Our Mission:
Guiding your child to make their own discoveries
Small Home Based Kindergarten and Elementary School
Sequoia Montessori School is a home based microschool in Palo Alto for children ages 5-12. Our small and peaceful environment provides quiet and smooth work periods, ample opportunities for individualized learning and one-to-one interaction between the child and the guide, strong relationships with the children and their families. A typical day in our school consists of two periods of uninterrupted work with recess after each work cycle. We always (as long as weather permits) spend recess time outside in the community park located across the corner engaging in physical activities and playing sports. This helps our children maintain a high level of energy and achieve deep focus during subsequent work periods. In addition to the authentic Montessori curriculum, our children participate in weekly book club meetings and take arts and music lessons. We visit the Mitchell Park public library, which is conveniently located nearby, once a week and conduct educational field trips to Bay Area parks and museums on a monthly basis. 
Authentic Montessori Education
We believe that freedom of learning is crucial for the development of critical thinking skills. Our school provides individualized education for children and creates opportunities for them to pursue their interests while developing academic skills to support their education. We provide authentic Montessori hands on learning materials and the environment, which is constructed in such a way as to encourage children to learn in small groups or independently at their own pace. This builds up motivation and enthusiasm for the learning process. 
Advanced Math and Science Education
In our school the children learn to admire the beauty and enjoyment of mathematics and scientific explorations. Rather than simply presenting them with pre-existing formulas, we encourage the children to make their own discoveries and find patterns in the abstract world of mathematical objects and the real world around them. Our students often come up with their own math problems or ideas for scientific experiments, and solve the problem or conduct the experiment on their own or with the help of their peers and the guidance of our teachers. This approach fosters intrinsic motivation, confidence, and curiosity in children, and helps raise independent thinkers.
Mixed-Age Classroom
Learning in a mixed-age classroom environment boosts children’s academic, collaboration, and communication skills. Older students often mentor younger students, giving themselves the opportunity to reinforce their own knowledge and skills by teaching. Younger students, in turn, are motivated by their interactions with more advanced students and are inspired to work hard to reach a similar level of understanding of the subject. Collaboration skills are essential in these interactions, and children still have the opportunity to compete with their same-age peers. Overall, a mixed-age classroom can provide a rich and engaging learning environment for children of all ages.