Looking for the best Montessori school in Santa Monica? We ranked the top 3 schools in Santa Monica, California by verified Google rating, review volume and accreditation. Each campus listed below is an authentic Montessori program — many accredited by AMI, AMS or CCMA — serving toddler, primary and elementary ages. MontessoriCity verifies every school directly with the operator. Updated June 2026.
3
Schools ranked
3.3 ⭐
Avg rating
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AMI/AMS accredited
June 2026
Updated
Stepping Stone Child Care and Preschool is a Montessori school located in Santa Monica, California.
View Stepping Stone Child Care and Preschool full profile →Montana Preschool & Toddlers is a Montessori school located in Santa Monica, California.
View Montana Preschool & Toddlers full profile →Santa Monica Montessori School is a Montessori school located in Santa Monica, California.
View Santa Monica Montessori School full profile →Tuition for Montessori schools in Santa Monica typically ranges from $9,000 to $25,000 per year depending on the program (toddler, primary or elementary), full vs half day, and accreditation. Contact each school directly for current rates.
AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) was founded by Maria Montessori and emphasizes strict adherence to her original method. AMS (American Montessori Society) is a U.S.-based organization that accepts a broader interpretation. Both are reputable; AMI tends to be more traditional.
Most Santa Monica Montessori schools accept children from 18 months (toddler community) through age 12 (upper elementary). Primary or "Casa" classrooms typically start at age 2.5–3.
Most Montessori schools in Santa Monica are independent (private). A small number of public school boards offer Montessori-stream programs — check with your local district.