Have you ever wondered why your toddler keeps asking “why” about everything? Curiosity is a superpower, and Montessori education, focusing on hands-on learning and exploration, is the perfect way to nurture that curious mind.

Still, finding the right Montessori school can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! I’ve created this guide to unpack everything we parents need to know about the best Montessori schools in Phoenix. 

We’ll explore the top Montessori schools in Phoenix, what makes them unique, and how to choose the best one for your family. Keep reading, and let’s start the school hunt!

How much do Montessori schools charge in Phoenix? Toddler programs cost around $12,000 annually, while elementary programs cost upwards of $11,000 in Montessori schools in Phoenix.  In Phoenix, the cost of Montessori schools can vary depending on your child’s age, the program offered, and the specific school. Additionally, there are additional fees for before and after care, as well as materials.

1. Desert Garden Montessori School

Address: 5130 E Warner Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044, United States

Contact Details: +14804969833

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

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I have to say, I was impressed with Desert Garden Montessori’s accreditation. It was a big deal for me as a parent because I wanted my child’s structured learning environment based on true Montessori principles.

The classrooms reflected the authentic Montessori approach with specialized materials and how teachers interacted with the kids.

I agree with the rave reviews—the staff was amazing. They were patient, passionate about Montessori education, and connected with each child.

The low student-teacher ratio of 11:1 contributed to the close-knit feel. The teachers weren’t just delivering lessons; they were actively involved in each student’s learning journey.

I particularly appreciated the focus on “self-care” and “care for the environment.” It was refreshing to see my child learning practical life skills while developing a sense of responsibility for themselves and the world around them.

Montessori may not be suitable for every child. This might not be the perfect fit if your child thrives on traditional teacher-led instruction.

And it’s worth noting that Desert Garden Montessori is a private school, so tuition is a factor. It’s an investment, and you’ll want to consider whether the benefits outweigh the cost.

But, despite these considerations, my overall experience with Desert Garden Montessori was fantastic. A strong curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a focus on practical life skills created a truly nurturing learning environment for my child.

Nurturing environment

“As a parents of 4 children who attended and are currently attending, it’s been the best decision for our family.  The kids have learned that they have a voice and that they matter.   Our children have flourished as kind, giving, nurturing & loving human beings.  We love the village created at Desert Garden. It’s amazing!  Students make lifelong friends, and so do their parents.  You owe it to your children to tour the school, meet teachers, and see their learning environment from infancy to middle school.  You will be as amazed as we were when we toured in 2004!  The Crouch Family”

– Scott Crouch, Google Reviews

Welcoming atmosphere

“Wonderful school. They engage with parents, foster community, and make newcomers feel like family. The school campus is beautiful and supports the students from babies through high school. The teachers work hard. We couldn’t be more pleased to have found this school.”

– Tina Sleeper, Google Reviews

2. Keystone Montessori

Address: 1025 E Liberty Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85048, United States

Contact Details: +14804607312

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

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Keystone Montessori is AMI certified, which means the teachers are top-notch, and the classrooms are based on the Montessori philosophy. 

Instead of boring old memorization, they focus on letting kids explore and discover, which shows in everything they do. Keystone strongly emphasizes social skills, etiquette, and independence. 

We liked that the teachers and staff at Keystone are incredibly warm and welcoming. They take the time to get to know each child and make them comfortable. 

Moreover, we like that their Special Education department ensures all students have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their individual needs. 

However, while the hands-on approach here is great, it can sometimes feel unstructured. If your child craves a very regimented schedule, they might need time to adjust.

Now, Montessori schools tend to be pricier, and Keystone is no exception. It’s an investment, so make sure it aligns with your budget.

Because the focus is on self-directed learning, there might be less traditional progress reports or standardized testing. This might not be ideal for all parents who like a clear picture of their child’s academic standing.

Encouraging independence and social learning

“My daughter has been at Keystone for seven years. This school fosters independent social learning and encourages the flame of the love of learning. So often in traditional school settings, the rigid curriculum and the over-focus on “points” kill children’s intrinsic motivation to learn so that when they get to college, the light in their eyes has gone out, and they care only about grades. I’m so happy this beautiful school exists and goes through the upper levels. Montessori is not just for preschool–it’s for all ages.

We are also very grateful for how Keystone got us through the pandemic–attentive, flexible, distance learning, and excellent safety protocols. Thank you, Keystone, for keeping policies in place that allowed students to come back in person quickly and stay safe while learning in person. I will be forever grateful.”

– Rebecca Barry, Google Reviews

Holistic learning

“We have been part of the Keystone Montessori School community since August 2017. My children are currently in upper elementary and adolescent classrooms. We have been delighted and love our school. My children are happy and thriving in school. There has always been a great sense of family and community at Keystone that is difficult to find.  I feel confident that the guides and staff have the children’s best interests in mind in all their decisions. One of my children has an IEP, and they have done so much to help him through their Special Education department. They truly want him to succeed. I have great confidence and trust in what they do.  If anyone is searching for quality education that is not in a traditional classroom setting, I urge them to look into our school. It is a peaceful and pleasant environment where children don’t merely learn the standard, reading, writing, math, science, etc. They learn life skills, etiquette, manners, and how to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

– Lauren Mims, Google Reviews

3. Cave Creek Montessori

Address: 29209 N 56th St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Contact Details: +14805632929

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday

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Cave Creek Montessori’s “fostering independence” mantra is the real deal. The way they empower the kids to be self-sufficient is amazing.

The Montessori method and the teachers at Cave Creek have boosted my child’s self-esteem. They engage with the kids, and these educators truly care about each child; they’re not just there to babysit.

My daughter started in the toddler room, and I must give those teachers major props. They know how to make every child feel right at home, and the warm, positive vibe they create really sparks a love of learning.

The owners are fantastic—they’re genuine and always available to chat. They make a real effort to connect with us, and our input matters to them. It feels like a tight-knit school community.

One of the things that initially drew me to Cave Creek was the low student-teacher ratio. With only eight kids per teacher, my daughter gets the attention she needs to thrive, which is a big difference from the bigger classes I’ve seen elsewhere.

If you’re searching for a school that nurtures independence, confidence, and a love for learning, I’d recommend checking out Cave Creek.

Pros 

• Caring for teachers and staff
• The welcoming and inclusive learning environment

Cons 

• Expensive tuition fees

Expert teachers in a beautiful, natural setting

“A wonderful Montessori school run by a loving family. The teachers are Montessori experts. The campus sits on a beautiful, secluded piece of land with acres of green grass. It feels like you’re out in the country! A truly amazing program.”

– Dave McMinn, Google Reviews

Long-running Montessori school

“Best Montessori school in Arizona! Has been successfully running on love for almost 20 years. All the teachers have been working there for an average of 10 years! All you have to do is tour the school, and you’ll be in LOVE!”

– Anna Allen, Google Reviews

4. Mission Montessori Academy

Address: 11050 N 96th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States

Contact Details: +14806994950

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Mission Montessori Academy is all about hands-on activities. Its multicultural focus meant the students were exposed to different cultures and traditions, which was fantastic.

The school seamlessly integrated academics into playtime, creating a great balance without overwhelming the kids with homework. The parents and teachers were very friendly and involved, fostering a strong sense of community.

The individualized attention given to each child’s strengths and interests was impressive, but some parents found the uniform policy a bit strict and the community fee worth checking.

Overall, Mission Montessori Academy was a fantastic experience for my child. Focusing on practical skills, play-based learning, and a supportive community created a nurturing environment that fostered academic achievement and personal growth. 

Hands-on learning

“This is a wonderful Charter School!   Unlike many other traditional schools, it is calm and peaceful.  The children do a lot of work outdoors, grow organic foods in the gardens, travel the world, and speak at the UN.  They aren’t just doing sheet after sheet like a traditional school.  They learn math, science, and language with hands-on materials. The administration and teachers care so much about the children and improving the world through education.  It starts with the children, and this school understands that.  This school will help shape your children into independent, creative, and critical thinkers who will grow to make the world a better place.”

– Jet Martin, Google Reviews

Well-rounded education

“Our daughter is about to complete 8th grade with Mission Montessori and has been with them since first grade. Our son started kindergarten and is about to enter seventh grade.  Our daughter had minimal self-confidence or self-esteem when she started there, and all I hear from people now is how she has become a very grounded, confident young lady. Mission Montessori has started a sports program that has been an added benefit for our son. When I talk about my kid’s experiences at their school, I’m often asked if it is a private school, and I have to explain that it is a public charter school. I am proud of the education in the foundation that our kids haven’t been given for their future due to Mission.”

– Marijo Johnson, Google Reviews