A World-Class Option for Bellflower Families
Working families in Bellflower need reliable, high-quality childcare that starts early and stays open late. Unfortunately, many local daycares are either unstructured or lack specialized infant care. Montessori Academy provides a rigorous, authentic Montessori prepared environment that fosters deep focus, early literacy, and natural independence—from 6 weeks old through elementary.
Located on Firestone Blvd in Downey, our campus is a fast 10-minute drive straight up Lakewood Blvd or the I-605 North. We operate year-round from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you schedule reliability without compromising on your child's developmental foundations. Furthermore, we are fully partnered with MAOF child care subsidies, making this premium education accessible.
What makes our Downey location worth the short drive from Bellflower? Here are four core differentiators that set us apart from standard childcare and preschool options.
Discover our beautiful, prepared environment—the Montessori term for a classroom designed to be self-correcting and child-led, where every material has a purpose and a place.
Montessori Programs for Every Stage
The Montessori method recognizes sensitive periods—distinct phases when a child's mind is exceptionally open to learning specific skills. Our environments are meticulously prepared for these phases. In our mixed-age classrooms, the phenomenon of 'normalization' occurs naturally as older children mentor younger peers.
Many Bellflower families weigh the option of free public Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD). While public options are free, our private Montessori TK offers significant advantages in personalization, schedule reliability, and enrichment.
Structure is vital for young children. Our schedule provides the framework for freedom within limits.
Campus Entity Details
Why Parents Make the Drive
What makes our campus worth the short commute? Four core differentiators set us apart from standard childcare.
Dedicated Infant Care
We are one of the few centers in the area offering specialized infant care starting at just 6 weeks old, in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment with a 1:4 ratio.
MAOF Subsidies Accepted
We believe authentic Montessori should be accessible. The vast majority of our families utilize MAOF or other state subsidies to cover tuition, and our administration will guide you through the process.
Unmatched Teacher Tenure
Our AMS/AMI certified educators boast an average tenure of 5 to 15 years. This provides unparalleled stability and expertise for your child's education.
Flexible, Extended Hours
Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, year-round. Our extended hours and provision of nutritious meals and snacks are designed specifically to support working parents.
A Look Inside Our Campus
Discover our beautiful prepared environment — a classroom designed to be self-correcting and child-led.
Harnessing the Sensitive Periods
Maria Montessori identified that children pass through sensitive periods — optimal times for acquiring specific knowledge. We prepare our classrooms to meet these precise needs through mixed-age groupings.
- Infant Care (6 weeks–24 months): A calm, safe environment focusing on gross motor development, language absorption, and secure attachments.
- Toddler Program (Ages 2–3): Targets the sensitive period for language and order. The environment emphasizes practical life activities—pouring, spooning, dressing frames—that build fine motor precision and concentration. For many busy parents, the most important detail: potty training is fully included at no extra cost.
- Primary Preschool (Ages 3–6): The classic Montessori "Casa" (house) environment. During the three-hour uninterrupted work cycle, children freely choose from the four curriculum areas—Practical Life, Sensorial, Language Arts, and Mathematics. The three-period lesson (introduction, recognition, recall) is the teacher's primary tool for skill verification. Spanish, French, and Tagalog language exposure is included.
- Private Transitional Kindergarten (TK) & Elementary: A structured bridge to academics (up to 3rd grade), offering a superior, individualized alternative to public programs. Learn about our TK Program or read Why the Montessori Method Works →
Private Montessori TK vs. Public TK
Many families weigh free public Transitional Kindergarten. Our private Montessori TK offers significant advantages in personalization, schedule reliability, and enrichment.
| Feature | Public TK Programs | Montessori Academy TK |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher to Child Ratio | 1:12 | 1:5 |
| Operating Hours | Typically ~8:00 AM – 2:30 PM | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Schedule | School year (closed summers & breaks) | Year-round |
| Meals & Snacks | Varies | Nutritious meals provided |
| Tuition | Free | From ~$1,675/mo (MAOF accepted) |
The Daily Rhythm
A balanced daily structure that supports both profound academic concentration and healthy physical release.
- 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Early arrival, breakfast/snack, and open exploration.
- 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM: The Three-Hour Work Cycle. The core of the Montessori day. Children receive individualized lessons and engage in self-directed, uninterrupted work across Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, and Language areas.
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Outdoor play and gross motor development.
- 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Nutritious lunch and socialization.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Rest period for younger children; advanced work and enrichment activities for older children.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Afternoon snack, continued outdoor play, and flexible pick-up.