Kindergarten
Kindergarten / 3rd Year Montessori Program:
3-6 years, includes Kindergarten
Locations:
Offered at All Locations
“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. For that is the time when man’s intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed.”
The 3rd Year – The Montessori Milestone
The MSOSV 3rd year is a pivotal program that completes the Montessori cycle for your Kindergartner. Learn why Kindergarten at MSOSV is the Milestone year.
As with all of our programs, the Kindergarten – 3rd year offering at the Montessori School of Silicon Valley provides a unique, open environment that emphasizes your child’s natural interests and allows your child to set his or her own developmental pace.
The Montessori education journey all began with Dr. Maria Montessori. Through scientific observations, she determined children learn best at their own pace and given the choice of activities.
The practical application of sensory-based and self-directed learning is the most important thread across all our programs including Kindergarten – 3rd year Montessori.
Each program builds on the one before it, providing challenges appropriate to both age and skill levels.
- Language
- Mathematics
- Cultural Studies
- Spatial learning
- Self-discovery
- Leadership
- Music & Art
These are all incorporated into our approach. In addition, we offer afternoon Studio Enrichment Programs to enhance learning, including cooking, science, gardening and art.
Montessori School of Silicon Valley is a year-round school offering Summer Programs to maintain continuity of Montessori learning throughout the entire calendar year.
Montessori Kindergarten vs. Traditional Kindergarten
Child-led – Kinder students work together each day and assign themselves their individual work, as leaders of the community, they understand where they are in the sequence of learning. The students are to choose from each area of the classroom and complete the selected work during the daily 2.5 hour work period.
Guides assess the students daily/weekly – The Montessori Guide gives small and large group lessons to the Kindergarten students, reflects daily on each student and parents receive real-time updates through the Transparent Classroom record keeping and communication app.
From concrete to abstract – During the Kindergarten year, the students move from the hands-on didactic materials to the abstract – The Kindergarten students create, edit, illustrate and publish their very own story. In addition, you will find the Kindergarten students performing long complicated math equations as well as many geography, zoology and botany experiments and projects.
Individualized Learning – No two Kindergarten students are at the same place, academically, emotionally or socially – observing the Kindergarten students, they may be working together on a project however the Guide helps them move through the work as individuals.
Why is this so different, and what makes Montessori Kindergarten so unique and desirable?
Montessori education was scientifically designed around stages of development. For example, children between the ages of 3-6 learn differently than those between age 6-9. Different times in life bring different cognitive abilities and capabilities.
At age 5, children are still learning through their senses, absorbing their surroundings. The students at this age move from the concrete to the abstract. The 3rd year allows these students to move in their own time. The Montessori Kindergarten uniquely serves students during this period of their development.
Traditional Kindergarten – Private or Public
Workbooks – There are some hands-on opportunities, however traditional Kindergarten students spend much of their Kindergarten time in textbooks and completing worksheets. (See What, no Briefcase??)
Curriculum standardized for all students – Traditional Kindergarten students are expected to learn with the group. This method might reach 20% of the students, the rest are left to try and catch up or wait for the group.
Test performance begins – The rote learning begins, and Kindergarten students start the memorization drills.
Same-age Classroom – Students are grouped by age and expected to perform academically as a group instead of as individuals.
From Our Blog
-
Re-Enrollment Details for the Upcoming School Year
Re-enrollment plays an important role in preparing for the upcoming school year at Montessori School of Silicon Valley. Beginning February 2, 2026, our families will have a one-week re-enrollment window to
-
What Families Will Experience at Kindergarten Night at MSOSV
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
-
Kindergarteners Discover Wonders Underground at Inner Space Cavern
Our Kindergarten class at the Cantera Campus had a day of exploration and discovery on January 15th. The children visited the Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown, one of Texas’ most
-
Kindergarteners Explore and Learn at the Children’s Discovery Museum
Our Kindergarteners from the Cabrillo, Crescent, and Peak Ave campuses had an exciting adventure on December 5th. They spent the day at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, a
-
Cantera Kindergarteners Bring Holiday Cheer to Families
The Kindergarten class at our Cantera Montessori Campus took part in a meaningful field trip this December. On December 5th, our children visited the Brown Santa Toy Donation program, a
-
Exploring the World of Flight: Cantera Kindergarten Visits Cutter Aviation
Our Cantera Kindergarten students had an incredible learning adventure during their field trip to Cutter Aviation. The day gave children a first-hand look at the fascinating world of aviation. They explored
Montessori Kindergarten: Essential & Empowering
MSOSV Kindergarten
What Our Families Are Saying…
Parent of Kylie
Class of 2022, Attended Cabrillo Montessori since 2015
Having my child attend MSOSV during her kindergarten year not only set her up for success academically but allowed her to learn the fundamental social and emotional skills she needed to be successful in day to day life! Her 1st grade teacher has used words like confident, independent and nurturing to describe her observations while working with my daughter.
Allowing my child to finish out her 3rd year in the primary community only made sense since she had been attending MSOSV schools since infancy. MSOSV has allowed my child to continue to be her unique self and gave her the opportunity to develop her natural sense of wonder at an individual pace. This has created a love for continuous learning that I know will continue on throughout the rest of her life.
Parent of Harleen
Class of 2022, Attended Crescent Montessori since 2019
My daughter spent 3 years at MSOSV, beginning at age 3 and graduated from Kindergarten. The teachers and staff at Crescent had a great positive influence on her and the school has been very supportive as we weathered the pandemic. The program offers a good balance of outdoor & indoor playtime, along with Montessori style learning. We could speak with the teachers freely and work together on certain things, and the weekly reports were so helpful in understanding where she needs additional focus.
My daughter absolutely loved the reading corner in the classroom! We decided to continue her Kindergarten year at Crescent instead of public school, and that decision helped her spend this foundational year with teachers she trusted and who helped her be ready to go to Grade 1. We are planning to enroll our younger child at Crescent as well. It’s a great school and has been a wonderful experience for us.
Parent of Devin
Class of 2022, Attended Main Street Montessori since 2019
The Kindergarten Program at MSOSV allowed my child to choose what he wanted to work on but still provided guidance on areas he needed to work on. The teachers provide an ideal environment for learning by being nurturing and knowledgeable; putting children at ease to ask questions.
The field trips also provide real world experience, allowing the children to ask questions and see things they might not otherwise have the chance to.
Parent of Joaquin
Class of 2026, Attended Cantera Montessori since 2023
Choosing Cantera Montessori for my son was a decision we weighed carefully, especially when it came time to decide whether to continue for the third year. Ultimately, it was the nurturing environment and the individualized attention that made us confident in staying. Looking back now, that third year has been incredibly impactful.
I still remember the night we attended the kindergarten transition meeting. We sat and listened as the teachers talked about everything the children would experience and learn during year three. At the time, it was hard to imagine my son confidently leading in the classroom or reading a book completely on his own. Watching that vision become a reality has been such a pleasant and rewarding surprise. His teachers guided him with patience and intention, helping him grow not just academically, but as a whole child.
One thing we truly appreciate is how strongly the Montessori environment focuses on independence, leadership, and community. Being one of the older children in the classroom allowed my son to develop empathy and leadership skills as he supported and helped younger classmates. That experience alone has been invaluable.
Another amazing thing we’ve noticed is how much his creativity is encouraged. Our son has a strong interest in art, and his teachers consistently nurtured and supported that passion, allowing him to express himself freely while building confidence.
Throughout his time at Cantera, we watched him excel academically while also growing in independence, social awareness, and self-confidence. The emphasis on understanding concepts, fostering creativity, and building a strong sense of community has made a lasting impact on our family.
Choosing to stay with Montessori for that final year was the best decision we could have made, and I am incredibly grateful for the growth and confidence it has instilled in my child.
Parent of Raghav L.
Class of 2022, Attended Main Street Montessori since 2019
We liked everything about MSOSV’s Kindergarten program. To specify a few – amazing teachers, nurturing environment, hands-on learning, field trips, focus on holistic development.
Parent of Ian
Class of 2022, Attended Calaveras Montessori since 2019
It’s been wonderful seeing how significantly Ian has grown from his first year in Primary to this third year in Kindergarten and all the skills and friends he’s made along the way. We’ve loved seeing him develop and blossom under Ms. Tanya’s patient and steady guidance, as well as the support of his peers and the assistant guides.
He eagerly looks forward to the monthly field trips and we’ve had a great time seeing him interact with his classmates outside the school setting. The mixed age Primary class has helped Ian form great friendships while also providing opportunities to work on leadership skills and responsibilities.
The small kindergartener to teacher ratio is also a huge draw for us, and we like that he’s gotten a chance to get some focused attention and time in a smaller class setting. Thank you Ms. Tanya, Ms. Amanda, and the Calaveras community for making this school year such a special one for Ian!
Parent of Wyatt
Class of 2021, Attended Cabrillo Montessori since 2020
Would recommend MSOSV’s Kindergarten program, especially because of the teachers and curriculum.
Parent of Marcela
Class of 2022, Attended Cabrillo Montessori since 2018
We loved the organization and child’s freedom in the Montessori program. Kindergarten was a smooth continuation from the primary community education.
Parent of Emmett
Class of 2023, Attended Cabrillo Montessori since 2019
We like the small class sizes and the variety of subjects/topics covered. Absolutely would recommend MSOSV’s Kindergarten program, we love MSOSV.
Parent of Quinn
Class of 2021, Attended Calaveras Montessori since 2020
I liked the journaling and weekly reading program where he would read a book and write a sentence or two about it. He didn’t get to partake in field trips because it was peak pandemic, but I’m excited for Mila to be able to benefit from that!
Parent of Magnus
Class of 2023, Attended Cabrillo Montessori since 2019
We like the mixed aged classrooms, small kindergarten class, Montessori philosophy, great teachers. Absolutely would recommend MSOSV’s Kindergarten program, we love MSOSV.
Parent of Roman
Class of 2023, Attended Cabrillo Montessori since 2018
I like the separate kindergarten time in the afternoon, the weekly kinder reports and the field trips. I love the class size of the MSOSV kinder program – its small enough for individual attention and large enough to have an actual cohort
Parent of Dakota
Class of 2026, Attended Cantera Montessori since 2022
Our daughter began attending Cantera Montessori in the Juniper community and moved up through Elm and into Buckeye. She began her Kindergarten year a couple of months before she turned 5, which was a great opportunity. She was ready for more challenging work and was also happy to stay with her friends and in a familiar environment.
She has enjoyed working with all of the Kindergarten staff and formed special relationships with Ms. Lizzy and Ms. Jackie, who have been very attentive and supportive throughout our time in the Buckeye community. Additionally, the small class size has allowed for ample individual attention.
The monthly field trips have also been a great part of the Kindergarten year. As has the additional task of bringing home her homework bag, doing the work, and returning the bag to school.
We enjoy her daily bounding enthusiasm and look forward to seeing what the rest of the Kindergarten year brings.
Parent of Pranav
Class of 2022, Attended Calaveras Montessori since 2018
MSOSV’s Kindergarten Program truly nurtured our boy into a highly independent, confident, caring and sensitive child. It was a place he looked forward to going to every morning and would actually cry on the days he could not go to school. He truly enjoyed working on his jobs and completing the activities that came as part of the curriculum, interacting with the kids and with the staff equally.
MSOSV’s Kindergarten experience also gave him an opportunity to be a ‘leader’, as that they had their primary and kindergarten class come together for a few hours every day. He enjoyed leading and guiding younger children who are part of the primary classroom and it gave him a sense of confidence doing so, but at the same time taught him to be sensitive and kind to fellow kids.
I’d have to make a special mention of Ms. Tanya and Ms. Amanda who were the most amazing teachers one could ask for, and dealt with kids in the most sensitive manner possible, taking a very balanced approach to disciplining children. We would highly recommend MSOSV to our friends and family without a second thought!
Parent of Jaden
Class of 2025, Attended Cantera Montessori since 2022
As parents, we always hoped to find an educational environment where our child could thrive both academically and personally. At Cantera, we have witnessed incredible growth in Jaden’s independence and confidence.
The Montessori program has allowed him to progress at his own pace, fostering a deep understanding and love for learning. The emphasis on self-directed activity and hands-on learning has been instrumental in nurturing Jaden’s curiosity and passion. We are incredibly grateful for the transformative impact that Cantera has had on Jaden and our family.
Jaden has developed a remarkable enthusiasm for mathematics, and the kindergarten program has further encouraged this passion. It’s amazing to see how he can read at an advanced level, something we never imagined he would achieve at this age. The support and encouragement from the teachers have truly made a significant difference in his educational journey.
Jaden now makes a list of activities he wants to achieve even on weekends, and it’s nice to see how this has become a part of his routine. Moreover, the emphasis on social skills and collaboration has helped Jaden build strong relationships with his peers, fostering empathy and teamwork. The diverse range of activities offered, from art and music to science experiments, has broadened his horizons and allowed him to explore new interests.
Overall, the nurturing environment at Cantera has not only supported Jaden’s academic growth but also his personal development, making learning a truly enjoyable experience for him. We look forward to seeing how he continues to flourish in this wonderful community.
Parent of Ezra
Class of 2023, Attended Cantera Montessori since 2021
Cantera Montessori has been such a wonderful place for our family! With individualized support for reading and writing we have seen so much growth. The kindergarten program has supported exploration in what my son finds most interesting and he often comes home to discuss continents, the life cycle of plants, or his new favorite reading books.
All the staff know my son by name, and as part of the ‘older kids’ he is given responsibility that supports both his autonomy and his desire to help others. We are so thankful to have all of Cantera’s support, and know without a doubt our son will continue to succeed in first grade!
Parent of Reese
Class of 2024, Attended Cantera Montessori since 2021
We have been blown away by the high level of education, care, and love she has received at Cantera. We have seen Reese blossom in her education and socialization over the last few years at Cantera and we just thank you all so much for caring for her like you have, it has truly made such a positive impact on her life and on ours.
Parent of Ramy
Class of 2023, Attended Calaveras Montessori since 2019
I like the type of field trips that are offered – they are diverse and include other Montessori branches. Also him being able to stay after 5 PM helps us out a lot. I believe Ramy is learning a lot of new skills – math, reading, spelling, role model for younger friends, but I don’t have a comparison as to what a traditional kindergarten program, whether public school or a private school, teaches.