Country Montessori School provides a nurturing environment where children ages 2.5 through 5th grade thrive through the Montessori philosophy of hands-on learning, independence, and respect.
Our dedicated, Montessori-credentialed teachers foster curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration in multi-age classrooms.
Families join a welcoming community where children grow academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for success in school and in life.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
- Enrollment: 159 students
- Yearly Tuition: $15,950
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 36 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1989
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 11, 2026
Campus Size
3 acres
Student Body
Total Students
159 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
57%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
36 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$15,950
Tuition Notes
Annual tuition divided into ten installments across ten-month school year
Summer Program Cost
$400
Summer Program Cost Notes
Week by week enrollment
% on Financial Aid
2%
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Jose Bolanos
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
ArtMusic
SpanishTechnology
School Notes
- Country Montessori School of Poway has been a trusted part of the community for more than 30 years, offering an authentic Montessori education for children ages 2.5 through 5th grade. As a non-profit private school, our mission is to nurture the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally through a carefully prepared environment where curiosity, independence, and respect are at the heart of learning.
- Students at CMS benefit from multi-age classrooms led by Montessori-credentialed teachers who tailor lessons to each child's readiness and pace. Our Early Childhood program (ages 2.56) lays a strong foundation in practical life, sensorial exploration, language, and mathematics, while also fostering concentration, self-regulation, and responsibility. The Elementary program builds on these foundations with a rich curriculum in mathematics, language arts, science, history, and geography, encouraging critical thinking, research, and collaboration.
- Beyond the core Montessori curriculum, students participate in a variety of enrichment opportunities including Spanish, art, music, technology, and physical education. These experiences cultivate creativity, global awareness, and well-rounded development. CMS students also engage in service learning and community events, reinforcing the values of empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.
- Our warm and inclusive community is one of CMS's greatest strengths. Families value the close partnerships formed with teachers and staff, the active involvement of parents, and the supportive friendships that develop among students. Many of our alumni and even staff members return to CMS, a testament to the lasting impact of the Montessori experience.
- Graduates of Country Montessori School leave with confidence, independence, and a love of learning, prepared to transition successfully to middle school and beyond. We are proud to continue Maria Montessori's vision of education as a pathway to developing capable, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the world.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Country Montessori School cost?
Country Montessori School's tuition is approximately $15,950 for private students and $400 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Country Montessori School?
The acceptance rate of Country Montessori School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 80%.
Does Country Montessori School offer a summer program?
Yes, Country Montessori School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for Country Montessori School?
The application deadline for Country Montessori School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 5/9/2018
We have been at Country Montessori School for 8 years now and have been so impressed with quality of the education. Our child has been instilled with an incredible love of learning. She enjoys the Montessori materials and the new challenges in working with the materials at higher grade levels.The teachers are so caring and involved in each child's needs and progress. We are so confident in method and knowledge provided at the school. There is a strong sense of community with the other parents at the school. Community is not easy to find and often hard to build, but it is very strong at the school.
5 4/23/2018
Our children spent 8 years at CMS. We were so sad when our son graduated from the 5th grade last year. It was an amazing school with a caring, highly dedicated and professional staff (both teachers and administration). Our children thrived in this environment! The school truly embraces its mission and vision of developing life-long learners who are independent, responsible and compassionate citizens of the world. The curriculum focuses, not only on excellent academics, but on the social and emotional development of the child as well. I highly recommend this school!
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