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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Alissa S. Primary Parent, 2020

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, 2019

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, 2019

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, 2018

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, 2018

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!