About montessori Family School:

Our History and Philosophy

The Montessori Family School was established to provide a licensed and comprehensive Montessori program for East Bay families. Our mission is to create a relevant Montessori curriculum that provides students with a solid basis for coping with the academic and social challenges they will encounter in the future. MFS is an authentic Montessori school that nurtures the individual learning style of each student while maintaining standards of academic excellence.

The Montessori method was originally created to adapt itself to the uniqueness inherent in each student. It is based on the "hands on" exploration of concrete materials, allowing children to acquire a greater depth of conceptual knowledge. At the beginning of the 20th century, Maria Montessori and Jean Piaget were two of the primary educational theorists who promoted an inquiry-oriented learning theory based on "learning by doing." As a result, Dr. Maria Montessori designed innovative learning materials that have become utilized throughout public and private schools, even those that do not call themselves "Montessori." Today, Montessori education is the largest school system in the world.

As Montessori educators, we know that concentrated skill building and a love of learning lead to high self-esteem and a profound sense of self. Dr. Maria Montessori clearly stated that the goal of her educational method was world peace. In this quest, she was a great pioneer, recognizing the possibility of achieving this goal through the medium of education. MFS supports this goal by encouraging the development of problem-solving and conflict resolution skills as issues arise in the classroom, in weekly class meetings, and on an individual basis.

school profile

The Montessori Family School was founded in 1981 in Berkeley, California.  Today it owns its two campuses, one in Berkeley and one in nearby El Cerrito.  The Berkeley Campus is for preschool students and enrolls 55 students.  The Elementary/Middle School campus enrolls 100 students.  Students come from Berkeley, El Cerrito and Albany, as well as all of the nearby communities. Parents must visit the school before they apply.  Preschool applicants visit the school with their parents, and spend some individual time with a preschool teacher. Elementary students spend a morning in the program to which they are applying.  Middle school applicants may spend up to an entire day visiting the middle school program. There are no tests administered to applicants, nor is standardized testing the only criteria used for admissions. The teachers and the admissions committee review recommendations and transcripts, and students are informally assessed when they visit the school program they are applying for. 

All Montessori head teachers, co-teachers and assistant teachers are Montessori trained. The faculty and administration of MFS consists of 41 people.  The student/faculty ratio is 8:1. Montessori Family School is committed to a diverse community of teachers and learners. Approximately 30% of MFS students receive financial aid.

Montessori Family School is a nonprofit corporation directed by a Board of Directors. Montessori Family School is affiliated with the American Montessori Society and is a member of EBISA (East Bay Independent Schools Association).

Historically, Montessori Family School students have been accepted at the private schools of their choice.  Students also choose to attend the local public middle schools. MFS administers a standardized test to all students in 4th, 5th and 6th grades, so students have exposure to standardized testing. The Montessori curriculum is not designed to match what is on a typical standardized test. Schools accepting our students continue to acknowledge that they enter well prepared and do exceptionally well in all areas of the curriculum.  Socially, they are outstanding contributors to their new schools.

The following is a partial list of schools that MFS students have attended: