Desert Montessori was founded in 1963 and offers an educational program based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori.
Her method is founded on the principal that a child wants parents and teachers to "Help me learn to do it for myself." Desert Montessori is designed to help each student discover his unique talents.
The child works at his own pace and learns in the ways that work best for him as an individual.
Desert Montessori strives to help each child reach his full potential in every area of life.
Activities promote the development of social, emotional, and physical growth.
Children ages 2 through 6 work together in one classroom.
Only one of each activity is provided in the classroom, forcing the child to choose carefully what he wants to work on and teaching patience when he has to wait his turn.
Desert Montessori is a nonsectarian, nonprofit, parent run corporation.
A volunteer Board of Directors is elected each year to oversee the operations of the school. Desert Montessori Academy is an affiliate of the American Montessori Society and is licensed by the California Department of Health.
The school is listed with the State of California as a private school.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 12 students
- Average class size: 12 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-Kindergarten
Year Founded
1963
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
12 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
46%
State avg.: 51%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
10%
Average Class Size
12 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Varies based on your child\'s age and whether they will be also attending the school\'s early and/or afternoon childcare services.
Admissions Director
Sharla Sanchez
Application URL
School Notes
- Desert Montessori Academy has been educating the young people of our community for over 47 years now.
- We have been educating children ages 2 years to 6 years since our founding.
- In the 2009-2010 school year, we opened a second classroom (1st - 3rd grade).
- We are also currently renovating the property adjacent to the school to further expand the school.
- We are very excited to be able to offer the people of this area a Montessori curriculum that covers these critical learning ages.
- Our goal is to help your child become a happy, healthy, well educated student who loves to learn.
- In addition to a quality education, we offer early and afternoon childcare to make your schedule less hectic.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Desert Montessori?
The application deadline for Desert Montessori is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
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