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Centennial Montessori School

Our mission is to offer an exemplary program dedicated to assisting each child in their quest to reach their full potential by fostering an environment that quiets external distractions and nurtures the child’s inner guide.

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  • Young Children's Community
  • Children's House
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Contact

  • 27 Tenth Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
  • (650) 340-1230
  • admissions@centennialmontessori.org
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Centennial Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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    Children's House Program

    3 - 6 years old

    The foundation for a lifetime of learning.

    The Children's House is the heart of a Montessori school. It is a carefully prepared environment where children aged three to six develop the fundamental skills, habits, and attitudes that will serve them for a lifetime. Here, children learn through hands-on exploration, cultivate deep concentration, and discover the joy of purposeful work.

    Why Montessori for the early years?

    This is a critical period of development where children form their core personality, learning habits, and social attitudes. The Montessori method is uniquely attuned to the developmental needs of this age, fostering independence, self-discipline, and a profound love of learning.

    Absorbent Mind

    From ages 3-6, children have a unique ability to effortlessly absorb information from their environment. The classroom is meticulously prepared to nourish this state of mind with beautiful, engaging materials.

    Sensitive Periods

    This age is characterized by transient periods of intense interest in specific areas, like order, language, or details. The curriculum is designed to capitalize on these windows of opportunity for deep learning.

    Freedom of Choice

    Children are free to choose their own work, which fosters independence, concentration, and a love of learning. The teacher serves as a guide, introducing new materials and lessons as the child is ready.

    Mixed-Age Groupings

    Three, four, and five-year-olds learn together in the same classroom. This creates a family-like community where older children act as mentors and leaders, and younger children are inspired by their peers' advanced work.

    Normalization

    Through focused, uninterrupted work, children develop a deep sense of calm, confidence, and self-discipline. This process, which Dr. Montessori called 'normalization,' is the hallmark of a successful Children's House environment.

    Preparation for the Second Plane

    The skills of concentration, independence, and academic foundations built in the Children's House prepare the child perfectly for the more abstract, collaborative work of the elementary years.