How do I choose the right montessori daycare in Oakland?

When selecting a montessori daycare in Oakland, consider: Visit the facility in person to observe the environment Ask about teacher qualifications and experience Check licensing status with California's regulatory agency Review the curriculum and daily schedule Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Best Montessori Daycares in Oakland, CA — Compare 10

Q: How much does Montessori school cost in Oakland, California?

Montessori school tuition in Oakland typically ranges from $800 to $2,000+ per month for full-time enrollment, depending on the child's age and the program. Infant and toddler programs tend to cost more due to smaller group sizes. Some Montessori schools offer financial aid, sliding scale fees, or sibling discounts.

Best Montessori Daycares in Oakland

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — montessori daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

My Own Montessori School

4.76 score

5(16)

5723 Oak Grove Avenue, Oakland, CA · Capacity: 28 children

Parents consistently praise My Own Montessori for its authentic Montessori curriculum, caring and attentive teachers, and calm, nurturing environment that fosters independence and curiosity. Children develop strong social-emotional skills, confidence, and a genuine love of learning through carefully prepared activities and play. The school community is described as warm, welcoming, and supportive with strong parent involvement.

Montessori method implementationcaring and dedicated teacherswell-designed curriculum with creative activitiesbalanced approach to structured learning and free play

Rockridge Montessori School

4.14 score

4.5(2)

5633 Manila Avenue, Oakland, CA · Capacity: 59 children

One parent describes a highly positive experience, while another criticizes the school's rigid contracts, lack of creative engagement for older preschoolers, and disappointing graduation events. The latter review also notes poor event organization and high costs relative to the quality of care provided.

Super impressed with kids' experiencenice teachers

Rockridge Montessori School

4.14 score

4.5(2)

5610 & 5616 Broadway, Oakland, CA · Capacity: 56 children

One parent describes an impressive experience for their children, while another criticizes the school's poor organization, boring program content, and rigid contract terms. The latter review highlights logistical issues with events, a disappointing graduation, and high costs relative to the value provided.

impressive child experiencenice teachers

Oakland Montessori School

4.11 score

4.3(3)

3636 Dimond And 3625 Fruitvale, Oakland, CA · Capacity: 74 children

Parent experiences at this school vary significantly, with some highlighting a supportive community and child-led learning, while others report serious concerns regarding safety, staffing, and communication. One family describes a positive, engaging environment, whereas another withdrew their child citing unsafe conditions and poor management. The disparity in feedback suggests that outcomes may depend heavily on specific classroom assignments or staff presence.

excitement to attend schoolstrong parent communityspacious classroomsindividualized attention

Little Elephant Montessori

4 score

5782 Miles Avenue, Oakland, CA · Capacity: 33 children

Montessori Daycares in Oakland, California

Montessori daycares in Oakland follow the Maria Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on materials. These 10 programs offer an alternative to traditional daycare with a focus on independence and self-directed activity.

When choosing a montessori daycare in Oakland, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 10 montessori daycares in Oakland, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

The Montessori method is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes child-led learning, hands-on activities, and mixed-age classrooms. Children choose their own activities from a range of options, learning at their own pace. Montessori classrooms use specialized materials designed to develop practical life skills, sensory awareness, language, math, and cultural understanding.

Most Montessori programs in Oakland serve children from infancy (as young as 6 weeks) through age 6, with some extending to elementary and even middle school. The core Montessori age groups are infant/toddler (0–3 years), primary/preschool (3–6 years), and lower elementary (6–9 years).

Montessori school tuition in Oakland typically ranges from $800 to $2,000+ per month for full-time enrollment, depending on the child's age and the program. Infant and toddler programs tend to cost more due to smaller group sizes. Some Montessori schools offer financial aid, sliding scale fees, or sibling discounts.

When selecting a montessori daycare in Oakland, consider:

Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
Check licensing status with California's regulatory agency
Review the curriculum and daily schedule
Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Best Montessori Daycares in Oakland, CA