from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. She is passionate about teaching and working with preschool and lower elementary-aged children.
In her free time, Ms. Monica enjoys going for a run, hiking, traveling, going to the beach, planning summer camps for kids and loves drinking coffee. She is family oriented and loves spending quality time with them.
Ms. Arta Bakhtiat earned an Associate Teacher degree in Child Development. She has almost 11 years of experience working with toddlers. Her goal is to care for children to the best of her ability to get them ready for the future world.
She has 2 daughters; one is married and made Ms. Arta a grandmother to a 2-year-old boy. The other daughter is currently single.
In her free time, Ms. Arta enjoys going to the beach with her husband and walking by the boardwalk. She also loves reading books.
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.
Ms. Rosella is from Mexicali, Baja California, México. She is a mother to a little boy, raising him under the influence of the Montessori principles.
In her free time, Ms. Rosella enjoys spending time with her little one and family. She loves watching documentaries and going thrift shopping.
Ms. Claire Bellomy earned her Montessori Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2017. She brings with her four years of Montessori teaching experience, including three years at the company school of a leading Southern California aerospace company. With a passion for early childhood education and a deep appreciation for the Montessori method, she is dedicated to creating an engaging and nurturing learning environment for young minds to thrive. She is always keen to share about the Montessori pedagogy, so please ask away!
Ms. Claire was born and raised in France and lived in several European countries throughout her first career.
In her free time, Ms. Claire enjoys good books, thought-provoking movies, and exploring California with her husband James and their German Shepherd Kovu.
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.
Mr. Diaz was born and raised in Morelia, Mexico and spent five years living in Cancun—where people are always happy, friendly, and ready to help!
In his free time, Mr. Diaz enjoys a good book, hiking, dancing, and traveling the world!
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.
Ms. Laleh is a San Diego local and currently lives in Carlsbad.
In her free time, Ms. Laleh enjoys cooking, watching the beautiful San Diego sunsets, playing with her family dog, spending time with her family and traveling.
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.
In her free time, Ms. Razieh enjoys spending time with her family, walking, doing art work and painting.
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.
Ms. Ladan is from Tehran, Iran. She immigrated to Laguna Niguel in the year 2000. She has lived in San Diego since 2005, with her hard-working husband, and two very loving boys, aged 12 and 20 (7th grader and UCSD Third Year).
In her free time, Ms. Ladan enjoys baking, going on walks, and watching her favorite shows with her family.
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.
In her free time, Ms. Ariana enjoys [spending time with family and going to Disneyland.
Ms. Rosario Villegas earned an Associate’s Degree in Arts from Palomar College. After pursuing a career in Fashion Design, she decided to change course and began a career working with children. She started out working as a behavioral therapist serving children with autism and enjoyed being part of the process of seeing children develop into more independent and confident human beings. As a result, she decided to join Shadowridge Montessori School so that she can continue being a part of a child’s learning and growth experience.
Ms. Rosario was born and raised in Mexico but has lived in California since 2005 and has been married to her husband, Leo, since 2018.
In her free time, Ms. Rosario enjoys traveling with her husband, exercising, hiking, dancing and spending time with her family, especially with her nephews which bring her so much joy.
Ms. Azalea Lita currently working on an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. She has been working in childcare since 2021 and has been a Toddler Lead Teacher for a Montessori school in San Marcos. Her goals are to finish her Associate Degree and earn a Montessori Certificate.
Ms. Azalea is from Vista, California.
In her free time, Ms. Azalea enjoys singing, dancing, and hiking.
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