Our School
Founded in 1965 by a committed group of early childhood educators and families, Montessori Center School celebrates 60 years of expertise and experience in whole-child education. Our community of educators and families build, innovate and collaborate to nurture an environment where each child flourishes in their development of a lifelong love for learning.
Mission
Our mission is to honor and develop the whole child from 18 months through sixth grade. We provide a nurturing, educational environment authentic to Montessori principles by fostering independent, compassionate, respectful, self-motivated, creative, life-long learners who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world.
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Vision
Our vision is an authentic Montessori environment within a collaborative, engaged community of positive role models who guide the development of each child’s human potential.
Our Core Values
Development of the whole child
We nurture the social, emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical development of children to prepare them for life.
Academic excellence
We create a rich academic environment, in which students achieve their full potential as independent, curious, and resourceful thinkers and learners.
Respect for all
We cultivate respect for self, others, our environment, and our global community.
Family & community
Through the Montessori principle of grace and courtesy, we engage as a supportive community by living the mission of MCS.
Learner empowerment
Through collaboration and individualized support, we guide students’ love of learning through exploration and the unique expression of their interests, skills, and talents.
Learn more!
We invite you to submit an inquiry form, schedule a virtual tour & chat, and visit campus at one of our upcoming admissions open houses.
Our Story Begins
Founded
Montessori Center School was founded in 1965 by a small group of Association Montessori Internationale teachers and initial enrollment of 55 students. The original campus was located at 2028 Alameda Padre Serra in Santa Barbara and was administered by Margaret and Neil Waterfall.
MCS expands to elementary
In 1972, MCS was turned over to a group of active and dedicated parents and teachers within the community. The school incorporated as a nonprofit organization and was renamed Montessori Center School. Having built a reputation for excellence in early childhood and elementary education, MCS grew to over 125 children and 12 full time staff members. The school was able to establish a dedicated staff with a strong board of trustees and active board committees and had involvement from all corners of the community to ensure vital operations ran smoothly.
MCS moves to Hope Elementary campus
With notable growth of the school's enrollment, in 1975, MCS hired its first full-time school director – Margaret McCleery Cota. Under Margaret’s guidance, the school enhanced its campus resources, building including a school library and launching our renowned Toddler program. By 1982, the school’s enrollment had expanded to 230 students with a staff of 36. With larger enrollment of students, MCS added curricular offerings music, art and physical education.
MCS moves to garden campus on North Fairview Avenue
The North Fairview Avenue campus that we know and love today became MCS’ home in 1997. Since then, we have added a multi-purpose building, additional Primary and Toddler classrooms, a multi-sport court, and a dedicated STEM Lab. With thirteen classrooms, and a teaching staffulty that includes 16 expertly trained Montessori teachers, the school has grown to serve 260 children and boasts a specialist program that includes art, music, library, STEM lab, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, physical education, and drama.
401 North Fairview Avenue, Suite #1, Goleta, California 93117, United States
Montessori Center School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.