Best Preschool in La Jolla Awarded to La Jolla Montessori School

SAN DIEGO - Jan. 25, 2022 - PRLog -- The La Jolla Light newspaper has awarded a 2021 Best Preschool in La Jolla Award to La Jolla Montessori School in its annual Best of La Jolla designations.

"We're so happy to have our independent preschool recognized!" Kelly McFarland, M.Ed., Director of La Jolla Montessori School, said. "It's such an honor! Our parents, children and teachers have all worked so hard to maintain normalcy during such trying times. We are so proud!"

La Jolla Montessori School (LJMS) has remained open since May 2020 while focusing on its toddler, primary and Kindergarten programs. The school teaches children as young as 18 months old from its facility on La Jolla Scenic Drive North, just off I-5 at La Jolla Village Drive.

A key educational feature is the school's dual immersion language program. Students learn Spanish and English via an integrative curriculum throughout their one and a half toddler years and three preschool years.

By Kindergarten graduation, most LJMS students are verbally fluent in Spanish and English vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure. Dual language learning also helps open the brain's pathways for young learners to grasp mathematics and science more easily.

LJMS follows the methodology and teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. Her 120 year old educational philosophy focuses on:

• Treating children respectfully
• Teaching each student individually based on his or her skills, speed and passions
• Grouping children in age ranges rather than via calendar year age. Thus, the youngest students are mentored by the older children. Ultimately, the youngest become the oldest and pass their learning, leadership and knowledge to a new group of toddlers and primary children.

The school has a large outdoor section where children can play in and around nature while learning about the outside world, how it works and their place in it. Additionally, the interior is built sectionally and with a child-sized view of learning materials, desks, chairs, tables and the like.

Currently, several dozen children of all ethnicities attend. The main UCSD entrance is located just one block north. As a result, many parents work at the university, in the UTC high rise corridor, La Jolla Village or in La Jolla Shores.

"We're a locally-based toddler, primary and Kindergarten school. Earning a 'Best Preschool in La Jolla' Award from the venerable La Jolla Light reinforces our resolve to teach children how to love learning for a lifetime. Thanks so much for this 'Best of La Jolla' designation!" McFarland exclaimed.

The school is located at 8745 La Jolla Scenic Drive. To add your preschooler to their waiting list, first watch a virtual tour by visiting: https://lajollamontessorischool.com/book-a-tour/, then, book your online tour.