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Rooted in Love, Embodying Joy, Growing Through Nature
A bilingual, nature-based Montessori preschool and kindergarten in Pasadena, CA, serving children 18 months to 6 years. We nurture compassion, community, and a lifelong love of learning through authentic Montessori materials, time outdoors, a children's garden, and traditions from around the world.
Fall Festival Open House
Saturday, October 10, 10 am to 1 pm. All families welcome!
6 : 1
children per teacher
Spanish & English
spoken all day
AMS-trained
Montessori teachers
18 years
serving Pasadena families
7am to 6pm
open year-round
Welcome to
Montessori & Me
Preschool and Kindergarten
Rooted in Love, Embodying Joy, Growing through Nature.
East Pasadena’s premier nature-based Montessori and Reggio inspired preschool and kindergarten for ages 18 months through 6 years. We cultivate compassion, community, and lifelong learning through authentic materials, outdoor exploration, bilingual (Spanish–English) immersion, agricultural appreciation, and global traditions
Meals
Always Organic Plant-based Foods
Language
Spanish Language Program. Chinese Class.
Teachers
Experienced AMS Teachers
Small Classes
6:1 Ratio
ABOUT US
Our heartbeat: love comes first
Everything we do begins with love. We don't just teach kindness; we live it every day. We model compassion, listen carefully, and honor what each child uniquely needs, so these values become part of who they are.
Before children can go out and do great things, they first learn to be loving, caring people.
Our why: returning to the basics
The world moves fast, and it is often loud, rushed, and full of screens. We believe early childhood is worth protecting. Young children don't need more stimulation. They need the beautiful basics: fresh air, real soil, simple routines, and grown-ups who are truly present.
The years from birth to six are the foundation of a whole life. What takes root now shapes who children become. We plant those roots in nature, simplicity, and love, so children grow up with resilience, empathy, and a steady inner compass to guide them for years to come
Our Heartbeat
Where Love, Compassion, and Belonging Come First
The heartbeat of everything we do is simple: Love. We do not just teach kindness we embody it. Through modeling compassion, thoughtful listening, and deep respect for every individual child's unique needs, we help our students internalize these values. Before children can do great things, we believe they must learn how to be loving, empathetic children of our world.
Meals
Always Organic Plant-Based Foods
Language
Spanish Language Program. Chinese Class.
Teachers
Experienced AMS Teachers
Small Class
6:1 Ratio
“Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world”
-Maria Montessori
“Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world”
-Maria Montessori
Our WHY
Returning to the basics
The world moves fast, and it is often loud, rushed, and full of screens. We believe early childhood is worth protecting. Young children don't need more stimulation. They need the beautiful basics: fresh air, real soil, simple routines, and grown-ups who are truly present.
The years from birth to six are the foundation of a whole life. What takes root now shapes who children become. We plant those roots in nature, simplicity, and love, so children grow up with resilience, empathy, and a steady inner compass to guide them for years to come.
our programs
Learning that grows with your child.
Toddler
Nurturing young minds through play, discovery, and meaningful first experiences.
Preschool
Building confidence, curiosity, and independence through hands-on learning.
Kindergarten
Preparing young minds with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence.
Our Core Beliefs
The art of being
We believe children learn how to be before they learn how to do. Our days are designed to nurture:
Joy and happiness
A sense of wonder, delight, and gratitude that stays with them.
Balance with nature
Living with the rhythms of the seasons, the sunshine, and the earth.
Academics under the open sky
Math, language, and practical life skills learned with real Montessori materials, often outdoors.
A global heart
Music, language, cooking, art, and traditions from around the world, in Spanish and English every day.
Emotional intelligence
Self-awareness, empathy, careful listening, and gentle conflict resolution.
Freedom to explore
Safe, purposeful play that lets children imagine, discover, and test their growing abilities.
Our morning gratitude circle
Each morning begins with gratitude. The children gather in a circle to share something they're thankful for, whether it's a friend, a family member, or a sunny day in the garden, and to listen as their friends do the same.
It's a small, simple ritual, and it sets a warm, grounded tone for the whole day.
Learning Through Nature
Outdoor exploration becomes part of everyday discovery and growth.
Practical Life Skills
Confidence develops through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Creative Expression
Art, music, storytelling, and movement inspire imagination.
What makes us different
Every Day Is Designed Around Your Child.
Our Montessori environment nurtures independence, curiosity, kindness, and confidence through meaningful experiences inspired.
The Power of a 6:1 Ratio
The Magic of Intimacy
We keep our classroom small on purpose: just six children per teacher.
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Learning that fits your child
Teachers have time to observe each child closely and match the work to their pace and passions.
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Emotional safety
A caring adult is always close by to help with big feelings and model kindness in the moment.
A True Village Feeling
Children form deep friendships, and school feels like an extension of your family.
Safe adventure
Climbing, gardening, and cooking happen under loving, watchful eyes, so children can take healthy risks with confidence.
Our Curricular Pillars
Nature, Culture, and Agriculture
While we utilize traditional Montessori materials and Reggio inspired provocations to guide academic growth and creativity, our days are filled with vibrant, hands-on experiences of worldly and earthly discovery:
Rooted in the earth
Children grow food from seed to table in our garden, care for our school animals, and explore science and art inspired by nature. We serve 100% vegan, organic, whole-food meals and snacks, much of it from our own garden, so children learn to love fruits and vegetables and understand where their food comes from.
Open to the world
Every month we explore a new country through its cooking, music, art, animals, and stories. Children feel the heartbeat of the world through African drumming and outdoor dance, and families join field trips that bring each country to life.
Cultural & Global Exploration
While we utilize traditional Montessori materials and Reggio inspired provocations to guide academic growth and creativity, our days are filled with vibrant, hands-on experiences of worldly and earthly discovery:
Bilingual Immersion (Spanish & English)
Children grow up in two languages naturally one teacher speaks only Spanish, another only English, all day long. No flashcards, no drills; just real, living language, the way children learn it best.
Rhythm & Movement
Feeling the heartbeat of the world through traditional African drumming and expressive outdoor dance.
Connected Field Trips
Taking family field trips that directly correlate with our classroom cultural studies, bringing our global lessons to life.
Cultural Art & Music
Introducing children to the vibrant creative expressions of diverse heritages. They explore global history and storytelling through hands-on cultural art projects, traditional music, learning about animals and environment.
Monthly Country Studies
Embarking on a global journey to explore a completely new country every month.
Cultural Cooking
Preparing traditional dishes from our monthly country studies, introducing children to global flavors and heritage.
