Our School

Welcome to Stanford!

The mission of Stanford Montessori Design Center is to create a high-performing culture of learning while nurturing students to grow academically, respect differences, act with purpose, communicate effectively and encourage others. Because we practice the Montessori philosophy of learning, our children learn to be self-sufficient, independent thinkers, as well as caring individuals.

The Montessori method is to teach writing before reading, foster scientific and mathematical aptitudes, and foster a nurturing appreciation for history and timelines. Our teachers are certified Montessori teachers or are working on certification. All testing occurs by teacher observation and authentic assessment.

All students enter Stanford through the lottery process. We have three class configurations: Primary (multi-age, 3 years to Kindergarten), Lower Elementary (multi-age, First grade to Third grade), and Upper Elementary (Fourth grade to Fifth grade).

Our classrooms are conducive to independent student learning — a cornerstone of the Montessori teaching philosophy. While structured, our days and lessons allow students to pursue what interests them while working on the floor or at tables (not desks). Students learn using all of their senses, moving from concrete to abstract subject matters throughout their days. All students receive individualized instruction through tutoring and a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program.

On top of academics, we help students develop self-discipline. We teach the values of grace, courtesy and building a peaceful community, instilling an appreciation for cultural differences. Holidays are not celebrated with parties but by incorporating seasonal colors and objects into our lessons. We also teach care for the environment, including through our extracurricular garden club. We ask our parents to donate at least 35 volunteer hours per year helping with these and other school needs.

Our favorite time of year is our Fly Over, Fly Away ceremonies. Typically, Kindergarten students have been with the same teacher for three years by the time they finish their time in our Primary phase. At the end of their Kindergarten year, they Fly Over to the elementary side with parents, teachers and students cheering them on. Our Fifth Grade students have a Fly Away ceremony, similar to graduation, as they leave our school and transition to middle school. These formal ceremonies are rites of passage to help mark these important moments in our students' lives.