For Children 6 Months To 24 Months
At La Jolla Montessori School, we believe the first three years of life are the most formative. In our new Nido—the Italian word for "nest"—we provide a serene, home-like environment where your infant can safely explore, grow, and begin their journey toward independence.
Our Nido is more than just daycare; it is a prepared environment designed to respect the inherent power of your child’s absorbent mind. Surrounded by loving caregivers and bilingual immersion, your infant will feel secure as they take their first steps into a world of learning.
The Bilingual Advantage: Spanish & English Immersion
From day one, we immerse our infants in the beauty of two languages. Our unique bilingual program features two dedicated teachers in the environment: one who speaks exclusively in English and another who speaks exclusively in Spanish. Through stories, songs, and daily interaction, your child absorbs both languages effortlessly and naturally—laying a sophisticated foundation for future cognitive and linguistic success.
Safe, Secure, and Connected
We understand that leaving your infant is a significant milestone for parents. Our Nido maintains a 4:1 child-to-teacher ratio, with a maximum of 10 children, ensuring your child receives the individualized attention they deserve.
Real-Time Peace of Mind
Stay connected to your child’s day with our ProCare management system. You will receive detailed daily reports covering:
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Nutrition: Quality and timing of meals.
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Diapering: Careful tracking of elimination and care.
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Rest: Exact amounts of sleep and nap times.
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Daily Moments: Observations of your child’s work and social interactions.
The Foundation for Life
During these first months, your child absorbs more information than at any other time in their lives. By providing a consistent routine, a "home-like" atmosphere, and a curriculum that emerges from their unique interests, we ensure their first school experience is one of joy, trust, and discovery.
“The infant in arms has far greater mental energies than are usually imagined.” -Maria Montessori
5-Half Day Program
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
5-Full Day Program
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
A Prepared Environment for the "Whole Child"
In a Montessori Nido, we avoid equipment that restricts movement, such as swings or high chairs. Instead, we provide a space that invites freedom. Every element of our classroom is child-sized and purposeful, organized into six specialized areas:
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Movement: An open-plan area designed for freedom of movement, helping infants gain control over their bodies as they learn to crawl and walk.
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Eye-Hand Coordination: Fine motor activities that encourage the use of both hands to explore textures and shapes.
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Language: A rich environment of real objects, family photos, and picture books, brought to life through rhymes and bilingual conversation.
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Practical Life (Eating): Transitioning to solid foods? Our infants sit at child-sized tables and learn to use real forks, spoons, and small glasses, fostering early independence.
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Art & Sensory: Opportunities to explore play dough, easels, and textures that stimulate the senses and develop early tool-handling skills.
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Music & Nature: Daily gatherings for music and signing, complemented by weekly nature walks in strollers through our beautiful property.
Before and After School Program Hours of Operation:
- Before School: 7:30 am - 8:30 am
- After School: 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
La Jolla Montessori School is a private Montessori English/Spanish Immersion bilingual preschool consisting of children ages 18 - Months through Kindergarten located in the heart of La Jolla, California (92037), near the Birdrock, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach (92109), Bay Ho and Bay Park (92110), Clairemont Mesa (92117), University Town Centre (UTC/92122), Sorrento Valley (92121), Kearny Mesa (92123) and Del Mar (92014) communities.
*Plan A –Annual– Single payment of complete school year less 5%. This annual payment is payable any time before July 25th.
*Plan B –Monthly Installments– The annual tuition can be broken into 10 equal installments. Monthly Installments begin July 25th and are due on the 25th of every month through April 25th. These payments are the same amount each month regardless of the length of each month and are non-refundable.