Heritage Montessori grew out of a close personal and professional relationship with Dr Maria Montessori, and our mission is, quite simply, to continue her work. As the first montessori school in Orange County and one of the first montessori schools in the US, Heritage has a unique responsibility and, with it, a unique opportunity to weave together a strong sense of community, as the legacy we embrace is shared in the lives of the teachers and families we have touched since 1962.
At Heritage Montessori, we want our students to grow into independent problem solvers and caring, responsible citizens. With those goals in mind, teachers prepare the environment to a high degree of perfection with a series of sequential, manipulative and sensorial materials. With the prepared environment set, our curriculum can properly function to address the child`s natural tendency for physical and social growth.
The job of a well-trained Montessori teacher is to develop an individualized curriculum for each child and to bridge the gap between the materials within the environment and the child. The teacher begins by acutely observing each child, and reflecting upon his observations to carefully craft the level-appropriate curriculum for the child. Thus, the environment becomes a nourishing place for each and every child no matter the child`s level of development. The physical space in which our programs take place is one of the most important contributors to our success, second only to the quality of our staff.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten
Year Founded
1962
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Average Class Size
20 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
$13,620 - $18,252
School Notes
PRIMARY PROGRAM: AGES 2-6 YEARS OLD -The Primary program is
Preschool through Kindergarten age children and consists of five
main areas:Practical Life,Sensorial,Language
Arts,Mathand the exploration ofPhysical, Cultural
& Natural Worlds. Once a child has mastered the lesson the teacher
continues through the sequence of materials. There are no limits to
the amount of knowledge a child may obtain during these formative
years. The environment builds a strong academic and social
foundation for later learning. Emphasis is placed
onunderstanding the world around them,forming a
positive self-image, andrespecting all life
Student-Teacher Ratio:
Student-Teacher Ratio:
- Preschool: 1:12
- Elementary: 1:24
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Heritage Montessori School of Lake Forest offer a summer program?
Yes, Heritage Montessori School of Lake Forest offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for Heritage Montessori School of Lake Forest?
The application deadline for Heritage Montessori School of Lake Forest is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to Heritage Montessori School of Lake Forest is Heritage Christian School (1.4 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Country Village Preschool (1.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Bella Montessori Schools (1.2 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Bella Montessori Schools
Daycare / Preschool
Grades: PK-K | 133 students 1.2 miles 20602 Prism Pl
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 900-2420
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 900-2420
1.2
PK-K
133
Country Village Preschool
Daycare / Preschool
Grades: K-1 | 176 students 1.2 miles 27005 Burbank
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
(949) 830-4300
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
(949) 830-4300
1.2
K-1
176
Grades: K-1 | 20 students 1.4 miles 20411 James Bay Circle
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 583-9292
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 583-9292
1.4
K-1
20
Heritage Christian School
(Christian)
Grades: NS-12 | 335 students 1.4 miles Preschool-12th Grade 22081 Hidalgo Mission Viejo, Ca. 92691 Jr. High - High School 23302 El Toro Road Lake Forest, Ca. 92630
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 598-9166
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 598-9166
1.4
NS-12
335
Grades: NS-PK | 89 students 1.5 miles 26462 Towne Centre Dr.
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
(949) 586-9161
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
(949) 586-9161
1.5
NS-PK
89
School Reviews
Endorse Heritage Montessori School of Lake Forest. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.
