Fostering Independence, Growing in Peace

Private Montessori School offering education for children 18 months old to 9 years old

Welcome to Valley Montessori Academy!

We’re delighted to have you explore our Montessori community, where children grow through curiosity, hands-on learning, and guided independence. Our nurturing environment is designed to inspire confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning, helping each child reach their fullest potential. Discover how we support young minds as they embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery and growth.

 Toddler Program

 18m-36m 

The Montessori Toddler program goes beyond childcare, fostering growth in all developmental areas. With an environment designed to promote independence, order, and concentration, children develop skills like language, problem-solving, and physical coordination. The calm, inviting space allows toddlers to safely explore and learn through discovery, featuring low shelves, soft rugs, and carefully arranged materials. Each classroom hosts 12 children, ages 18-36 months, with a 1:6 adult-to-child ratio, led by a Montessori-certified teacher and dedicated assistants.

 Primary Program

 3y-6y 

The Early Childhood program for ages 3–6 inspires children to explore, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning. The Montessori Method encourages self-directed growth in confidence, independence, and critical thinking, supporting both social-emotional and intellectual development. Core values include respect, peaceful conflict resolution, and global citizenship. With five areas of study—Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural Studies—trained teachers observe each child’s interests and abilities, guiding them through personalized learning plans and new challenges as they progress.

 Elementary Program

 6y-9yr

The Elementary program fosters learning through movement and hands-on activities, providing cognitive, social, and emotional support. New students quickly adapt to the engaging environment and inspired teaching, while those continuing from Montessori Early Childhood enjoy familiar routines with expanded learning opportunities. Multi-age classrooms (ages 6–9) encourage collaboration and strengthen community bonds. Teachers guide students through a tailored curriculum that balances their interests with rigorous learning benchmarks, fostering independence, confidence, and academic readiness.

Infant Program

Coming in 2026

Valley Montessori Academy is excited to introduce a dedicated Montessori Infant Environment, thoughtfully designed for children as young as 6 months. This calm, home-like space will nurture early growth with developmentally appropriate materials and activities. With a 1:3 adult-to-child ratio and Montessori-certified staff, infants will enjoy safe, cozy areas for exploration and motor skill development, featuring soft mats, low stairs, and wall-mounted bars to support free movement. The environment will also include indoor and outdoor play areas, infant-sized shelves with engaging objects, and quiet nap spaces, creating a nurturing space for each child’s unique development.

  • Alissa S., Primary Parent

    From the moment we walked through the doors at VMA we have felt welcome. Our daughter has grown immensely from the curriculum and loves going to school! We are so thankful that the Montessori method is being offered in such a beautiful classroom space. The administrators are first class individuals and the teachers want every child to grow and succeed. We feel so lucky to be the part of VMA!

  • Nicole L. ,Primary Parent

    VMA is incredible and I highly recommend. All the staff there is wonderful, and most of all my children love it! I love the Montessori approach and wouldn’t send my kids to any other preschool in Bakersfield.

  • Ipek A., Primary Parent

    We’ve tried many preschools in Bakersfield. VMA is by far the best!! The space is nice, clean and full of natural sunlight. The teachers are caring and amazing in every way. They teach about the World around us, practical living skills, cooking, etc. And we love that they teach music and Spanish regularly ♥ Lovely and such a safe environment that my little boy loves!!

  • Maya H. , Primary Parent

    Our son was one of the first students here and we are so happy we found VMA for him to attend preschool. He has developed a love for letters, languages, yoga and so much more thanks to the teaching and nurturing he gets from VMA. It is a multicultural center of expression, mindfulness, patience, and love. We highly recommend this school for families looking for a safe and productive environment to foster your young child’s mind.

  • Nadya C. , Primary Parent

    If you already know about Montessori method and want it for your child, this is a no-brainer, you won’t find a better Montessori school in town. Their rooms are full of natural light, clean, shiny, full of neatly organized materials, everything you’d come to expect from a newly opened Montessori paradise. Their teacher is certified, experienced and just amazing. If you’re not sure why Montessori is better than a traditional preschool, do some research on the benefits of Montessori education. Montessori kids have better social skills, creativity and independence, as well as math and reading abilities. My daughter goes there from the day they opened and I notice how much more independent and confident she becomes each day. The only drawback, in my opinion, is that it may not work for every child, since some kids don’t like to follow directions but it’s definitely worth a try. Also, they have a great outdoor area with sand and a water station. Absolutely great!

  • Kristina Akopian, Toddler & Primary Parent

    Valley Montessori Academy has been a truly wonderful school for both of our children, who each started in the toddler program at just 18 months old. From the very beginning, the school has provided a nurturing, thoughtful, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports both academic growth and emotional development.

    The teachers are incredibly patient, kind, and attentive. They really take the time to understand each child's personality and learning style, and they foster independence, curiosity, and respect in a way that feels both structured and loving. The Montessori approach at Valley is implemented with care and consistency, and we've seen our children blossom in ways that continue to surprise and delight us.

    We've especially appreciated the school's emphasis on community, communication, and social-emotional learning. It's clear that the staff are invested not just in academic outcomes, but in raising kind, capable, and confident human beings. Valley Montessori has given both of our children an incredibly strong foundation, and we're so grateful to be part of such a supportive school family.

  • Shelly O., Toddler Parent

    The school is simply amazing.. A true gem here in our city of Bakersfield.. They have the absolute best environment to support the growth of our child's mind, and her spirit. From the second you walk in the door you can see and feel the level of kindness and professionalism at VMA. They have the highest accreditation from Montessori and instill the lessons onto all that attend., Our child is in her third year there and is thriving under their care and never wants to go home at the end of the day. . Ms. Oxana is a true god send and we adore her vision. The school is immaculate, and everyone there.

  • Lexi S., Elementary Parent

    Absolutely love Valley Montessori! From the very beginning, the owner has been incredibly caring, attentive, and hands-on. She took the time to truly listen to our family's needs and made our preschool transition feel effortless.

    The nurturing environment, dedicated staff, and commitment to each child's growth make this school truly exceptional. If you're looking for a place where your child will thrive, build confidence, and develop into an independent, lifelong learner, I can't recommend Valley Montessori enough. It has been an amazing experience for our family, and I am so grateful we found this wonderful school.

  • Maxwell R., Elementary Parent

    Our son loves going to VMA! We really appreciate the strong Elementary program, mindfulness and yoga classes are such a nice bonus. Our family would recommend only Valley Montessori!

  • Samira A., Toddler Parent

    Truly an amazing Montessori school. Such a caring and kind owner. Great staff, community and school. Best place to enroll your kids—you won't regret it. VMA came highly recommended and now I know why.

    Keep up the great work!

  • Glenn N., Primary Parent

    I've never written a school review before, but Valley Montessori Academy has earned one.

    As parents, we all hope we're making the right decisions for our children, and enrolling our child here has been one of the best decisions we've made. The difference we've seen is incredible. Our child has become more confident, more independent, more curious, and genuinely excited about learning.

    The teachers are patient, kind, and truly invested in every child. They celebrate each child's unique personality while encouraging them to grow in ways that go far beyond academics. We've always felt like our child is known, valued, and cared for.

    What I appreciate most is the atmosphere. It's peaceful, organized, and full of positive energy. Every time I walk through the doors, I see children engaged, smiling, and learning with confidence.

    The communication with families has been excellent, and it's obvious that everyone who works here takes tremendous pride in what they do. This isn't just a school—it's a community that genuinely wants every child to succeed.

    If you're considering Valley Montessori Academy, I can honestly say I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend it. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found this school, and our family is thankful every day that our child is part of school.

  • Irina H.,

    We love Valley Montessori Academy! The teachers are well trained, caring, and dedicated to the children. Our son is almost 5 now, and he's kind, respectful to his peers and adults, and has learned so much. We are happy we found and joined this school.

  • Rubia S., Toddler Grandparent

    My 20-month-old granddaughter goes to Valley Montessori Academy, and honestly, our whole family just loves it. From day one, we felt very comfortable leaving her there, which is not always easy at this age. The teachers are so kind and patient, and you can really see they care about each child.

Our Affiliations

Association Montessori Internationale & American Montessori Society

Our lead guides and assistant teachers hold Montessori credentials through AMS and AMI teacher training programs, ensuring fidelity to authentic Montessori pedagogy.

Positive Discipline Association

Our teachers are trained and certified by the Positive Discipline Association

California Department of Social Services

The Early Childhood Program is fully licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services.

California Department of Education

The Elementary Program is registered with the State of California Department of Education with a Private School Affidavit.