Kensington Montessori School

Kensington Montessori of Laguna Niguel has been an absolute blessing for our family. Our daughter currently attends, and our son was here for 2.5 wonderful years before graduating to TK — and we could not imagine a better early-childhood experience for both of them. It’s rare to find a school that truly lives up to the Montessori philosophy, but Kensington is one of those special places that stands out from the crowd. While many schools simply use the “Montessori” name as a marketing label, this school genuinely embraces the principles: independence, hands-on learning, thoughtful redirection, and individualized attention. Ms. Stacy, Ms. Viviana, and Ms. Yulia are incredibly communicative, warm, and attentive — the type of educators who not only know your child, but truly understand them. The community here is just as exceptional. The school regularly hosts interactive activities and parent gatherings that bring everyone together. Our kids were always excited to go to school each morning, and even after pickup they loved playing with friends on the playground. The moms have formed amazing friendships as well — getting together both with and without the kids, which speaks to how strong and welcoming the parent community is. The location is another plus: a beautifully maintained, safe campus perched on a hill near the town center, with an adjoining church that has always been friendly and receptive. Kensington Montessori is one of those rare finds that exceeds expectations in every way. We’re incredibly grateful for the loving foundation they’ve provided for both of our children. Highly, highly recommend.

Finding Kensington for our daughter was like finding a needle of pure gold in a giant haystack. My husband and I toured countless schools - many of which were surrounding Montessoris, and absolutely NO other school even came close to comparing! After my daughter’s first full year, this school has become much more than a learning environment, it’s become the greatest gift to our family and the most impactful and monumental marker in our daughter’s growth - cognitively, emotionally, socially and mentally. She has a speech delay, and while in speech therapy, we actually noticed a more significant difference in her speech ability simply by going to Kensington. The school is extremely safe, and they go to lengths to ensure it remains this way at all times. There is a gate outside with a code required for entry. There is an additional gate out to the play yard and the children’s play area (which has a beautiful view by the way) is fully out of sight from public view. Each classroom has a lock on it and the classrooms are locked at all times and you cannot be granted entry unless it’s open from inside. There are not enough words that could describe how incredible the staff is. Ms. Viviana is an absolute DREAM. She is calm, patient, intelligent, kind, present and intentional with all interaction - her capacity of kindness and sincerity blows us away. She meets the children where they are at, and always makes herself available to get on their level and be fully present with each child as if they are the only one in the room. In addition, the director, Stacy is absolutely brilliant. She is fully engaged, in tune, communicative and her attention to detail is impeccable. She is always aware of what is happening and steps in whenever children may need extra support, even to the lengths of inviting them into her office if they are ever having a tough time. Every classroom aid our daughter has had becomes a fan favorite. Stacy is incredibly talented with hiring a phenomenal staff and has incredibly high expectations. The children go through extensive learning cycles, which actually advance them in a fully rounded way, while still leaving plenty of space for play and creativity. In addition, they teach some Spanish to the children through words of the week, which is so helpful with overall communication for our daughter’s future. Our daughter has two food allergies, and they are incredibly mindful and protective with ensuring no cross contamination occurs. Our daughter is sad whenever the school is on holiday break, which speaks to how much she enjoys it. If you’re looking for a safe, productive, warm, growing, supportive, intentional and mindful preschool for your child, there is absolutely not one in our area that could hold a candle to Kensington. The atmosphere for here is magical for children, and brings so much peace and ease to us as parents knowing we can fully trust that where our daughter is spending time each day holds great meaning. It brings us to tears thinking of all that Kensington has been and is currently to our family! My husband and I often joke that we wish Kensington went through high school, so that we’d never have to leave as we dread the day the time comes because of the high expectation of experience Kensington has set as our daughter’s first school.

Finding the right place for my son was a challenge after having a negative experience elsewhere, but Kensington Montessori of Laguna Niguel has been everything I hoped for and more. From the moment we started, Ms Viviana and Director Stacey have gone above and beyond to create a safe, caring, and welcoming environment. My son is happy, excited to learn, and thriving under their care. I couldn’t be more grateful for all they do!

We just wrapped up 6 years of education for our two boys here. The classrooms are decked out with all of the necessary Montessori teaching tools and are kept very tidy. We were greeted daily by staff members with such happiness. The kids followed a daily routine that translated well to our life at home. My wife, myself and our boys have met what we hope are lifelong friends with the staff, parents and children, it felt like a big family here. Both of our boys have now transitioned to public school and Kensington set them up for success. Couldn't be happier with our decision to enroll here.

The Montessori center needs additional training for their teachers for children with disabilities, sensory & executive function deficits. From day 1, they made my child keep his lovey (which is his emotional support item he has had since birth) in his backpack. They don't want kids to have them at nap, etc...They do not follow an evidence based practice when working with neurodiverse children; they lack an inclusion model. Their actions and abrupt expulsion, offering no care alternatives or referrals, (which impacted our employment as well) caused distress to our child and unnecessary emotional trauma. They were quick to take our annual registration fee and not fully refund for unused tuition days (for less than a two week period)...