MFS History

Jane Wechsler founded Montessori Family School in 1981 to provide a comprehensive preschool and elementary Montessori program for Berkeley and East Bay families. Jane’s mission was to create a Montessori program that nurtures each child’s individual learning style while maintaining standards of academic excellence. MFS has adhered strongly to Jane’s original mission for 30 years.

Today Montessori Family School is located at two sites. The Early Childhood program is located at the Berkeley Campus, adjacent to UC Berkeley. The Elementary and Middle School programs are located at the El Cerrito Campus, near the intersection of The Arlington and Cutting Boulevard.

Campuses and Enrollment

The Early Childhood Program is located in Berkeley at 1850 Scenic Avenue.  Built for early learners, it is a comfortable learning environment for active young minds, enrolling 60 preschool students.  Kindergarten Transition, Elementary and Middle School students are located in El Cerrito at 7075 Cutting Boulevard.  This campus serves up to 115 children – kindergarteners through 8th graders – in a more spacious setting in the hills.

Faculty and Staff

All MFS head teachers are Montessori-trained.  MFS employs 35 faculty, five full-time administrators, in addition to our Head of School. The student-teacher ratio is 8:1.

Diversity

Montessori Family School is committed to creating a diverse community of teachers and learners. We strive to create an environment that mirrors the larger Bay Area community, one notable for its ethnic, economic, and religious diversity.

Affiliations

Montessori Family School is a full member affiliate of the American Montessori Society. MFS is also a member of EBISA (East Bay Independent Schools Association).