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Named a Gold Winner for "Best of the Best in Montessori" by Bay Area Parent magazine

The Maria Montessori School of the Golden Gate is one of San Francisco's longest-standing private Montessori schools, proudly serving children ages 2–6

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Join an Open House

Monday, May 25
Monday, June 8
Friday, June 12
Wednesday, July 1
Monday, August 31
Friday, September 4
Monday, October 12
Wednesday, November 11

All Open House events are by appointment only, and take place from 9am-12pm

Email pax101sf@gmail.com to RSVP to Open House

Come for a Tour

Offered every Tuesday-Thursday

All Tours are by appointment only, start at 10:30am and last for 30 minutes

Email pax101sf@gmail.com to Schedule a Tour

The Maria Montessori School of the Golden Gate is one of San Francisco’s longest-standing private Montessori schools, proudly serving children ages 2–6 (toddler through kindergarten) in the West Portal neighborhood since 1972. A multi-award-winning, non-profit school, we are fully accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), and proud members of the International Montessori Society (IMS) and the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA).

Our programs — from toddler and preschool through kindergarten — are designed to nurture the whole child: intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. In our multi-age, multicultural classrooms, children ages 2–6 learn at their own pace through hands-on, self-directed exploration guided by certified Montessori teachers who are passionate about early childhood development.

Unlike traditional or public school settings, our individualized approach builds self-discipline, creativity, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning during the most formative years of a child’s life. We offer flexible scheduling including full-day programs and extended before- and after-school care, making us one of the most accessible private Montessori preschools and kindergartens in San Francisco.

Named a Gold Winner for “Best of the Best in Montessori” by Bay Area Parent magazine, our school has built a reputation for nurturing, safe, and enriching early education.

Where to start.....As a stay at home mom I knew I was not able to give my child the consistent mental simulation or social/peer interaction that is needed for a toddler to thrive. So after 15 months of sheltering in place, and finding out I was pregnant again I knew I had to find a preschool for my 2 year old. My hubby and I interviewed at a few school and felt MMSGG would be a good fit for our family. My biggest fear was my baby girl would scream her head off and not interact with the other children. To my surprise there were no tears on the first day of school, instead all smiles. Two "big" girls held my daughters hands and walked her into the room to show her around. Ms. Tara does a good job of pairing an older child to a youngster to act as a mentor. It's a win/win for everyone. The best part has been watching babygirl form strong social connections with her classmates and her confidence skyrocket. In the year that my ,2 year old, daughter has been at MMSGG she has learned the days of the weeks, sings about the continents & oceans, improved her hand eye coordination, and recognizes numbers out of sequence.
Jen B.
Our experience with Ms. Tara and her staff has been amazing. I feel confident leaving my little with her each day. There is rarely a day where my child is not super excited to run into the class. Ms. Tara is Covid-conscious and makes all efforts to keep the children safe. We would have been lost without this school, its staff and Ms. Tara the past two year.
L H.
This school was such a welcoming and nurturing place for our daughter over the years. I can't recommend it more. Tara and her staff were so supportive, I'd recommend this school whole heartedly without reservation.
Mitchell M.
I am amazed at the amount of attention the children receive. I never have to worry about the safety of my child because I know he's in good hands. I wanted to put him in home school but I would never have been able to teach him as much as he has learned so far this school year. Thank you Miss Tara and the team at Maria Montessori School.
Kwashi H.
As a parent, finding a preschool that feels safe, nurturing, and enriching can be overwhelming--but we truly struck gold with Maria Montessori School of the Golden Gate. From the very first visit, we were impressed by the warmth of the 3 teachers (no teacher turnover over many years) and the joy we saw in the children. Our child has blossomed socially, emotionally, and academically in ways we never expected at a young age. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, communicated to parents ahead of time, and balances play and academic teaching in a way that keeps kids excited to come each day. Less considered is the fact that selecting a preschool is also choosing other children your child will spend the majority of their week with, and in that regard, we feel that the other children have been a positive influence in our child's life. The staff communicates clearly and often, and it's obvious they care deeply about each child. Every day, our child comes home happy, and as the months past, new thoughts, ideas, and skills that clearly come from their time in school--what more could we ask for? If you're looking for a preschool that truly partners with parents and celebrates each child's unique strengths, give Maria Montessori School of the Golden Gate a shot.
Jay O.
We just graduated the preschool. We spent two years with Ms Tara in Maria Montessori Golden Gate and we LOVED it. From the time we had the tour we knew this was the right place for us. Ms Tara is nice but also has authority and kids need that. Within couple of days our daughter was in love with the school and the teachers. She would ask when she is going back during the holidays (or camps). She grew up so much and learned so much in this school. You can see all the kids were thriving. I am attaching a picture from the graduation party in the park when Ms Tara showed up and all the kids run towards her and hugged her. If that's not proof of love I don't know what is. We will dearly miss all the friends we made there and the sweet teachers. Ms Jessica and Ms Tiffany have mad hair braiding skills. I will send my kid with half loose hair and she will come home with princess hair! Anyway, I cannot recommend enough this school. Your kid will be taken care of and thought some serious writing, reading and math skills. My daughter can add to 20! She is not even 5! We will be sending our second when the time comes as we know this will be the best place to her too!
Denka M.
We started at MMGG with Ms Tara in January and we couldn't be happier. My 4yr old adjusted quickly to her new school thanks to the welcoming environment that Ms Tara creates. Thank you Ms Tara!
Cassie B.

Goals of a Montessori Education

  • To stimulate the growth of the total child.
  • To provide a warm and accepting environment in which each child feels secure, respected and loved.
  • To provide and enriched, stimulating environment with safe limits within which the child is an active explorer and learner.
  • To encourage the child to become self-directed.
  • To provide a framework of discipline through which a child can develop self-discipline and personal strength.
  • To develop creativity and a positive self-image.
  • To provide a cross-cultural environment in which the foundations of global peace may be laid.

Our Montessori Programs

  • Pre K
    9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
    9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Kindergarten (K)
    9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Before School Daycare
    8:00 am — 9:00 am
  • After School Daycare
    3:00 pm — 5:30 pm

The Maria Montessori of the Golden Gate is one of the most accessible private Montessori preschools and kindergartens in San Francisco. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable tuition model.

Email pax101sf@gmail.com to Inquire Today