Sunrise Montessori School was started in the home of Mary Ellen Marion in 1979.
The first year there were eight children in the class and fifteen on a waiting list.
A search was made for a church with space available to rent to our school.
Larkspur Christian Church on 33rd Avenue north of Cactus. Their Fellowship Hall was used for our school from September 1980 through June 1988.
In 1981, one of the first Montessori toddler programs in the valley was added. Mary Ellen and Ray Marion are the owners.
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 40 students
- Yearly Tuition: $6,250
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
Year Founded
1979
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
40 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 38%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Yearly tuition can be paid in 10 installments.
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core.
- Sunrise Montessori School offers a Montessori education according to the principals of Dr. Maria Montessori. It is an education of the total child, encompassing the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth of each child. We nurture and promote an atmosphere that develops self-motivation, responsibility, and self-control in the child. Each child is offered individual instruction, according to his/her ability level.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sunrise Montessori School South cost?
Sunrise Montessori School South's tuition is approximately $6,250 for private students.
When is the application deadline for Sunrise Montessori School South?
The application deadline for Sunrise Montessori School South is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Sunrise Montessori School South located?
Sunrise Montessori School South is located in the North Mountain Village neighborhood of Glendale, AZ. There are 1 other private schools located in North Mountain Village.
School Reviews
Endorse Sunrise Montessori School South. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

7 Ways Kids Can Avoid Summer Brain Drain
The summer "Brain Drain," also known as the "Summer Slide" is a term commonly used by educators and parents alike to describe the learning loss that takes place for many students during summer months. We polled the experts and found the 7 best ways parents and kids can combat the problem head on.

What's Being Taught?
This article examines the academic offerings in American private high schools, discussing graduation requirements, college preparation, accreditation, and advanced programs like AP and IB. It emphasizes the importance of understanding a school's curriculum when choosing the right educational environment for a child.

Waldorf Schools
Waldorf schools offer a well thought out approach to K-12 education.