Montessori Academy Culver City — children working in the prepared environment
  Culver City · CA 90230 · Est. 1986

Montessori Academy
Culver City.

LA’s founding Montessori campus — serving the Westside since 1986. Five languages daily, AMS/AMI certified teachers with up to 30 years here, and a newly renovated 2026 playground. 7 AM to 6 PM, year-round. No waitlist.

Schedule a Free Virtual Tour (310) 215-3388
Ages 2 – 1st Grade
1:5 Teacher Ratio
5 Languages Daily
No Waitlist
7 AM – 6 PM Year-Round
1986
Founded
1:5
Teacher ratio
5
Languages daily
99
Student capacity
#1
Best Montessori, LA County

Programs

Every stage of early childhood, at one campus.

From age 2 through 1st grade — one community, one continuous Montessori journey. All programs run 7 AM–6 PM, year-round.

Toddler Montessori program Culver City
Ages 2 – 3

Toddler Program

Independence-first environment for 2–3 year olds. Practical life, sensorial exploration, language foundations. Potty training supported — not required to enroll.

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Primary Montessori program Culver City
Ages 3 – 6

Primary & Preschool

The core three-hour work cycle. Mixed-age classrooms (3, 4, and 5 year olds) with individualized lessons in reading, writing, mathematics, and daily bilingual instruction.

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Transitional Kindergarten Culver City
Ages 5 – 7 · ★ All 3 campuses

Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten

Continues the Montessori method with state TK curriculum integration — no school transfer needed. Compare with public TK in California.

Learn more
Full time part time schedule Culver City
Flexible Scheduling

Full-Time, Part-Time & Half-Day

Choose any 3 days, full Monday–Friday, or half-day mornings. All schedules run within our 7 AM–6 PM window. Year-round, no summer gap.

Compare schedules
Potty training program Culver City
Ages 2+

Potty Training — Included

Children do not need to be potty trained to enroll. Our Paris-themed and England-themed bathrooms with child-size toilets & sinks make learning independence natural and comfortable.

Learn how it works

Why This Campus

What makes the Culver City campus distinct.

LA’s founding campus — open since 1986

Nearly 40 years on the Westside. Parents who enrolled in the 1990s now send their grandchildren. Two administrators have been with MACC since 1998 and 1999 — over 25 years of dedication.

Five languages daily from age 2

Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu — 30 minutes of structured daily exposure through songs, classification, and conversation. Woven into every school day at no extra cost.

#1 Best Montessori School in LA County

Recognized in 2025 by Business Rate / Google. Yelp Favorite 2023, 2024, and 2025. 63+ five-star reviews from Westside families. The recognition reflects four decades of real results.

Dedicated music room & library

Children study master composers (Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bach) and a rotating monthly artist program. A dedicated library and reading area supports literacy across all ages.

Newly renovated 2026 playground & gardens

New rubber safety flooring, multiple slides, 1,500+ sq ft of shade sails, ride-on cars, a triple basketball hoop, and 6 large garden beds where children grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Year-round, 7 AM–6 PM — no exceptions

No summer learning gap. No early-release days. No scramble for holiday care. One consistent program, 50 weeks a year, at the hours working Westside families actually need.

Our TK Program Why Montessori Works

Daily Language Classes

Mandarin & Spanish classes. Every child. Every day.

50% of language acquisition capacity develops before age 5. That window doesn’t stay open long. Montessori Academy Culver City offers dedicated 30-minute daily language classes in Mandarin and Spanish — every child, every day, fully included in tuition. Children learn vocabulary, songs, cultural traditions, and conversational phrases at the age when language sticks for life.

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Mandarin (Putonghua)

Daily instruction, songs, circle time, and conversation in Mandarin from age 2. Children develop listening comprehension and natural vocabulary through age-appropriate 30-minute daily classes — not rote memorization.

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Spanish

Spanish runs alongside Mandarin throughout the day. With a multicultural staff from Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, our Spanish instruction is genuine community language — not scripted curriculum.

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Hindi

Daily exposure to Hindi through songs, greetings, and classroom vocabulary. Children from Hindi-speaking families find cultural connection; non-Hindi children gain a third language foundation from early childhood.

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Urdu

Urdu is integrated daily alongside Hindi, Mandarin, and Spanish. Our multicultural staff includes teachers from Bangladesh and India, ensuring authentic instruction rooted in lived cultural experience.

All four languages run daily — not alternating, not weekly. Every child, every day, at no additional cost.

Montessori Academy Culver City — newly renovated 2026 outdoor playground

The Outdoor Environment

A brand-new playground, installed in 2026. NEW 2026

1,500+ sq ft of shade coverage

Our Culver City playground was fully renovated in 2026. New rubber poured-in-place flooring provides cushion and protection. Multiple slides, sensory activities, ride-on cars, and a triple-shoot basketball hoop give children age 2+ a genuinely exciting space to develop gross motor skills every day.

Six large garden beds let children grow and harvest vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers throughout the year. Gardening is part of the Montessori curriculum — not just an activity, but a hands-on connection to nature, science, and practical life.

see the Playground

A Day in the Classroom

What a typical day looks like at Culver City.

The three-hour work cycle is the heart of Montessori. Here’s how it unfolds in the Culver City prepared environment — a classroom structured for independence, not instruction.

7:00 AM
Early drop-off & free choice

Children arrive. The prepared environment is open — Montessori materials on shelves, activities available for self-selection. Teachers observe, not direct.

8:30 AM
Morning circle & daily language classes

Group circle with songs and vocabulary in Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu — 30 minutes of structured language exposure daily. Children acquire language in context, not through drills.

9:00 AM
Three-hour work cycle begins

The uninterrupted three-hour work cycle. Teachers present individualized lessons one-to-one or in small groups — targeting each child’s current sensitive period. Children choose their own work and sustain focus without interruption.

12:00 PM
Lunch & outdoor time

Children bring their own lunch. The 2026 playground opens for gross motor play, garden work, and social exploration. Outdoor time is a structured part of the prepared environment.

1:30 PM
Afternoon programs & nap (toddlers)

Toddlers nap. Older children continue individualized work, music room sessions, library, monthly artist program, or optional Webby enrichment. Teachers update each child’s individualized learning record.

3:00–6:00 PM
Extended day & pick-up

No extra fee for extended hours. Children continue in the environment until pick-up. Families can collect any time from 3–6 PM.

Tuition & Enrollment

What does Montessori Academy Culver City cost?

Tuition varies by schedule and age group. We also work with multiple childcare subsidy programs. Contact us — our team will walk you through the options.

Half-Day / Part-Time
Contact us

Morning sessions, any 3 days, or any half-day combination

Most Popular
Full-Time
Contact us

7 AM–6 PM, Mon–Fri, year-round. Extended hours included.

Subsidies accepted: MAOF · CalWORKs · Connections for Children · Child Care Aware of America (military)
Call for current tuition rates

Neighborhoods We Serve

The Culver City campus serves the entire Westside.

Located at 5881 Green Valley Cir — easily accessible from all surrounding communities.

Culver City
Fox Hills
Mar Vista
Marina del Rey
Playa Vista
Playa del Rey
Venice
Palms
Westchester
El Segundo
Ladera Heights
Inglewood
Baldwin Hills
View Park
Manhattan Beach
Del Aire
Ruhi Khan, Director of Montessori Academy

Meet the Leadership

Ruhi Khan & Gaby Ponce

Ruhi Khan has led Montessori Academy since 2014, growing it from one campus to three. AMI-credentialed through UC Irvine with a Master’s from Stanford, she oversees the educational philosophy and culture across all campuses — and reads every enrollment inquiry personally.

At Culver City, day-to-day campus life is led by Gaby Ponce, Campus Director — who leads every tour personally. Together, they lead a team where two administrators have been at this campus since 1998 and 1999.

Read Ruhi’s full profile marycarmen@montessori-academy.com

Parent Reviews

What Culver City families say.

5.0  ·  63+ reviews · Yelp Favorite 2023–2025

“We couldn’t be happier with our experience at MACC. The teachers have been incredibly patient, attentive and genuinely invested in each child’s growth. We began noticing positive changes within just a few weeks.”

PW
Yelp · Feb 2026

“Five years as a MACC family. Every day when I drop off my kids I know they will be well taken care of and come home a little smarter, happier, and kinder. Thank you to Ms. Ruhi — she is a terrific leader.”

SP
Yelp · Aug 2025 · 5 years enrolled

“We love MACC! Both my children attended from 2–4 years old and we were constantly surprised by the level of creativity and care at this school. They really make you feel like family.”

KE
Yelp · Feb 2025 · 2 children enrolled

Facility

5881 Green Valley Cir, Culver City

~5,000 sq ft indoor · ~5,000 sq ft outdoor · Private parking · Electric lock entry

Dedicated library
Music room
6 large garden beds
2026 renovated playground
Electric lock entry
Private parking lot
Nap facilities for toddlers
Monthly artist of the month
School performances
1-to-1 daily academics
Themed bathrooms (Paris & England)
Ride-on cars & tricycles area
Class photos twice a year
Individual classrooms with large windows & natural light

Optional enrichment (yoga, dance, gymnastics) available through Webby at additional cost.

Annual Events & Community

A school year full of celebrations, in-house field trips, and community milestones.

Every season brings something special. From in-house field trips where experts come directly to campus, to cultural celebrations that reflect our diverse community — Montessori Academy turns every month into a memory.

Cultural Celebrations

  • Halloween Parade & Festivities
  • Día de los Muertos Activities
  • Diwali & Holi Activities
  • Lunar New Year Parade
  • Valentine’s Day Friendship Celebration
  • Día De Los Niños / International Children’s Day
  • Black History, Hispanic Heritage, Women’s History, AAPI & Native American Heritage Month
  • Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Celebrations
  • Earth Day Celebration
  • Egg Hunt during Spring Break (we stay open!)

In-House Field Trips

  • Cabrillo Marine Aquarium — puppet show, live sea creature touch tanks
  • Mobile Zoo of Southern California
  • Bug Gals — live insect education
  • Culver City Fire Department visit
  • CHP visit & Toys for Chips holiday donations
  • Bubble Mania science event
  • School bus, public transit bus & trash truck day
  • Natural History Museum (in-house presentation)

School Milestones

  • Class photos twice a year — fall & spring
  • Read Across America — Dress-Up Week & Literacy Celebration
  • Children’s Happy Teeth — Special Guest & Puppet Show
  • Annual Winter Show (December)
  • End-of-Year Performance (June)
  • Maria Montessori’s Birthday Party (August)
Licensed CA #197419927
AMS · AMI · NAMTA certified teachers
1:5 teacher-to-child ratio
5 languages daily from age 2
Year-round · 7 AM – 6 PM
#1 Montessori in LA County 2025

Common Questions

Everything families ask before enrolling.

Since 1986 — nearly 40 years. MACC is our founding campus and the longest-running Montessori Academy location. Many families we serve today were students here themselves as children.
Ages 2 through 1st grade. Toddler (age 2–3), Primary/Preschool (3–6), Transitional Kindergarten (4–6), and Kindergarten through 1st grade.
Five languages: Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, and English. Children receive 30 minutes of structured daily exposure through songs, classification, and conversation — from age 2. All languages are woven into everyday classroom life at no additional cost.
No. We currently have open enrollment with available spots across age groups. Call (310) 215-3388 or email marycarmen@montessori-academy.com to ask about availability for your child’s specific age.
No. Potty training is supported as part of the Montessori practical life curriculum at no extra charge. Our Paris-themed and England-themed bathrooms have child-size toilets and sinks. Staff coordinates with families consistently throughout the process.
Our Culver City teachers average 5 to 30 years of experience — the most experienced team across all three campuses. Two administrators have been with MACC since 1998 and 1999 (25+ years). Two lead teachers have 20 years at this campus. All are AMS, AMI, or NAMTA certified.
Yes. We accept MAOF (Mexican American Opportunity Foundation), CalWORKs, Connections for Children, and Child Care Aware of America (military families). Our team helps families navigate eligibility at no cost. Learn more about MAOF →
Call us at (310) 215-3388, email marycarmen@montessori-academy.com, or use the online tour scheduler. We offer virtual tours with classrooms in session, Zoom tours, and family drop-in days where your child plays with classmates.

After the Primary Program

Where do Culver City graduates go?

Children who complete our Primary program at Culver City are typically accepted into the kindergarten programs of their choice — at CCUSD, LAUSD, Open Charter, WISH Charter, Crossroads, Wildwood, and others. Many continue through our on-site TK and Kindergarten before transitioning.

Culver City graduates move on to nearby Clover, El Rincon, La Ballona, and other local elementary schools — often together, maintaining the friendships they built here.

Explore our Downey campus (infant care from 6 weeks)

Open Enrollment — No Waitlist

see the Culver City campus this week.

virtual tours, Zoom tours, or a family drop-in day where your child plays with classmates. No pressure, no sales pitch.

Schedule a Free Virtual Tour Montessori vs. Public TK
(310) 215-3388
marycarmen@montessori-academy.com
5881 Green Valley Cir, Culver City 90230

Programs at Culver City

Explore programs by age at this campus

Every Montessori Academy program runs year-round, 7 AM–6 PM, with 5 languages included at no extra cost. CA Lic #197419927.

Toddler Program — Culver City

Ages 2–3. Practical life, sensorial exploration, and 5 languages on the Westside.

Learn more → Transitional Kindergarten — Culver City

Age 4. Private year-round TK with 5 languages. A better alternative to CCUSD/LAUSD free TK.

Learn more → No Potty Training Required — Culver City

Toilet independence taught within the curriculum. No prior training required for enrollment.

Learn more → daily language classes — Culver City

Five languages woven into every program at no extra cost: Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, Urdu, English.

Learn more → Childcare Subsidies — Culver City

MAOF, CalWORKs, Connections for Children, and military family subsidies accepted.

Learn more →