Our School
Letter from Head of School, Alissa Stolz
Welcome to East Bay Montessori.
We believe--and many have told us--we are the East Bay’s best-kept secret! A gem of a school with engaged children and several long-term faculty. We are a core of educators who have discovered what Maria Montessori knew long ago – the most effective way to educate children is to give them real work in a real context, whether it is learning math or setting a place for a meal. We work tirelessly to support children in developing a deep-rooted understanding about the connectedness of all things. Young or old, a child in an enriched learning environment can have boundless interest for all that is happening around them as they develop and grow.
We provide this each day.
In the tradition of Maria Montessori, EBM wants to reach and teach all children. Montessori developed dozens of innovative learning materials that are still being used today in thousands of schools throughout the world. The Montessori teaching method adapts itself to the individual learning style of each student. It starts with the “hands-on” exploration of concrete materials and evolves to the development of critical thinking and conceptual understanding.
We value a community that is dynamic and diverse. EBM students learn cooperation, problem solving, and conflict resolution not because teachers tell them to, but because they learn that they are part of a larger, diverse society in which these skills prove critical to success. We nurture and value each child’s innate desire to contribute to the classroom and the world.
EBM alumni consistently move out confidently into the world after tremendous success at both private and public high schools throughout the Bay Area. Many are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, colleges on both the east and west coasts, including Ivy League colleges and the University of California system.
Please take time to explore and learn about what makes the Montessori approach distinctive and what makes our school special. Hopefully, the glimpses of East Bay Montessori you get from our website will offer you a window into our world and inspire you to join us for a tour of our school. There is nothing like seeing our school in action! It is inspiring!
East Bay Montessori Loves our Planet!
East Bay Montessori is proud to take the initiative to reduce our environmental impact. Since as early as 2011, our campus in El Cerrito has had 60 solar panel modules on our roof. These have been producing electricity at 126% of their expected production since installation. Our campus also includes garden areas for students to explore growing edible plants from seed to bloom. The school also understands the importance of growing plants that are native to our beautiful California foothills. You will find evergreen trees, coast live oaks, and mature cypress trees throughout our site, as well as blooming native flowers and grape vines.
Furthermore, at the start of each school year, our students learn about the importance of recycling and composting. Students are responsible for composting after meals, and learning the difference between what must go in landfill and what is recyclable. Student passion is an important part of these efforts; last year, an entire dramatic play on disposal was generated by the Upper Elementary students and presented to the school at our Community Meeting! East Bay Montessori prides itself in doing its part to keep our beautiful city clean and green.