Welcome To Shadowridge Montessori School

Shadowridge Montessori School is a private school that provides early childhood education to children from 18 months to 6 years old. We offer a customized 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.


We believe that every child is unique and has their own 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 Our Montessori Schools

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." Founders of Lifetime Montessori School and La Jolla Montessori School

About Shadowridge Montessori School

Shadowridge Montessori School’s goal is to provide a stimulating and enriching experience based on Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) ideologies. Working hands-on with AMI Montessori materials and highly trained teachers, children become joyful and confident learners who know they can excel at anything they put their minds to. They will also support children by collaborating with community members to meet each of their unique needs while supporting the families by engaging, inspiring, and educating parents on a daily basis. Every family member is invited to participate in informative and stimulating events held at the school throughout the year. Each moment children experience at Shadowridge Montessori School will encourage and allow them to reach their full potential.

Shadowridge Montessori School aims to cultivate children to be independent free thinkers, joyful learners, confident individuals and active participants in their community. Their goal is to work with a diverse group of families that feel confident parenting with the Montessori methodology—allowing their children freedom of choice, exploration, and discovery. Together, the school and community will guide children who care for their environment, value their community, are inspired to follow their own path, and will excel in all areas of interest.

Shadowridge Montessori School's mission is to foster a nurturing environment that is physically and psychologically supportive of learning for toddlers through kindergarteners. The school will offer a cooperative and enriching atmosphere where your child will develop their knowledge through self and teacher-initiated experiences.  When children graduate from Shadowridge Montessori School they will be confident, secure, independent and joyful learners.

Dr. Montessori founded the first Casa Dei Bambini, or "Children's House" in 1907. Today we honor her legacy by following all Association Montessori International (AMI) standards and aim to make Shadowridge Montessori School your "Children's House".

Our Vision

Shadowridge Montessori School (SMS) is committed to creating independent thinkers, joyful learners, confident individuals, and active participants in our community. We believe that every child has the potential to achieve great things, and we are here to help them reach their full potential.

We use the Montessori Method, which is a child-centered approach to education that emphasizes freedom, exploration, and discovery. We believe that children learn best when they are allowed to follow their own interests and learn at their own pace.

We are committed to working with families to create a supportive and nurturing environment where children can thrive. We believe that parents are their children's first and most important teachers, and we are here to support them in their parenting journey.

Together, SMS and our parents can guide children who value themselves and others, who are inspired to follow their own paths, who care for their environment, and who will excel in their areas of interest.

Our Mission

Shadowridge Montessori School (SMS) is committed to providing children ages 18 months to Kindergarten with a stimulating and enriching educational experience based on the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. We use Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) approved materials and highly-trained teachers to create a space where children can learn and grow at their own pace.

Our mission is to help children become confident and joyful lifelong learners. We believe that every child is unique and has their own 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 learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning. We provide a variety of hands-on activities that allow children to learn through experience. We also encourage children to ask questions and explore their surroundings.

We are confident that our program will help your child reach their full potential. We invite you to visit our school and learn more about our philosophy and approach to education.

Dear Parents, 

The Montessori approach to education is about cultivating a passion for lifelong learning. Our program prepares your child to become a lifelong learner, problem-solver, and good citizen. 

Dr. Montessori believed we could cultivate this love of learning by offering children authentic learning activities, immersing them in a culturally rich environment, developing their love of learning, and permitting them the time and space to learn at their own pace. That is why it is our school’s mission to provide a nurturing, supportive and loving environment to support your children’s academic, physical and psychological make-up and social-emotional development.

Our Two-year old Toddler program serves children 18-months to 2-years old and supports the youngest members of our community in learning how to feel safe and secure at school, how to explore a classroom environment, and how to independently use the toilet. Once they master these skills, our two - three year old Children enter the Toddler environment. Then, when they turn 3 years old, they continue in the Primary environment through Kindergarten. Our Primary curriculum focuses on developing the young child’s concentration, communication, problem-solving and sense of self.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your children to help create a new generation of leaders in a world that will need all our collective help.

Sincerely,

Sandrine Buntin
Director