Scottsdale’s Montessori School for Ages 18 Months to 6 Years
At Cave Creek Montessori, we’re proud to serve families in Scottsdale and the surrounding North Valley area with authentic Montessori education designed for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Our programs — from Toddler to Preschool to Kindergarten and Summer Enrichment — help children grow into confident, capable learners in a warm, nurturing community. For over 25 years, we’ve been committed to creating a prepared environment where children can thrive.
Montessori Toddler Program in Scottsdale (18 Months – 3 Years)
Our youngest learners begin in the Montessori toddler program, where the focus is on social development, language growth, and emerging independence. Every classroom is thoughtfully prepared to meet toddlers where they are — helping them build confidence, concentration, movement, and early social skills.
Key Features of the Toddler Program:
- Language – stories read aloud, pre-reading and pre-writing exercises.
- Math – counting activities, concept of time.
- Science – plant and animal care (we have goats, horses and a bird at school), nature walks, science experiments, nature walks.
- Spanish – speaking and song.
- Visual Arts – drawing, painting, collage-making, sculpture.
- Music – singing and listening skills.
- Yoga – promoting health, positive body image, energy, concentration.
- Life Skills – courtesy and respect, independence, community service, care for environmental.
Montessori Preschool Program in Scottsdale (Ages 3 to 5)
In our Montessori Preschool Program for children ages 3 to 5, children work in a specially prepared Montessori environment where hands-on, sensory-rich materials guide their exploration. As the website describes:
Key Features of the Preschool Program:
- Practical life activities — building independence, self-discipline, focus.
- Sensorial material — enabling children to refine their perception of color, shape, texture, volume, etc.
- Language development through stories, poems, games, and Montessori language materials.
- Math introduced via concrete manipulatives and gradually into abstract concepts.
- Children choose their own work, develop concentration, self-regulation, and confidence.
By working in this environment, children age 3–5 lay strong foundations academically, socially, and emotionally — ready to move into the kindergarten level when they’re ready.
Montessori Kindergarten Program in Scottsdale (Ages 5 to 6)
Our Montessori Kindergarten Program, for ages 5 to 6, builds upon the preschool years and provides deeper academic reasoning, leadership opportunities, and community-building in the classroom.
Highlights of the Kindergarten Year at Cave Creek Montessori:
- Leadership roles: children mentor younger classmates, develop patience, empathy, and communication skills.
- Academic reasoning: working with Montessori materials in more depth, transitioning into abstract concepts (e.g., essays) and deeper study.
- Strong foundation for group work and elementary-school readiness:
- Reinforcement of critical learning habits acquired in preschool: concentration, self-reliance, sense of order, love of learning.
When your child completes kindergarten at Cave Creek Montessori, they are not only academically prepared but socially and emotionally ready for the next step.
Summer Program
At Cave Creek Montessori, summer doesn’t mean learning stops — it means it transforms into an engaging, joyful, exploratory experience. From the website:
Key features:
- Designed for toddlers (18 months–3 yrs), preschool/kindergarten children (3–6 yrs), and Elementary (1st – 3rd grade, when offered).
- Siblings are welcome, and families with more than one child can take advantage of our multi-child discount..
- Weekly themes, special visitors (animal encounters, bubble parties, science experiments), Water Play Fridays and outdoor fun.
- A full Montessori-academic component to keep skills sharp and curiosity growing all summer.
- Safe, caring and fun environment so children don’t lose momentum but instead continue to develop joy in learning even during summer months.
Call To Enroll Your Child
Your child’s journey starts with the right foundation. Enroll at Cave Creek Montessori and watch them thrive in a nurturing, hands-on learning environment.
480-563-2929
Why Scottsdale Families Choose Cave Creek Montessori
Families throughout Scottsdale and the North Valley choose us because we provide:
- Conveniently located near Scottsdale
- Authentic Montessori education guided by trained Montessori teachers.
- Multi-aged classrooms structured to support children’s individual pace and development.
- A nurturing, community-oriented environment where children feel safe, respected, and excited to learn.
- A location convenient to North Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, McCormick Ranch, and surrounding neighborhoods — making us an accessible choice for Scottsdale families.
- Programs for children ages 18 months through Kindergarten, ensuring continuity in early education and smoother transitions between levels.
Visit Our Scottsdale-Area Montessori School
Choosing the right early education partner is a pivotal decision for your child’s future. We invite you to schedule a tour at Cave Creek Montessori and see our classrooms in action, meet our teachers, and experience our environment for yourself.
Call us to learn more about our Scottsdale-area Montessori preschool and kindergarten. Come see how we cultivate independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning — the Montessori way.
Serving Families Across Scottsdale and Nearby Communities
Cave Creek Montessori proudly welcomes students from throughout the Scottsdale and North Valley region, including:
- North Scottsdale
- Kierland
- DC Ranch
- Troon North
- McDowell Mountain Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Carefree
- and surrounding areas.
Our convenient location and strong reputation make it easy for Scottsdale families to access high-quality Montessori early education within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Montessori school near Scottsdale?
The best Montessori school depends on your child’s needs, educational goals, and the learning environment you want. Many Scottsdale families choose Cave Creek Montessori because it offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through Kindergarten, experienced teachers, hands-on learning, and a nurturing, family-owned environment just north of Scottsdale.
Is there a Montessori preschool near North Scottsdale?
Yes. Cave Creek Montessori is conveniently located for families in North Scottsdale and also serves children from Cave Creek, Carefree, Tatum Ranch, Desert Ridge, and surrounding communities. Many parents appreciate its convenient location and authentic Montessori approach to early childhood education.
What age can my child start Montessori school?
Children can begin Montessori as early as 18 months old. Starting at a young age helps children develop independence, communication skills, concentration, confidence, and social skills through hands-on learning and individualized instruction.
Why do Scottsdale parents choose Montessori education?
Many Scottsdale parents choose Montessori because it encourages children to become independent, confident learners while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Montessori classrooms allow children to learn at their own pace in a carefully prepared environment that supports academic, social, and emotional growth.
Does Montessori prepare children for kindergarten?
Yes. Montessori education builds strong foundations in reading, math, language, practical life, and social development. Children also develop independence, responsibility, and confidence that help them transition successfully into kindergarten and beyond.
What should I look for when choosing a Montessori preschool in Scottsdale?
Parents should look for authentic Montessori classrooms, experienced teachers, hands-on learning materials, organized environments, mixed-age classrooms, and opportunities for independent learning. Scheduling a tour is one of the best ways to determine whether a Montessori school is the right fit for your child.
Is Montessori better than traditional preschool?
Every child learns differently, but many families prefer Montessori because it offers individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and encourages children to become self-motivated learners. Montessori focuses on developing the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and practically.
Can Scottsdale families schedule a tour of Cave Creek Montessori?
Yes. Families from Scottsdale are welcome to schedule a personal tour of Cave Creek Montessori to meet the teachers, observe the classrooms, learn about the Montessori philosophy, and see how children thrive in an authentic Montessori environment.
We Look Forward
to Seeing You
Cave Creek Montessori