A Rockridge Education
The Montessori Method: Learning How To Learn
At Rockridge Montessori, we believe that the early years are transformative. The Montessori approach is not just a way of teaching—it’s a powerful, research-backed method that builds the foundation for a child’s lifelong success. By respecting each child’s strengths, interests, and pace of learning, Montessori creates an environment where curiosity leads to mastery, and independence evolves into confidence
Montessori is about more than academic excellence—it’s about whole child development. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Children learn to take ownership of their learning and develop the resilience to navigate challenges. The carefully curated materials and purposeful activities in our classrooms encourage hands-on exploration, which, in turn, strengthens the brain’s ability to think flexibly and solve problems in innovative ways.
But it’s not just about intellectual growth. Montessori also prioritizes emotional and social development, nurturing a deep sense of empathy, respect, and collaboration. The ability to work well with others, to understand different perspectives, and to engage thoughtfully in the world are all key benefits of a Montessori education. These skills are invaluable not only in school but throughout life—helping children become self-assured, compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Montessori’s magic lies in its ability to build the brain and the heart—helping children become well-rounded, lifelong learners who are not only equipped with academic skills but also with the emotional intelligence to navigate a rapidly changing world.
When you choose Montessori for your child, you’re giving them more than just an education—you’re providing them with a head start in building a future that is intellectually rich, emotionally balanced, and filled with limitless potential.
Play, Imagination, and the Arts in the Rockridge Montessori Experience
At Rockridge Montessori School, we recognize that play, creativity, and artistic expression are essential to a well-rounded Montessori education. While our classrooms are carefully prepared to promote independence and discovery, they are also warm, engaging spaces filled with opportunities for imaginative exploration. Through purposeful play, hands-on puzzles, and rich artistic experiences, we nurture each child’s curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and creative spirit.
Toys and puzzles are thoughtfully incorporated into our learning environments to encourage exploration and critical thinking. Open-ended materials allow children to engage in self-directed play, fostering creativity while reinforcing key developmental skills. Whether they are building, sorting, or designing, children develop spatial awareness, logical reasoning, and fine motor skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Art is a vibrant part of daily life at Rockridge Montessori. From painting and drawing to sculpting and collage work, children are encouraged to express themselves through a variety of mediums. Our classrooms provide a rich selection of art materials, allowing students to experiment and create freely. Artistic exploration is seamlessly integrated into cultural studies and practical life activities, helping children develop both technical skills and an appreciation for aesthetics.
By blending Montessori principles with meaningful opportunities for play and artistic expression, Rockridge Montessori School fosters a learning environment where children can grow intellectually, socially, and creatively. We celebrate each child’s natural curiosity and individuality, providing the tools and guidance they need to develop a lifelong love of learning.
A Universal Curriculum
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- Montessori curriculum iis considered the gold standards of early childhood education. It is famous around the world.
- We put the world into the palm of our students’ hands, studying and celebrating cultures and nations..
A Close Knit Montessori Partnership-Based School Community
- Members of our school community can participate in ongoing discussion
- We schedule many opportunities to come together as parents, students, and educators in celebration.
An International Diverse School Community
- Our goal is to draw together a diverse group of children and families from all walks of life.
Sustainability
- We place emphasis on creating a sustainable environment.
- Students have ongoing lessons on living a life that is more in harmony with a sustainable environment.
- Each class participates in class or shared organic gardens.
A Family-Friendly School
- We have a limited number of spaces for 12-14 month olds.
- We offer a half-day for children three and younger.
- We offer an extended day program, starting at 8 am and ending our day at 5:30 pm for those who need a safe place for their children.
A Peace Academy
- We teach partnership, peacemaking, and leadership skills to our students.
- Children learn how to communicate clearly and assertively in ways that express kindness and respect.
- They learn skills for conflict resolution
A Montessori Community
As a Partnership-based Montessori community, we consciously create a Circle of Equals. There are no somebodies and nobodies, nor in-groups or out-groups at NewGate. Parents, educators, and children are all members of the school community.
However, with strong Montessori leadership comes a belief that while core principles cannot be compromised, parents, teachers, students, and school leaders can and should explore issues and ideas together in a culture of kindness and respect.
We hold monthly School Community Meetings to provide one of several forums. We also offer a wide range of workshops and discussions on partnership parenting and how the school is preparing our children to face the challenges of a changing world.
A school can be a close-knit community of families who share common values, in addition to a place where children attend class. We welcome family involvement but do not require it. Interested parents are invited to participate in many ways, from organizing celebrations to long-range planning. We do, however, expect each family to work closely with us to support their children’s education.
Montessori Community
An Environment for Learning
Montessori classrooms tend to fascinate both children and their parents. There are interest centers filled with intriguing learning materials, fascinating mathematical models, maps, charts, fossils, historical artifacts, computers, scientific apparatus, and perhaps a small natural science display.
Our classrooms are carefully prepared to stimulate children’s independence and intellectual development. You will not find rows of desks, even at the Upper School level; instead, the room will be set up to facilitate discussions and stimulate collaborative learning.
At the Early Childhood level, students will typically be found scattered around the classrooms, working alone or with one or two others. They tend to become so involved in their work that visitors are immediately struck by the peaceful atmosphere.
Our teachers focus on each student as an individual, not on a daily lesson plan for the entire class. They nurture and inspire their students, teaching them to ask questions, think for themselves, explore, investigate, and discover. We help students learn how to learn, holding on to the curiosity, creativity, and intelligence with which they were born. Our teachers don’t simply present lessons; they are facilitators, mentors, coaches, and guides.
They will normally be found working with one or two students at a time, advising, presenting a new lesson, or quietly observing the class at work.
5610 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618
5616 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618
5633 Manila Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618