I cherish my time at Brush Creek and appreciate how unique the learning experience was. It inspired me to ask questions, invest time in topics that interested me, and develop a passion for knowledge. Each classroom has a strong Montessori foundation, encouraging students to work through problems, help others, and be aware of their environment.
My daughter has expressed a balance of independence, confidence, and curiosity from her time at Brush Creek Montessori School. Learn more about how BCMS can serve your family during the pandemic, and how you can support our school! Dear BCMS Families, I hope everyone had a fun, healthy and safe Fourth of July holiday!
My daughter has expressed a balance of independence, confidence, and curiosity from her time at Brush Creek Montessori School. Learn more about how BCMS can serve your family during the pandemic, and how you can support our school! Dear BCMS Families, I hope everyone had a fun, healthy and safe Fourth of July holiday!
Services
Brush Creek Montessori School has been a leading voice in Montessori education in Sonoma County for more than 40 years. It is an American Montessori Society member school. Wes and Peggy Colgan founded the school in 1973. The school was initially just an elementary school, then as the preschool was added, the name became Montessori Elementary and Preschool.
At around age six, a change occurs in the child that gives us a key to the elementary years. The child develops the mental power to visualize and explore. We call this the ability to abstract. This new ability opens vast new arenas for learning. The elementary child is able to learn about anything that can be held in the intellect, including the entire world and the universe.
Montessori Primary provides a three-year program of child development. It is individualized because no two children grow in exactly the same way. The classrooms are led by trained "Guides"(Head Teachers) with one or more Assistant teachers. The sensorial materials enable the Primary child to clarify, classify, and comprehend his/her world.
Our Toddler Program introduces children to a Montessori environment specifically created to nurture the individual at the tender age from 18 months to 2 years. In this prepared environment, children access experiential learning materials that leave concrete impressions and create a foundation for the development of language, mathematics, and cultural awareness.
Thank you for your interest in Brush Creek Montessori School. We have been providing quality, private Montessori education in Sonoma County for over 40 years. We hope our website will begin to answer your questions about an American Montessori Society education, and what we offer here. Admission to BCMS always begins with an in-person visit and parental classroom observation.
Reviews (10)
Sarah P.
Jun 15, 2021
Report
This school used to be amazing but the new administration (appointed by the board) focuses on alienating both parents and the children. They only care about your money coming in and your replaceable if they have an issue w you at all. We never had any issues for two years and everyone who was worth anything was run off or quit under duress/harassment. If I could leave no stars I would.
Pam M.
Jul 17, 2017
Report
My son went to Brush Creek for 2 years in preschool. We would've continued on into elementary if we hadn't moved. He loved school and I loved how much he developed. The teachers really seemed to see him for who he was and held parent-teacher conferences complete with photos. He has attended 3 other daycare/preschool situations and several summer camps -- none hold a candle to this school in terms of the excellent way that they facilitated growth and learning with play. There are a few things to get used to (parents drop their kids at the gate versus going inside the classroom), but after
David Harris
Sep 22, 2016
Report
Jackie B.
Dec 27, 2015
Report
Moni S.
Dec 23, 2015
Report
We are big fans of BCMS. The school is nestled in tall Redwood trees. Our son is enrolled in the Elementary Program. This is his second year. We have some of the best Elementary teachers in our school. They are very passionate and know how to encourage students to remain engaged in Montessori curriculum and other specialized classes. We love the strong academic focus on math and science.
BCMS Director is amazing! He truly cares about the success of each student.
BCMS also provides focus on nature study. Last year the school built a chicken coop onsite so children can get exposed to poultry
BCMS Director is amazing! He truly cares about the success of each student.
BCMS also provides focus on nature study. Last year the school built a chicken coop onsite so children can get exposed to poultry
Kendra Boyer
Dec 20, 2015
Report
I started my daughter here at 2 1/2 years. After looking at a few preschools, I felt I had finally found one that would suit her confident and spirited personality, and I have to say they have not let me down. She has blossomed and at 4 years, already knows her continents, is learning her planets, can add, knows her letters and sounds, and most importantly has gained social experience I truly believe she would not have gained at any other preschool. They teach the kids how to talk out their issues, while not taking it too seriously. My only complaint would probably be some of the rules are a bit
Ashley C.
Dec 20, 2015
Report
I have 2 kids in the Primary program and we have been at the school for over 3 yrs. I couldn't be happier with the level of education and quality of teaching.
The kids are encouraged to explore the world around them and pursue what interests them through hands-on experience.
For my family, and our wild and crazy kids, I appreciate the emphasis on getting outdoors every single day and taking the " classroom " outside. My daughter comes home with stories about caterpillars they saw; or the memorable time she spent an hour trying to stop water from flowing down a little channel after
The kids are encouraged to explore the world around them and pursue what interests them through hands-on experience.
For my family, and our wild and crazy kids, I appreciate the emphasis on getting outdoors every single day and taking the " classroom " outside. My daughter comes home with stories about caterpillars they saw; or the memorable time she spent an hour trying to stop water from flowing down a little channel after
Danielle Cantrell
Nov 03, 2015
Report
BCMS has been a great pre-school for my son. This is our second year and he is thriving -- learning how to positively interact with children his age, younger and older. He enjoys the curriculum and brings home amazing and creative projects daily. The teachers update us regularly on his progress and encourage his learning in the classroom and beyond. The school is also flexible with after care for working parents and they provide a hot lunch program. I'd recommend BCMS to any parent looking for a pre-school for their child.
Solful P.
Jul 11, 2014
Report
This school broke our hearts. We had 2 children there. The amount of worksheets the teacher gave our kid was unbelievable. It is not a Montessori practice to give worksheets. That is all she gave. At the end of the year, my child was sent home with a brown, paper bag full of worksheets that were half crumpled and more than half unchecked. These children are given busy work all day. After paying for this private school, we had to have our kids tutored to catch up to the public school. The teachers from 1st - 5th grades take off every week one day. There is a substitute (they call them the specialty
Sherilyn D.
Jul 31, 2008
Report
We have 2 children attending this school. It has been an amazing fit for our children and our family. The staff is well qualified; the Director of the school is passionate about Montessori education. The school spans preschool to middle school, meeting each student where they are. In addition to the normal Montessori curriculum, students benefit from specialized classes in art, music, drama, Spanish and science. Children in the elementary program historically test higher than their grade level on standardized tests. The students are not only engaged in child-initiated learning from a very