Join us for an open house on Sunday, February 23 or Friday, March 14! This is a great opportunity to learn more about what the 2025-2026 school year has store. We look forward to seeing you there!
About Our School
Highland Montessori is a small, community-centered school nestled in a quiet San Mateo neighborhood. Founded in 1982 by Cecilia Boland-Walsh, Highland Montessori has provided a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment for young children for over 40 years. Today, under the leadership of her daughter, Molly Walsh, the school continues to uphold its founding values while incorporating research-based best practices in early childhood education.
We offer a quality, year-round preschool and kindergarten program for children ages 2.5 to 6, fostering growth in social, emotional, and academic development. Our goal is to create a home-like atmosphere where each child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Our Approach
Our curriculum is rooted in Montessori principles while integrating play-based learning, Reggio Emilia-inspired project work, and other child development philosophies. We believe that there is no single "best" way to teach young children, so we take a holistic and flexible approach that adapts to the needs of each student.
Rather than following a rigid curriculum, we provide an emergent, child-centered learning experience that fosters independence, creativity, and confidence. Our curriculum meets state learning standards while prioritizing:
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Social-emotional development – Helping children build strong relationships and emotional intelligence.
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Hands-on, play-based learning – Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
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Collaboration & community – Fostering a love of learning through shared experiences.
At Highland Montessori, children take an active role in their learning, while teachers serve as guides and facilitators—helping them explore their interests and discover the world around them.
Our Teachers & Community
​Our experienced and dedicated teachers create a warm, inclusive learning environment where children feel safe to take risks and explore new ideas. While many of our teachers hold Bachelor's degrees in child development or early childhood education, all are trained in Montessori principles and participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest research in early childhood education.
With our low teacher-to-student ratio (1:6), we ensure that each child receives individualized attention and support, allowing them to thrive at their own pace.
We also believe that education is a partnership between school and home. Families are an essential part of our school community, and we encourage parents to get involved by:
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Attending school events and parent gatherings
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Sharing cultural traditions or special talents with the class
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Supporting classroom activities and community initiatives
A strong family-school connection enriches every child’s experience and helps foster a tight-knit, welcoming school community.