Guidepost Montessori at Palo Alto

Guidepost Montessori develops a fundamental love of learning and equips each child with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to reach their highest potential as they grow into independent adults.

View into the backyard playground of Guidepost Montessori at Palo Alto that shows the gray exterior with a branded Guidepost Montessori sign over outward facing windows.
Palo Alto
930 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301 US

Phone: 650-382-0550
Email: paloalto@guidepostmontessori.com
Monday-Friday | 7:30am - 6:00pm

Programs For:

Toddler (18 months to 3 years)

Children's House (3 years to 6 years)

Guidepost Montessori in Palo Alto is one of the most trusted Montessori schools in Palo Alto, California. Indoors, rooms are spacious, bright, and light-filled, creating a warm and calm space for children to work. Our beautiful school is conveniently located off of Emerson and Addison, in the heart of downtown, near major tech company head offices and Stanford University.

Explore Our Programs

What are the Montessori equivalent names for preschool and kindergarten? The preschool years correspond to our Toddler program, and the kindergarten years correspond to our Children's House program. Click each image below to read a program overview and discover what your child will learn when they join our school.

Hear what parents have to say about Guidepost Montessori

Changing the world, one student at a time

We are a school where children find the joy in learning — and thus make it possible for them to continue learning for the rest of their lives.

To think mathematically.
To solve problems.
To create things.
To encounter great literature that inspires their character development.
To build themselves as capable, efficacious beings.
To place themselves in history and in society.
To spark meaningful friendships and deep personal values that last a lifetime.

Our goal at Guidepost Montessori is to serve each individual child, to help them realize their limitless potential, and the opportunities they will have to create real and lasting change throughout their lifetime.

young girl sitting at a table in a Guidepost Montessori kindergarten classroom cutting a banana

Hear from our Palo Alto Families

I was apprehensive about sending my kid to a school we had never toured in person but it seemed like a good school. Our child is ahead of her age and her previous daycare while great was unable to challenge her mentally and it was becoming very clear with her behavioral issues due to boredom. So I did a ton of research and looked for something that would suit our child's abilities and challenge her. The headmaster answered my questions with an understanding I had not seen in several other preschools I considered.

It was one of the best decisions we ever made! Our child LOVES this school. Our kid adapted straight away! He behavior issues also disappeared once she started being properly challenged! The teachers are attentive and patient, they really get to know your child and their individual needs and personalities. They are very transparent and honest about everything that is going on and take proper precautions.

Three kindergarten-aged school girls enjoy a conversation over glasses of milk, while two other students complete activities behind them in the well-organized Montessori classroom.

"Our family couldn't be happier with Guidepost"

Our son has been attending the Children's House since September 2019, and we're consistently impressed with the school. From the Head of School to the staff and the students, Guidepost is a genuinely enjoyable place to drop-off and pick-up our son every day. The environment is quietly cheerful, allowing space for students to explore their work and curiosity without distractions. The teachers/guides for the Children's House are the perfect balance of compassionate and firm with the kids, holding age-appropriate expectations for the children while inspiring them to learn.

There's careful consideration in all they do, from the attentiveness to students, the families, the school environment, and beyond! Our family couldn't be happier with Guidepost.

Children in a well-organized mixed-age Montessori classroom ponder over an activity using blocks of different sizes, classic Montessori classroom materials

"It truly feels like our extended family"

We enrolled our son last year sight unseen based on the other Guidepost Montessori campuses, and so far, it has met and exceeded our high expectations.
Our son is thriving in the Children's House and enjoying learning in the Montessori environment. He is always excited to go to school, really enjoys his work, is curious to learn, and continues to be engaged with new concepts.
We love the teachers and the staff at the school - it truly feels like our extended family, with educators who care so much about raising children with grace, courtesy, and empathy. I could not ask for anything more.

Meet our School Team

Assistant Head of School

Tracey Hayes

Children's House Junior Guide

Denise Marin-Mares

Children's House Assistant Guide

Myrella Thompson

GIF of stills from the Transparent Classroom app which allows you to stay on top of your kids' daily activities in real-time.

Stay connected to your child's learning

Thanks to our app Transparent Classroom, you get a window into your child’s experience of school daily.

Your child’s Lead Guide will share what your child is learning and what their real-time assessments are - this way you can very closely follow your child’s development throughout the day, months, and years you stay within the Guidepost network. If you transfer from one of our locations to the next, your child’s progress and continuity will be tracked in the app and readily accessible. Read more about Transparent Classroom here.

In this app you will see important notes and milestones such as:

  • Daily toileting, eating (bottle feeding for infants), and sleeping habits
  • Curriculum introduction, progress, and completion
  • End of day summary of all activities
  • Notes such as bringing in more diapers or a new set of clothes
  • Reminders for upcoming classroom events like birthdays, holidays, or special occasions

Interested in becoming a room parent? Let your child's Lead guide know!

Take a peek at our school

@guidepostmontessori_paloalto
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Start your journey with us

What sets us apart from traditional schools

As the largest network of Montessori schools in the U.S., Guidepost Montessori is recognized for its outstanding academic standards, its steadfast commitment to Montessori education, and its deep respect for the potential in every child. At Guidepost, it is our mission to empower and equip your child with the knowledge, confidence and agency needed to reach their highest potential.

Two preschool aged children completing different in-class Montessori activities.

Education for life

Our education provides the freedom and guidance needed to construct a sense of self and purpose through joyful, meaningful work. We support your child in all areas of their development – social, emotional, physical, academic, and beyond.

Three kindergarten-aged school girls and one kindergarten school boy enjoy some laughs while completing a school activity.

Deeply individualized learning

Lessons are carefully structured and designed to appeal to each student's level of development and needs. Our proprietary curriculum gives students increasing responsibility over their learning as they grow.

One guide watches as two preschool aged students complete a Montessori classroom activity.

Dedicated teachers supported by industry experts

Our programming has been designed by leading education experts, and is implemented by passionate, qualified teachers. All of our Lead Guides are required to be AMI, AMS, or PMI Montessori certified and receive ongoing training and professional development.

Shelves are stacked with colorful paper and organized with classroom tools like scissors, pens, paintbrushes and glue. Students complete work in the background.

Carefully prepared environment

At the heart of our school is our belief that children thrive when given freedom and responsibility in environments prepared for them. Guidepost Montessori classrooms are light, airy, calming, aesthetically beautiful spaces. Each material is carefully chosen and carefully displayed — to inspire and entice your child to explore.

Students gather around a guide on a reading rug as they intake a laptop PowerPoint presentation on metamorphic rocks.

Year-round programming

We think the education of our students is stronger when we can serve the whole family, which is why we are committed to very few closures throughout the school year, and offer extended day options for families.

A teacher helps students learn how to read in a classroom setting, with sticky notes, open laptops and a student on a barstool in the background.

Continuity and mobility

Our schools offer a continuing Montessori education for children as young as 10 weeks through to 18 years old. With a growing network of 100+ schools across the U.S., China and Europe - combined with our virtual and homeschool options - we can support continuity and consistency in your child's education to meet your family's changing needs.

Giving your child the keys to life

Guidepost Montessori offers a unique and holistic approach to education for children of all ages with over 120 brick & mortar schools, virtual and homeschool, and Spanish and Mandarin language immersion options.

Our curriculum fosters independence, creativity, and a love of learning. Book a school tour today and take the first step in giving your child the gift of a Montessori education.

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