Welcome. Bienvenidos. Welkom. Selamat Datang. Failte.

Welcome. Bienvenidos. Welkom. Selamat Datang. Failte.

​Each year, the enrollment process for the next school year begins in the late Fall/Winter and ends with the lottery in the Spring.

Admissions + Enrollment

​River Montessori Charter School is proud to be a FREE + PUBLIC option in the myriad educational choices available in Petaluma. As you learn more about Montessori you will find that we are an authentic Montessori school and adhere rigidly to the philosophy while balancing our obligations to California state standards as a public school. While no easy task, we are committed to Montessori Education, and work tirelessly to ensure confidence in our holistic and rigorous academic program for children.  

​In order to help families determine if RMCS is a match for their children, we host a two-step prospective parent/guardian program designed to deepen the understanding of Montessori philosophy and the culture of our school. We look forward to introducing you to our school! 

Step 1.

MONTESSORI INFORMATION NIGHT

These casual meetings are a perfect opportunity for parents and guardians to receive an in-depth overview of River Montessori Charter School and Montessori pedagogy.

Upcoming Info Meetings 6:00 - 7:00: January 14 | February 4 | March 18

RSVP

Step 2.

TALK + TOUR

Tours are typically offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:45. These tours last about 90 minutes. Please call school or schedule your tour online below.

We recommend attending a Family Information Night prior to a Talk + Tour. 

SCHEDULE

Rolling Admission

RMCS offers rolling admission through the school year, as spaces allow.

The new school year at River Montessori Charter School officially kicks off in late July, but we enroll year-round because sometimes a child’s emerging or changing educational needs simply won’t wait for a semester’s end. Enroll your child at any time and our experienced and compassionate staff will make it a smooth and successful transition for your child and you.

Application Process 2026-2027

Transitional Kindergarten/TK children must be four by September 1. Kindergarten children must be five by September 1.

1.

2.

  • Click HERE to upload documents directly to Admissions Office.

3.

  • Public Lottery:  March 3, 2026 @ 4:30 p.m. RMCS notifies of placement/wait list via email.

    Enrollment/Waitlist Offers: RMCS communicates offers immediately following the Public Lottery and upon any available opening.

    Enrollment Packets follow acceptance of offer. Questions? Call or email.

Showcase Events

Want to experience our community first-hand? Join the fun…

River’s TK/K Enrollment Faire

Explore. Play. Enroll.

Prepare for the next step in your child’s education by meeting our faculty, touring our classrooms, and ket your child explore our purposeful learning materials.

1/31/2026 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Creator Faire

The Creator Faire at River Montessori is a celebration of the arts and sciences with dozens of hands-on activity stations. Always open to the public, this event is a great opportunity to engage with River students as they share their creations and expertise. 

Interactive Curiosities by Student Makers

JOIN US: date TBD

Open House

This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Montessori curriculum directly from River students, who will have transformed our schoolhouse into a gallery opening for their student art show, and will also be hosting their 3rd annual Poetry Slam.

Curriculum, Art Show + Poetry Slam

2/26/2026 @ 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. 

PEF Education TK/K Night

Come See River’s Table

Is your little one ready to take their first big step into school? Join the Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) for a free, interactive evening designed to help Petaluma-area parents explore top Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten options for their children!

10/8/26  5:30 -7:00 p.m.