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Parent Education

  /  Parent Education

Hey parents, welcome to the conversation we all secretly dread (and then secretly love). You know the moment. The one where your child looks at you like you just canceled Christmas, birthday, and ice cream for the rest of their life combined: “What? No iPad?!” Cue the dramatic sigh, the floppy dramatic collapse onto the floor, and the Oscar-worthy performance of “I’m so bored I might actually die.” In this topic series, we’re going to laugh our way through one of the biggest modern parenting battles, screens; while keeping it real, light, and

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Empowering Families with Clear Information for the 2026–2027 School Year As a parent or caregiver in California, you want the very best start for your young child. With the continued expansion of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in public schools, many families feel overwhelmed by mixed messages, enrollment deadlines, and questions about what truly supports healthy development at ages 3–6. This is the first in a monthly series designed to help you cut through the noise. We’ll explore the realities of public TK programs alongside the proven benefits of a full-day Montessori 3–6

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Reflections by Colleen Noll. Hey there, fellow parents, guardians, and professional snack distributors! I’m Colleen Noll; founder of MSOSV, Montessori lover since 1992, and the slightly sleep-deprived mom who opened her first school in 2000 when my oldest was still in diapers and I clearly had no idea what I was getting myself into. Since then I’ve opened five schools across the Bay Area and Austin, Texas, and teamed up with my partner Michael Harding (who jumped on this crazy train in 2016). Together we’re raising our blended crew of two

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On Saturday, April 4th, our Cantera Montessori campus in Georgetown will host a Spring Community Egg Hunt, open to any family in the area. Community is one of MSOSV’s core values. The Georgetown neighborhood is part of what makes this campus what it is. An event like this is one way we acknowledge that relationship directly. For many visitors, Saturday will be their first time on a Montessori campus. That matters to us. Our prepared environment, our approach to child-led learning, and the way our guides work with children are things that

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On Friday, April 3rd, our Cabrillo Montessori campus in Santa Clara will host its Spring Egg Hunt. Two communities will gather across the afternoon: the Sequoia and Yellowstone Primary communities at 2:45 PM, followed by our Pinnacles Pre Primary community at 4:00 PM. From the outside, an egg hunt is a simple activity. Children search, find, collect. But in a Montessori context, the layers of development happening in that half hour are worth looking at closely. For our Pinnacles Pre Primary children, this is an exercise in whole-body engagement. They are coordinating

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Following our Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday, March 13th, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to our families and staff for making this time so meaningful. To our families, thank you. Your presence, engagement, and openness are essential to your child’s success. When families and educators come together with a shared purpose, it creates a powerful foundation for growth. The insights you shared, the questions you asked, and the care you show each day reinforce the strong, connected community we are proud to be part of. To our

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Parent Teacher Conferences at Montessori School of Silicon Valley are a cornerstone of our partnership with families. Each meeting is a chance to reflect on your child’s progress and collaborate on their path forward. Here is what to expect during your visit on March 13th: Personalized Conversation: Teachers will share updates from your child’s progress report, covering attendance, skills introduced, practiced, and mastered. Developmental Insights: Infant and Toddler discussions focus on social emotional growth and daily routines. Primary and Kindergarten conversations include academic work, leadership development, and growing independence. Goal Setting:

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At Cantera Montessori, our recent Parent Education evening focused on one of the most significant transitions in early childhood: the Toilet Learning Journey. Rooted in Montessori philosophy, toileting is not a milestone to rush. It is a developmental process guided by independence, observation, and respect. Understanding Readiness Toilet learning typically aligns with a sensitive period between 12–36 months. During this time, children show growing body awareness and a desire for independence. Signs of readiness may include: Interest in the bathroom routine Discomfort when wet Staying dry for longer periods Communicating about elimination Wanting

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On Thursday, January 29th, each MSOSV campus will host a Kindergarten Information Night designed to help families of incoming kindergarteners prepare for this important transition. This evening is a chance for parents to get a first-hand look at what kindergarten means at MSOSV, how it builds on the Primary years, and how it compares with other public and private school options. What You'll Learn: Our Approach to Kindergarten: Families will hear how our kindergarten program blends academic readiness with independence, social growth, and curiosity. Teachers will highlight how Montessori foundations continue to

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What Families Will Experience at TK/Pre-K Night at MSOSV The Transitional Kindergarten/Pre-Kindergarten year plays an important role in a child’s Montessori journey. TK Night at Montessori School of Silicon Valley is designed to support families with clear information about this year and how it fits within the Montessori continuum. Families will hear directly from our leadership team and teaching team about the purpose of the TK/Pre-K year and how it supports academic growth, social development, and independence. The evening focuses on helping families understand how children are guided during this stage as

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