Progressive Nationally Recognized
Montessori School
Toddler to 8th Grade
The VMS Advantage
Authentic Montessori Philosophy
VMS is guided by the principles and techniques of Maria Montessori to deliver a rich, engaging learning environment. VMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society and adheres to authentic practices recommended by this organization.
The Child
VMS teachers guide children to self-discovery by embracing curiosity, creativity, and individual choice through meaningful work, so that they can realize their own unique journey.
Academic Excellence
VMS students are encouraged, empowered, and equipped to reach their highest potential.
Respect
VMS cultivates a harmonious environment of esteem, fairness and value for one-self, the classroom, the community and the world.
Building Community & Global Citizens
VMS fosters a deep sense of citizenship in the classroom that carries into family and beyond and develops ambassadors of positive change.
Why Choose VMS?
Valley Montessori is a progressive, nationally recognized model of Montessori education, inspiring each child, to be engaged, responsible, respectful and empowered citizens who recognize learning is for life.
Our Teachers
Working in teams of two or more, VMS teachers use a respectful Montessori approach that addresses the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of each child, to achieve their individual goals.
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Our teachers are trained in Montessori principles and practices by completing a Montessori training credential.
Our Accreditations
Valley Montessori School is the largest not-for-profit and only triple-accredited school in California. VMS is fully accredited by the:
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American Montessori Society (AMS)
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California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
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Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Our Green Business
Valley Montessori School is a Certified California Green Business. Certified in 2017 and re-certified in 2023, we are the only school in the Tri-Valley with this distinguished honor.
We incorporate sustainability into our core operations through internal and external efforts by conserving energy, water, and natural resources, reducing waste, preventing pollution through the use of non-toxic products and more.
Our Curriculum
The Montessori curriculum is organized in a spiral of integrated studies that starts in the toddler program and continues through 8th grade.
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Real-world concepts are introduced to very young children and then revisited and reinforced in deeper ways as they grow.
Materials that begin as abstract sensorial tools for preschool children become three-dimensional models providing concrete mathematical and scientific foundations for older students.
Our Campus
Located on a 6-acre hilltop overlooking the Livermore Valley, all of the VMS facilities have been constructed with the Montessori program in mind.
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The main building houses the Toddler, Primary, Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms as well as Art, Music and Spanish.
The hillside building includes middle school classrooms, a half-court gymnasium and our Technology & Innovation Lab.
Our Community
At Valley Montessori School, our strength lies in our tight-knit community. We are more than a school – We are a community with each member playing an important role in the lives of our students.
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We host a variety of family events, parenting workshops, and socials to encourage families to get involved.
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Our goal is to be a place where children and their families are
Inspired to Learn. Empowered for Life.
Edible Schoolyard
The VMS Edible Schoolyard integrates food and gardening into the educational experience. Students grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Our students have hands-on opportunities to learn about gardening, agriculture, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
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Produce grown in the Edible Schoolyard is harvested by teachers and volunteers and is often served to our community promoting healthy eating habits and community engagement. Students learn the interconnectedness of food systems, and gain a deep understanding of where food comes from, and its impact on health and the environment.
Student Experience
In a Montessori classroom, the curriculum is inherently flexible, allowing teachers to adapt to each student's unique learning pace, style, and strengths.
Montessori educators closely observe and assess each child's progress, ensuring they receive tailored lessons and materials matching their specific needs. This individualized approach supports academic growth while fostering independence, self-motivation, and confidence.
Montessori environments promote inclusion and celebrate diversity, making it possible for children with varying learning profiles to thrive.
By growing up in our community, children take great pride in our school and one another. Older students proudly serve as role models and ambassadors for the younger children. Likewise, the younger students look up to their older, more experienced peers and are happy to learn from them.
We foster strong bonds with our students and families providing support throughout each child’s journey.