Who We Are
There is a remarkable moment in every child’s life when the courage to try begins to replace hesitation, curiosity turns into discovery, and learning becomes something they genuinely love. At Montessori American School, we have been nurturing those moments for families in Chula Vista since 1988, creating a place where your child is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our school is built on the belief that every child deserves the freedom to explore, the support to develop independence, and the encouragement to learn at their own pace. For more than 35 years, families have trusted us to provide an authentic Montessori experience where strong academics, meaningful relationships, and a true sense of belonging come together every day.
Parent Reviews
Nicole S.
April 23, 2025
MAS is amazing! The staff is so friendly and great at communicating with parents. Their dedication to the student's success is above and beyond. They are great at working with the child and family to provide the best possible care and leaning experience. I love seeing how much my child has grown at this school. Every day, I feel like my daughter is speaking more clearly and is able to articulate and communicate her thoughts and feelings more in depth. She loves her teachers and classmates. This is the best place for our daughter to learn and play at her own pace.
Justin M.
April 22, 2025
One of the things I appreciate most about our experience at Montessori American Academy is the nurturing and engaging environment the school provides. My daughter has truly blossomed both socially and academically. I love how the Montessori approach encourages independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. The teachers are incredibly patient, caring, and attentive to each child’s individual needs, and the bilingual setting has been an added bonus in expanding her language skills. Overall, it’s been such a positive and enriching experience for our family. Justin Miller
Nicole T.
March 18, 2025
From the director to the teachers, We love it all. Thank you all for what you do.
Marcos M.
March 11, 2025
My wife and I appreciate the consistent communication from staff and we appreciate the opportunities that we have to be part of our son's learning (observations, parent conferences, special festivals and performances). The school, friends, and learning that takes place makes my son so proud to associate with Montessori American School.
Our Story
Montessori American School began in 1988 with a heartfelt vision from founder Edith Gruener, which was to create a place where every child feels respected, capable, and inspired to learn. What started as a small Montessori school serving just 48 students has grown into a trusted educational community that has guided generations of families throughout Chula Vista and the South Bay area. While our school has grown over the years, our commitment to seeing and supporting each child as an individual has never changed.
From the beginning, our classrooms were designed to reflect the authentic Montessori philosophy. Thoughtfully prepared learning environments, hands-on Montessori materials, and beautiful outdoor spaces invite your child to explore, discover, and develop confidence through meaningful experiences. Every part of our campus is intentionally created to support independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
As part of the Endeavor Schools family, we are supported by a nationwide network of schools that share a commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and whole-child development. While we benefit from the resources, professional development, and expertise that come with being part of Endeavor Schools, we remain deeply rooted in the Chula Vista community and stay true to the warm, personal culture families have loved for more than three decades. It allows us to offer the best of both worlds. This is the close-knit feel of a local Montessori school and the strength of a respected national education organization.
As our School Leader, Yolanda Alvarez shares, “Leadership means creating a positive environment where children, families, and staff feel supported and valued. What makes Montessori American School special is that we work as a team to help every child grow with confidence and care.” This spirit of partnership continues to guide our school today, creating a place where your child can build a strong foundation not only for kindergarten but for life.
Mission
Our mission is to nurture your child’s love of learning while building confidence, independence, and strong character. We are committed to creating a safe, caring environment where your child feels supported to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, at their own pace and in their own way.
Vision
Curriculum
What Makes Our Montessori School Different?
What truly sets our school apart is the relationships we build. Our guides take the time to understand what excites your little one, what challenges them, and how they learn best. Because our classrooms are intentionally designed to support individual growth, your child is given the freedom to develop a sense of capability, independence, and lifelong love of discovery at their own pace. Every success is celebrated, every challenge is met with encouragement, and every child is given the space to thrive.
For our School Leader, Yolanda Alvarez, this commitment to relationships is at the heart of everything we do. With more than 40 years in early childhood education, she believes that a great school is built on trust, partnership, and care. For Yolanda, that starts with culture. When every child, family, and staff member feels genuinely supported, growth follows naturally, and that collaborative spirit is at the heart of everything we do at Montessori American School.
The results speak for themselves. Our students consistently achieve exceptional outcomes by the end of their first Montessori cycle. Based on internal assessments aligned with national standards, 98% meet or exceed first-grade readiness benchmarks, 97% read at or above a first-grade level, and 98% meet or exceed grade-level expectations in mathematics. More importantly, they leave our school with something that cannot be measured by a test score alone. The leave believing in themselves, having curiosity about the world around them, and a lifelong love of learning.
Early Childhood Leadership & Staff
Every member of our team hold Montessori credentials and meets all required state qualifications, including a minimum of twelve Early Childhood Education units. Our staff complete CPR and First Aid certification, all required state health, safety, and child protection training, and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our guides do not just teach, they build real relationships with your child, learning how they think, what lights them up, and how to gently encourage them when something feels hard.
Yolanda Alvarez
School Leader, Montessori American School
With more than 40 years of experience in education, Yolanda Alvarez brings a depth of knowledge and a genuine love of children to every aspect of school life. She is proud to lead a school where guides, families, and children work closely together, and where every child is allowed to grow and thrive. “To me,” Yolanda shares, “being part of early education means helping children build a strong foundation during their most important years, guiding them with patience, care, and encouragement as they learn and grow.”
Achievements & Accreditations
Since opening our doors in 1988, Montessori American School has been deeply committed to excellence in early childhood education. We are proud to be a nine-time award-winning Montessori preschool Chula Vista, and a respected member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), reflecting our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of authentic Montessori education. Based on internal assessments aligned with national standards, by the end of their first Montessori cycle, 98% of our students meet or exceed first-grade readiness benchmarks. An impressive 97% are reading at or above a first-grade level, and 98% meet or exceed grade-level expectations in mathematics. These results reflect our commitment to the Montessori method, our carefully prepared classroom environment, and our focus on nurturing the whole child.
“When children are given the freedom to learn at their own pace, guided by educators who truly know them, they leave not just ready for school, but ready for life.”
– Yolanda Alvarez, School Leader, Montessori American School.
Endeavor Schools is a community of more than 100 schools across the country, brought together by a shared commitment to caring for children during the most important years of their lives. Each school is thoughtfully connected to its local community, creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Behind every classroom is a team of educators and parents who understand how much these early experiences matter, and who are dedicated to helping children build confidence, develop essential skills, and find a genuine love for learning. At the heart of Endeavor Schools is a focus on one simple goal: to give every child the support and foundation they need to thrive, both in school and in life.
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Contact Info
3604 Bonita Rd. Chula Vista, CA 91910 Phone: (619) 422-1220 Open: M-F 7:30 am – 5 pm