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About Palo Alto Montessori School
Palo Alto Montessori School is a preschool for children ages 2 to 5 at 575 Arastradero Road in south Palo Alto. The school says it has operated since 1977, serving families from Palo Alto, Stanford and nearby communities. It describes itself as the oldest continuously operating Montessori school in Palo Alto. Its tagline is "A Solid Foundation for the Future."
According to the school, its teaching staff has worked together for more than 18 years. The school says it aims to provide a nurturing atmosphere that "nourishes young imaginations and instills self-confidence." This listing describes the program as the school publishes it and does not compare it with other programs.
The Montessori approach
The school's FAQ describes Montessori as "a unique teaching method that provides a healthy balance between freedom of choice and structured activity." It credits the method to Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian medical doctor. A quotation from Montessori on the school's home page speaks of a strong sense of community in the classroom, where children of different ages cooperate.
The school takes a deliberate line on technology. Its FAQ says computers are not taught. Instead, the focus is first on basic living skills and then on basic academic skills.
Curriculum and enrichment
According to the curriculum page, children learn:
- Reading and writing
- Arithmetic
- Botany and zoology
- Geography
- Music
- Gardening
Optional instruction in Spanish, gymnastics and ballet is offered alongside the Montessori curriculum. Ask the school how these classes are scheduled and whether they cost extra.
The grounds
The school's environment page focuses on its outdoor space. It describes landscaped yards with cedar and pepper trees it says are a hundred years old, along with fruit trees, evergreen shrubs and flowering plants. Children eat lunch under the canopy of a magnolia tree. The school calls the grounds a home-away-from-home and mentions children testing how big a sand castle can get. The page does not describe the classrooms, so look at them on a visit.
Hours, calendar and meals
The school is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families can choose a day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or any nine hours within the opening hours. The school year runs from early September to the end of June. An eight-week summer session runs from the second week of July through the end of August.
The school does not provide meals. Its FAQ says parents decide what their child eats, so plan to pack lunch and snacks. The FAQ also notes that crying during the first two weeks is natural and suggests a quick goodbye at drop-off. That is the school's own guidance for settling in.
Enrollment
To apply, call 650-493-5930 or email [email protected] to request an application form. Return it with the application fee. The website does not list tuition or tour dates, so ask about both when you call. A visit lets you see the classrooms and the yard and meet the teachers.
Good to know
- The school day options suit both shorter school-hours care and longer full-day care, since families can choose any nine hours between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Pack lunch and snacks every day, because the school does not provide meals.
- The summer session is separate from the school year. Ask whether it needs its own sign-up.
- The website does not cover toilet training, staff ratios or licensing. Ask about each on your visit.
- Expect a settling-in period. The school's FAQ calls tears in the first two weeks natural.
Getting there
The school is about 0.9 miles from the San Antonio Caltrain station in Mountain View, so most families drive to drop-off. Ask on your tour where to park and how morning drop-off works. Arastradero Road runs through the south of the city. Heading west, the same road leads up to the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, a good outing for a family hike. Our South Palo Alto guide covers the surrounding neighborhoods. Our schools guide explains the public school options for later years.
Location and getting there
Palo Alto Montessori School is at 575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the South Palo Alto area of Palo Alto. Our South Palo Alto guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 0.9 miles away. That is roughly a 23 minute walk or a short bike ride.
Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.
What is nearby
- Hobee's Restaurant, restaurant, 0.1 mi
- Heavenly Nail Spa, salon or spa, 0.1 mi
- Kitchen at Palo Alto, restaurant, 0.1 mi
- Walgreens El Camino Real, practice, 0.2 mi
- The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse, restaurant, 0.2 mi
- Juana Briones Park, 0.2 mi
- Terman Park, 0.4 mi
- Robles Park, 0.5 mi
Other everyday services nearby: Avis and Budget Palo Alto (0.1 mi); America's Tire (0.1 mi); McLaren San Francisco (0.2 mi); Volvo Cars Palo Alto (0.2 mi). Browse the full everyday services list.
Before you go
- Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
- Ask for a written estimate before any repair work starts.
- Bring an ID and any paperwork you may need, such as a receipt or account number.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against Palo Alto Montessori School official website; Curriculum; Environment; FAQ. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Palo Alto Montessori School in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto Montessori School is at 575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the South Palo Alto area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 0.9 miles away.
What ages does Palo Alto Montessori School serve?
The school serves children ages 2 to 5. It describes a nurturing atmosphere meant to build young children's imagination and self-confidence.
What are the hours at Palo Alto Montessori School?
The school is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families can choose a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. day or any nine hours within the school's opening hours.
How do I apply to Palo Alto Montessori School?
The school asks families to call or email to request an application form, then return it with the application fee. The phone number is 650-493-5930 and the email is [email protected].