What Families Are Saying About Rockridge
All three of my grandchildren attend New Gate. The oldest is a graduate now and is doing well at university. I can't imagine them going anywhere else. I love the mentoring of the older students to the younger ones. The students are taught how to be respectful, not only to adults but also to each other—something our public schools fail to do.
I only wish I had found the Montessori method of teaching when my children were in school.
Cindy Anderson
New Gate has been an immeasurable and invaluable blessing to our family! Having searched for many years to find the "right fit" for our children, it was immediately clear upon walking onto this campus that the school was truly special and rare. It feels like arriving home, and the staff feel like old friends and family. There's a warmth and a welcome that makes it so different in an amazing way from any other education building. So much thought and effort goes into creating an atmosphere for kids and families to feel safe and loved and ensuring that every kid is well taken care of and that each family is satisfied and comfortable. Their dedication is evident in all they do! I am ever-so-grateful for their commitment to each student and family to make the most of their time and experience on campus. Thanks for all you do New Gate!
A NewGate Mom
I am a 2018 graduate of NewGate. I went on to graduate from Georgia Tech with a degree in electrical engineering. Today, I have a wonderful position with Starlink. I attended NewGate from 18 months of age through high school. NewGate helped me tremendously to become the person that I am today. The school teaches academics, independent thinking, kindness, and most of all, it has instilled in me a love of learning that will never go away.
Ben Bogard
Class of 2018
Join Us at Rockridge Montessori
You're going to love it here. The more you discover about our nurturing, Montessori-based approach, the more you'll see why this is the place where your child will truly flourish. Come experience our community in person at one of our upcoming events.
Upcoming Events
Choose an event below and register using the form above. We can't wait to welcome you and your family to Rockridge Montessori at Oak Grove.
Tim Seldin: How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way
An evening with the President of the Montessori Foundation — presentation and book signing.
April Open House
Tour our campus, meet our teachers, and experience Montessori classrooms prepared for exploration.
May Open House
A Saturday morning visit to see our school in action. Meet families, explore programs, and ask questions.
What to Expect at Our Open House
Our Open House is designed to give your family a firsthand look at the Rockridge Montessori experience. This isn't a lecture or a sales pitch — it's an invitation to explore.
You'll walk through our thoughtfully prepared Montessori classrooms, where every material has a purpose and every corner is designed to inspire curiosity. See the spaces where your child will learn to read, count, create, and discover — all at their own pace.
Our teachers and school leaders will be on hand to answer your questions, share how the Montessori method works in practice, and help you understand how we nurture each child's independence, confidence, and love of learning. You'll also have the chance to meet other families in the Rockridge Montessori community.
Whether you're exploring Montessori for the first time or already know it's the right fit, our Open House is the perfect way to experience the warmth and quality of our school before making your decision.
The child has a different relation to his environment from ours. Adults admire their environment, they can remember it and think about it, but the child absorbs it. The things he sees are not just remembered; they form part of his soul.— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
International Bestseller — Updated Edition
An Evening with Tim Seldin
President of the Montessori Foundation & Chair of the International Montessori Council
We're honored to host Tim Seldin, one of the most influential voices in Montessori education worldwide. As President of the Montessori Foundation and Chair of the International Montessori Council, Tim has spent decades advancing the Montessori method and helping parents and educators understand its transformative power.
Tim's internationally bestselling book, How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way, is the go-to guide for parents looking to bring Montessori principles into their homes. The updated edition includes insights on the neuroscience of child development, guidance on screen time in the digital age, co-parenting strategies, and gentle discipline methods.
During this special evening at Rockridge Montessori, Tim will share practical, actionable strategies for building independence, creativity, and confidence in your child — from birth through age six. Following the presentation, Tim will be available for a book signing, giving you the chance to take home a personalized copy and continue the journey at home.
📅 Event Details
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Rockridge Montessori at Oak Grove — 8115 Fontaine Ave, Oakland, CA 94605
This event is open to current families, prospective families, and anyone interested in Montessori education. Space is limited — please register using the form at the top of this page.
What You'll Take Away
Whether you're a current Rockridge Montessori family or exploring Montessori for the first time, Tim Seldin's presentation offers real, practical value you can apply immediately.
You'll learn how to create a home environment that fosters independence and self-motivation — without power struggles. Tim will walk you through how children develop from birth to age six, what's happening in their brains at each stage, and how Montessori-aligned parenting supports that growth.
Topics include navigating screen time, encouraging creativity and problem-solving, supporting your child through family changes, and using gentle discipline techniques that build trust and cooperation.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the world's foremost Montessori authorities — right here in our school community.
Why Rockridge Montessori?
I want my child to think outside the box. Montessori is the answer. Rockridge is the school.
Child-Centered Learning
Children progress at their own pace through hands-on, self-directed activities that honor their individuality and natural curiosity.
Independence & Confidence
From toddlerhood through kindergarten, every activity is designed to build self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and genuine confidence.
Warm, Nurturing Community
A family-owned school where teachers know every child by name. Small class sizes and low ratios ensure individualized attention.
Strong Academic Foundation
Our curriculum spans Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and more — often surpassing state standards for kindergarten readiness.
Spanish Instruction Included
Weekly small-group Spanish classes are built into our curriculum for every enrolled child at no additional cost.
Flexible & Open Enrollment
Full-day and part-day programs. Open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Join programs at any time of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers. If you don't see yours below, register above and our admissions team will be in touch.
A Montessori education might be the perfect fit if you value a child-centered, hands-on learning environment that nurtures independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of discovery.
Individualized Learning: Montessori classrooms allow children to progress at their own pace, catering to each child's unique interests and strengths. If you appreciate an educational approach that honors your child's individuality, a Montessori setting may be ideal.
Emphasis on Exploration: At Rockridge Montessori, we encourage self-directed exploration and hands-on learning. If you've noticed your child's natural curiosity and desire to learn through play and discovery, our approach can help cultivate that passion.
Balanced Development: Our curriculum isn't just about academics — it also supports social, emotional, and physical growth. If you're looking for an environment that develops well-rounded individuals, Montessori education might be the right choice.
Not sure if it's the best fit? We invite you to attend one of our Open Houses or speak with our admissions team to learn more.
While Rockridge Montessori is a family-owned school with its own unique community and traditions, our curriculum is deeply influenced by the time-tested principles developed by the Montessori Foundation. These foundational guidelines help shape our approach by emphasizing:
Child-Centered Learning: We adopt a hands-on, self-directed learning model that encourages independence and personal growth — core tenets advocated by the Montessori Foundation.
Prepared Environment: Our classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to promote exploration and discovery, reflecting the Montessori method's focus on creating an environment that supports each child's natural development.
Respect for the Whole Child: The Montessori Foundation's philosophy of nurturing the academic, social, emotional, and physical aspects of a child is central to our approach. Our educators integrate these principles to foster balanced, well-rounded growth.
At Rockridge Montessori at Oak Grove, we adapt these established Montessori principles to meet the unique needs of our community, ensuring that every child receives an education that is both innovative and nurturing.
Yes. We are accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. We are also accepting applications for the current school year, depending on space availability.
We recommend filling out the registration form at the top of this page and requesting a call with our Admissions team. We'll contact you shortly to schedule a time to speak and get your questions answered.
Reserve Your Spot Today
Space is limited for all upcoming events. Register now to secure your family's place at one of our Open Houses or at the special evening with Tim Seldin.
Rockridge Montessori at Oak Grove
8115 Fontaine Ave, Oakland, CA 94605
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 510-430-1322