Santa Fe Montessori School has been in the forefront of education in San Diego since its inception in 1971. Nancy Sager, passionate about Montessori’s child-centered philosophy, opened SFMS—one of the first Montessori schools in the San Diego area-- with 48 children. Ms. Sager has been the driving force in all phases and facets of school growth. Today the school serves over 220 students between the ages of 18 months and 12 years of age. There are three programs on our campus: The Toddler Community, for children 18 months – 3 years; the Children’s House, multi-age classrooms for children 3 – 6 years of age; and the Elementary Program, which includes Jr. I (6-9 years), and Jr. II (9-12 years).

Situated in the lush coastal hills of North San Diego County, the campus is distinguished by its natural beauty and spacious indoor-outdoor learning areas. Well-equipped classrooms, playgrounds, children’s gardens, an outdoor chess set, and tricycle paths create an environment designed to ignite imagination and enrich young lives. Our educational program is one of “joyful scholarship” in which children acquire skills through experiences with beautiful materials and meaningful, compelling lessons on topics designed to help them see the larger picture of our world community.

Santa Fe Montessori graduates have long distinguished themselves in their subsequent scholastic, creative, business, and civic pursuits. We delight in seeing these fine young people realize their potential, achieve their goals, and contribute to the betterment of society.

The school is an active member of the American Montessori Society, the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association, and the International Montessori Council. The Montessori method has been recognized worldwide for educational excellence and innovation for the last century.