Joyful Learning, Devoted Teachers,
Boundless Knowledge.

At BCMS we know that learning must be interesting and fun, therefore we strive to provide a well-rounded education that affords our students the opportunity to explore and learn at their own pace and for their own knowledge; this brings its own rewards such as self-motivation and joyous learning. The basic goals for our young student’s education here at BCMS — to help increase the child’s level of independence, to increase their ability to concentrate, and to encourage their imagination — are all in the spirit of honoring their childhood.

For parents, students, and teachers our program is a 3 year journey from preschool through kindergarten, that is filled with joyful learning, devoted teachers and boundless knowledge.

Learn MORE about Montessori

What makes us unique

WE CELEBRATED OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2022!

In 1972, the school was established as "Westlake Montessori School." However, due to lease complications, the founders relocated to our present site in 1980 and rebranded their institution as "Big City Montessori School." Today, Big City Montessori School remains a family-owned, authentic Montessori educational institution.

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AN AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI SCHOOL WITH LONG-TENURED STAFF

Big City has three beautifully equipped, mixed-age (3-6 years old) primary Montessori classrooms with up to 25 students. The classrooms are designed to be inviting and inspiring to your child, with diverse subjects that encourage your child to explore independently. Each class is run by a long-tenured AMI Montessori Head Teacher and her team of three certified Assistant Teachers (1-6 ratio).

Program Highlights

Full-time, year-round program

Big City provides a consistent and loving environment with a full-time, year-round program. We have a 9-1/2-hour daily schedule. The school opens at 8:00 am and closes at 5:30 pm. Parents may drop off 8 - 9 am and pick up 3-5:30 pm.

Potty training is not required

Big City does not require your intelligent child to be potty trained in order to begin our program. With no additional cost we provide the diapers until your child is ready to learn to use the potty. When the time comes, we collaborate with you and support your child at school to transition out of diapers.

Nourishing meals

Big City provides a nourishing hot lunch and two healthy snacks daily, accompanied by 1% organic milk or water. All of our meals are prepared fresh daily by our own cook in our own kitchen, which is certified by the health department.

Enrichment Classes ART, MUSIC, SPANISH, YOGA teachers come once a week, and rotate each week to a different class.

brightwheel App

Keeps you up-to-date on classroom activities and provides you with direct messaging options with your Head Teacher.

Parent Education and Support

Because Big City specializes in the developmental stages of ages 3-6 years old, our Director Miss Amanda has an abundance of information full of positive parenting tips and tools to share with you. Amanda is also a reading tutor and author of a reading series, with a mission to support children at school and home. She does not believe in a wait and see approach to learning.

Community

We believe in the importance of building strong connections between home and school. We do this by partnering with our families to provide the most enriching personal growth experience and superior education for you and your children. This is done with amazing communication, virtual and or personal parent conferences throughout the year with your teacher and or Amanda, free parent education seminars, brightwheel parent App, and our Big City Parents Organization (BCPO).

Flat rate all-inclusive pricing

You pay a flat monthly tuition installment, based on a yearly price. There are no hidden costs, your tuition includes everything we offer.

Peace of Mind

You will feel confident your child is safe and in a nurturing environment while in our care.

Testimonial

“Dear Big City Team,

(You know I’m balling right now as I’m writing this, I can’t believe my second child is graduating..) Big City has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. From the beautiful safe learning environment you ALL have provided for both of our children to introducing us to families who have become our “families”… we are forever indebted. There are not enough words to thank you all. I pray you all know what kind of peace of mind us parents have knowing our children are safe in your hands.

Miss Amanda, providing us with such wisdom & never giving up as a leader.

Miss Jill, providing us with comfort, always just at the right times.

Miss Emma, providing us with all the reminders us parents always seem to forget.

And to your amazing staff, how blessed you all are to have one another; a community of mutual respect. That is a testament to why the staff has been there so long. They bring so much joy & care to everyone.

We are rooting for you guys during these challenging times.

Stay safe & healthy,”

~ The Siu Family