Our School
Sundrops Montessori, a Wildflower School in San Jose, CA for children 3-6 years old.
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Sundrops Montessori School embraces the diversity of the Bay Area through equity, inclusion, and by connecting children to the world, themselves, and each other in a nurturing and healthy community with family engagement and authentic Montessori education.
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Sundrops Montessori School curriculum for children ages three to six years old gives children the opportunity to build their self-confidence, focus, and self-identity through practical life, academic work and social and emotional experience
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Wildflower schools sit in light-filled spaces on walkable streets. They increase the presence of children and families in the community, as more narrow geographic focus supports walking to and from school. We expand our definition of “stakeholders” beyond the families we serve directly, and we work to make our surrounding communities stronger and healthier for children.
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Non-Discrimination Statement
Sundrops Montessori School does not discriminate, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, sex or gender, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or in any other way based on personal identity markers that do not relate to the capacity of an individual person to carry out the responsibilities of a role.
We have a beautiful environment that will spark the curiosity of any child.
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See inside the classroom! 3D Virtual View
Sundrops Montessori is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
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The primary curriculum is designed with the understanding that children learn best through real-life activities that support independence, concrete experiences that engage the senses, and open-ended exploration. This leads to the refinement of their movements, sensory perceptions, language and intellect development. Children thrive through opportunities to follow their own interests and freely choose their own scaffolded activities. Through guided exploration they develop independence, concentration and curiosity.
Curriculum
3 to 6 years old - Primary Classroom
Montessori materials for the primary age are designed to support self-directed discovery and learning. They are organized around Practical Life activities that develop both independence and concentration; Sensorial activities that refine and develop the child’s senses; the development of Spoken Language, Writing and Reading skills; and Mathematical activities that develop fundamental mathematical concepts; and Cultural activities that include geography, history, biology, science, music, and the arts.
Montessori Materials
Our Teacher Leaders
Helen Boluna
Founding Teacher Leader and Primary Guide
Helen Boluna is a Montessori-trained teacher of 15 years. As an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certified for ages 3-6, her experiences include being an Assistant Director and a Lead Teacher both inside and outside the classroom environments. Helen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Development from San Jose State University. She is pursuing her Master’s in Montessori Education at St. Catherine University. Helen speaks English, Tagalog, and Fujian. She enjoys puzzles, word puzzles, machine sewing, and strums her guitar or tinkers with the piano when the mood strikes.
Encarna Buendia
Founding Teacher Leader and Primary Guide
Encarna Buendia is a Pan American Montessori Society certified teacher for ages 2 1/2-6. Encarna was born in Spain and raised in Barcelona. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Catalan with a Master’s Degree in Architecture. She creates spaces where children develop their natural love for learning through exploration in both the classroom and outdoor environment. Encarna is always developing new ways to bring children into nature; they become engaged and learn that we are all connected and that different cultures are the richness of the world we live in. She enjoys rowing, hiking, cultural immersions and gatherings around the table.
The child who has felt a strong love for his surroundings and for all living creatures, who has discovered joy and enthusiasm in work, gives us reason to hope that humanity can develop in a new direction.
- Dr. Maria Montessori
