Infant · Toddler · Primary · Elementary
Known & Nurtured From three months to 12 years
South Coast Montessori is a small, intentional learning community in Goleta, CA, guided by the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Here, children are welcomed as capable, curious individuals and given the time, freedom, and guidance to grow at their own pace. From the first months of life through the elementary years, each child is known by name and nurtured as a whole person, in a community that feels like an extension of the home.
One community for your child from infancy through sixth grade
Grades 1 to 6, ages 6 to 12Elementary
Children start asking why — here they work out the answers together, in small groups, as far as their curiosity takes them.
Explore Elementary
Ages 3 to 6Primary
Two classrooms for ages three to six, where the older children lead by example.
Explore Primary
18 to 36 monthsToddler
In a room sized just right for them, toddlers practice independence through real work: pouring their own water, preparing snack, and caring for their space.
Explore Toddler
3 to 18 monthsInfant
A calm, gentle room we call the Nido, or nest, where our youngest children are welcomed starting at three months old.
Explore Infant
All four programs share one campus in Goleta. A child who starts here as an infant grows up in one place, among teachers and families who have known them since their first year.
Teachers that deeply know your child
In our Montessori classrooms, children of different ages learn together, and the teachers stay with them as they grow. A child who enters a Primary classroom at age three stays with the same guides through age six. Teachers come to know your child as a whole person. They learn what sparks their interest, how best to support them through difficulties, and what they need in order to thrive. Each child's teacher becomes a trusted partner.
Our guides taught in Montessori classrooms from Seattle to Cyprus before they came here.
In a Montessori room, the next lesson comes when your child is ready
Children work at their own natural pace. No one waits for the class to catch up, and no one is rushed past what they have not yet mastered. Guides pay attention to areas a child hasn't yet explored and find ways to gently support well-rounded exploration of materials and subjects.
A school for the whole year, and for the whole family
A full year, if you need one
Our infant and toddler programs operate year-round. The primary program offers a choice of a ten- or twelve-month year. The elementary program follows a ten-month school year with optional summer camps.
No changing school during sensitive developmental periods
Your child can stay in one school, on one campus, among the same families for nearly 12 years.
A place for the whole family to belong
South Coast Montessori is a nonprofit school, founded by parents and staff. Families remain integral to our daily life, and the time and care they give to our community help nurture the whole family right alongside each child.
See tuition and financial aid
Why these families recommend South Coast Montessori
The BEST authentic Montessori program in all of Santa Barbara, CA. For the past 6 years, watching my children fly and thrive at SCM has been nothing short of remarkable!
School Parent
Three steps to joining South Coast Montessori
Schedule a tour
See the classrooms in the morning, while children are at work.
Submit an application
Apply online, and your child joins our wait list.
Join the community
When an opening becomes available, your child visits with a teacher. If we offer admission, you complete the enrollment process, and your family joins our school community.
We accept applications year-round. Some programs may have a waiting list.
Common first questions
What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?
For children six and under, Montessori learning happens through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Rather than sitting to listen to a teacher address the group, children work alone or in small groups.
What does it cost, and is there financial aid?
Tuition depends on the program, the number of days, and the length of the day, and every figure for 2026 is on our tuition page. Need-based tuition assistance is available at the Primary and Elementary levels.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes, depending on the program. Every child is placed on our wait list once we receive the application. When a place opens, we schedule the school visit.
Can my child join Elementary from another school?
Yes. Enrollment is rolling, and a child can join Elementary in any grade from first through sixth when a place is open. Because ages mix across the program, a new student joins children who are already working at different levels, making for a seamless transition period for a new child.
Does Primary include kindergarten?
Yes. Primary has two classrooms, each for children ages three to six. Children stay three to four years, and the final year is their kindergarten year.
More answers: Questions about Montessori · Questions about applying
Come see a South Coast morning for yourself
A tour takes you into the classrooms while children are at work. Bring every question you have.
Ready to apply? Apply now.
