top of page

WELCOME TO VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Patti Wilczek Portrait.png

Patti Wilczek, Ph.D.

Head of School

925.455.8021 x225

pwilczek@vmschool.org

Dear VMS Community,

​

At Valley Montessori School, success is defined as something even broader and richer than outstanding academic achievement. Our programs offer an exceptional Montessori education for children 18 months of age through 8th grade –providing children with the tools to be successful people at home, in school, in the workplace, and in the world at large.

​

We adhere to the philosophy and practices of Maria Montessori, following the child as they become curious about the materials and explore their beautiful, child-centric learning spaces that include furniture and materials sized for their smaller bodies. 

Our passionate teachers inspire and empower students, fostering independence, resilience, and a life-long love of learning. VMS graduates are truly competent, confident young people who are exceptionally well-prepared for high school and beyond.

 

We invite you to our campus in Livermore, California. Come walk through our classrooms and hallways, and experience the peaceful, deeply engaging Montessori environment for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you.

 

Warm regards,

 

Patti

VMS Mural.jpg

Our Mission & Values

Mission

Valley Montessori School educates the whole child and inspires a joyful pursuit of learning.

 

Values

Authentic Montessori Philosophy

VMS is guided by the principles and techniques of Maria Montessori to deliver a rich, engaging learning environment. VMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society and adheres to authentic practices recommended by this organization.

 

The Child

VMS teachers guide children to self-discovery by embracing curiosity, creativity, and individual choice through meaningful work, so that they can realize their own unique journey.

 

Academic Excellence

VMS students are encouraged, empowered, and equipped to reach their highest potential.

 

Respect

VMS cultivates a harmonious environment of esteem, fairness and value for oneself, the classroom, the community and the world.

 

Building Community & Global Citizens

VMS fosters a deep sense of citizenship in the classroom that carries into family and beyond and develops ambassadors of positive change.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Valley Montessori School aims to foster a deep appreciation for the individual differences that bring value to our school community and empower each of us to serve as practitioners of peace, advocates for equity, and voices for positive change within the global community.

 

Philosophy

We welcome and celebrate a diverse community; one in which every individual’s unique identity is respected and valued.

 

We strive to eliminate barriers that would prevent personal growth,

including the children’s ability to reach their highest potential. Respect, kindness, and self-assessment are integral parts of the Montessori program and are essential to fulfilling our mission to educate the whole child and inspire a joyful pursuit of learning.

 

We recognize our students as our future leaders who will embody and embrace diversity and inclusion sustaining the trajectory toward a more equitable world through their actions and influence on the hearts and minds of their peers and generations to come.

 

Goals

For every member of our school to feel seen, heard, safe, and valued.

 

Encourage honest conversations with varying perspectives to increase the experiences of inclusion and foster a sense of value and belonging for each individual in our community.

​

Commit to participation, personal accountability, and self-reflection on the path to creating and modeling a more equitable environment.

Strive to offer a curriculum that reflects the diverse nature of our local and global community including a commitment to social justice to disrupt the systems that marginalize individuals based on social identities.

​

Encourage our parents and the greater community to partner with us on this journey, embracing and encouraging the goals set forth.

JBa.jpg
VMS_2016_HarvestFestival.jpg

Green Business

VMS is a certified California Green Business making us the only school in the Tri-Valley and just one of four Montessori schools in the state of California with this honor.

 

Environmental Stewardship

As a green business, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. This includes energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable practices, contributing to a healthier planet and setting an eco-friendly example for students.

 

Cost Savings

Our green practices lead to long-term cost savings. Energy-efficient measures, including LED lighting and solar panels, help reduce utility bills, while waste reduction strategies help cut disposal costs. We redirect these savings to our educational resources and programs.

 

Educational Opportunities

Our green commitment offers valuable educational opportunities for students, teaching them about sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the importance of eco-conscious decision-making. It's part of how we encourage them to be environmentally aware citizens in the future.

Our History

Valley Montessori School, located in Livermore, California, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1976.

 

Established by a group of dedicated parents and educators, the school started as a small Montessori program, driven by a passion for Maria Montessori's innovative educational philosophy.

 

Over its 47-year history, Valley Montessori has grown into the only triple-accredited school in California — providing the highest quality Montessori education to children from preschool through middle school.

 

The school's journey has been marked by dedication to the core principles of fostering independence, individualized learning, and a love for exploration. The school is also committed to compassion, equity and inclusivity. It's a place where everyone is welcomed and accepted for who they are.

 

Now approaching its 50th year, VMS continues to thrive as a nurturing and dynamic educational community, shaping the future of countless students in the Livermore Valley region.

​

011.jpg

Find VMS

Get in touch with VMS

Thank you for contacting us! We will get back to you shortly.

bottom of page