Uninterrupted work periods
Students engage in extended work cycles, allowing them to develop deep concentration and complete their chosen tasks thoroughly..
Intrinsic motivation
Learning is driven by the child's natural curiosity rather than external rewards like grades or stickers, fostering independence and self-motivation.
“The child seeks for independence by means of work; an independence of body and mind.”
– Dr. Maria Montessori
Freedom of movement
Children move freely around the classroom, choosing where to work (at tables, on floor mats, or standing) rather than being confined to assigned desks.
Practical life integration
Real-world activities like food preparation, cleaning, and caring for plants are incorporated as legitimate learning experiences that develop fine motor skills and responsibility.
Mixed-age grouping
Students of different ages learn together in the same classroom, allowing younger children to learn from older peers and older children to reinforce their knowledge by helping others.
Student-directed learning
Children choose their own activities from a prepared environment of learning materials, working at their own pace rather than a uniform schedule dictated by a teacher.
Teacher as guide
The teacher observes students carefully and introduces new materials when children show readiness, rather than standing at the front delivering lessons to the whole group.
Nestled in the southern-most corner of a Petaluma business park, River Montessori Charter School is surrounded by breathtaking views of wetlands and protected open space — home to mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and some 200 species of birds. With views of the western hills over the Petaluma River, and adjoined to the entrance of both Ellis Creek and the Shollenberger Park Extension, RMCS has unfettered access to nature.
Learning with Nature
Dr. Maria Montessori said of the importance of nature and outdoor play in a child’s healthy development:
“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature.”
“As a parent, I am deeply grateful that my child has a school that honors her spirit and singularity as much as her academic work.”
Seeing is believing.
River Montessori has no admissions criteria and is FREE for all eligible students.