About us

Crescent Montessori School is an independent, non-denominational preschool Montessori school in Sonoma, CA.  We offer programs for children ages 2-6 in the Primary Class with half day and full day options, a Montessori After School program and summer camps.

Welcome

Whether you are meeting us for the first time or are a returning visitor, welcome and thank you for taking time to learn about Crescent Montessori School. Choosing a preschool for your child can be a daunting task. Through our website, the tour, and enrollment process, we hope to show you what Crescent is made of, and why we consider it by far the best education for your child in Sonoma.

Crescent is in its 30th year serving children in Sonoma. We are proud to carry on the legacy of Dr. Montessori for the families and community of Sonoma. Dr. Maria Montessori is one of the world’s most respected educators, and her philosophy, often referred to as “Education for Life,” is practiced in over twenty thousand schools worldwide.

We create an educational choice based on a time tested and proven approach to learning that is unmatched for its effectiveness. It is the Montessori method that forms the root for the Crescent Difference, and which we look forward to sharing with you here, and when you tour.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Crescent. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our enthusiasm for our wonderful school.

~CMS Board & Faculty

Crescent is Bilingual

Crescent Montessori School is a bilingual program. As part of this program, all teachers are bilingual and Spanish is woven into our Montessori curriculum. Demonstrating our commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse learning environment, the classroom and faculty reflect the community we serve. Bilingualism promotes cognitive health and improves cultural and social skills.

“Individuals who are bilingual and biliterate switch between two different language systems. Their brains are very active and flexible. Research also shows that, compared to their non-bilingual peers, bilingual people have an easier time:

• understanding math concepts and solving word problems;

• developing strong thinking skills;

• using logic;

• focusing, remembering, and making decisions;

• thinking about language; and

• learning other languages.”

US Department of Education

Partnership with La Luz Center

The mission of La Luz Center is to strengthen community through family services, economic advancement and community engagement. Through our partnership with the La Luz Center, Crescent Montessori will award two full academic scholarships to children for the duration of their three-year Montessori Primary Program. Crescent will be working with La Luz’s early education program, AVANCE, to identify interested students.

Mission & History

At Crescent Montessori School, we value a learning experience that promotes confidence, individual responsibility, and a strong sense of collaboration. We foster in our students a love of learning that will last a lifetime. We endeavor to build long-term respectful relationships with parents as partners in the education of their children. These values therefore define our mission.

Our Mission:

• Inspired by the work of Maria Montessori, we work to provide the very best care and education of our students by continuing to create an authentic Montessori environment where each child is inspired every day in an engaging, dynamic learning experience as an aid to life.

• We support the parents and staff in our school community to achieve their highest goals by continuing to become lifelong learners.

Our History:

Crescent Montessori School has offered quality Montessori education for the children of Sonoma, California since 1994. Our school is located in the historic Sonoma Community Center, which was built in 1915 to house the Sonoma Grammar School.

The school year 2024-2025 marks the thirtieth year for Crescent Montessori School, formerly Vintage Country Day School.

In the thirty years since our founding, Crescent has grown from one classroom serving preschool students to four classrooms, a library, and music and resource rooms that serve preschool through middle school students by 2017. In 1994, Crescent was a primary (preschool) program with two teachers. As demand for an alternative to traditional and often ineffective educational practices grew, so did Crescent. In 2005, the school expanded by adding a junior elementary for kindergarten through second grade. Once again in 2008, Crescent added another level, the senior elementary. This addition allowed Crescent to serve preschool through fifth grade students in the Montessori tradition. In 2013, Crescent expanded once again to serve middle school students. The history of growth and continuous learning reinforce the importance of Dr. Montessori’s understanding of child development. From her, we learned that teaching children at their development level, and understanding the characteristics of learners at those levels, allows students of all ages to develop their ability to gain knowledge.

In 2018, Crescent faced major challenges to keep its doors open. With the possible closure of the school and the retirement of founder, Karin Niehoff, preschool parents joined together to save their beloved preschool. Thanks to the efforts of committed parents and board members, classes for their 2 to 6 year-old children continued with no interruption. Today, Crescent Montessori remains the school of choice in Sonoma where children can learn and develop at their own pace in a prepared environment designed especially for them.

Accreditation

Non-Profit

Crescent Montessori School is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and managed by its Board of Directors.

State of California

Crescent Montessori School is licensed by the State of California Department of Children and Family Services. Crescent Montessori maintains a Private School Affidavit on file with the California State Department of Education and fully complies with all requirements of the California Education Code pertaining to private elementary schools.