Our Additional Programs
At MMS, we know life doesn't operate on school hours just as we know learning doesn't end at the end of the school day.
That's why we offer programs to support families and to give children opportunities to continue their learning before and after school.
We also support families in the Junior High as they look towards high school. At MMS, we're dedicated to supporting students and their families for the long haul.
In This Section
Additional School Care (ASC)
Additional School Care (ASC) follows basic Montessori principles in terms of encouraging children to help and teach one another, to follow projects through to completion, to create their own activities, and to care for their environment.
With some restrictions, parents can choose to have their children participate in ASC through Full-year Package ASC, Reserved ASC, or Drop-in ASC. Check out the details below.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Details
Morning ASC:
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Toddler: Registration took place during enrollment and is now closed.
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Primary: Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.
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Elementary: There is no charge or preregistration required. Students may be dropped off at the Primary Gate starting at 7:30. All students will go to the Hummingbird classroom until it is time to join their class.
Afternoon ASC:
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Toddler: There is no afternoon ASC offered for Toddler.
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Primary/Elementary: Reserved two weeks in advance and drop-in (please see drop-in instructions below).
Afternoon Drop-In Care Instructions:
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Sign up by 2:00 pm for Primary and 2:15 for Elementary on the day the care is needed through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal.
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Children who are registered by the deadlines will be accommodated for that day if at all possible.
Afternoon ASC Pick-Up Instructions:
All families will be required to enter campus through the Primary Gate, using the four digit pin code provided by the Office. Please call (415) 924-5388 for details. The Office closes by 4:00 pm on most days. If you need to contact ASC personnel after the office closes, please email Taz Pesso for Primary and Matt Stratton for Elementary.
Money Matters
For 2023-2024
Full-Year Package ASC
If you need daily childcare before school (Toddler and Primary) and/or after school until 6:00 p.m. (Primary and Elementary) for the entire school year, you will benefit from electing Full-Year Package ASC when you sign your Enrollment Agreement. The annual fee for Before School Care is $2,000 for Toddlers and Primary. There is no fee for Elementary. After School Care is $6,400 per student for both Primary and Elementary.
Reserved ASC
The Reserved ASC program allows families to reserve space at least two weeks in advance for the specific days and times that you need. The fee is $18 an hour. If a reservation is not canceled at least two weeks in advance or if a child no shows, there will be a $54 fee.
Note: Children who are registered in this way will be guaranteed space on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sign-Up for Reserved ASC:
Spaces in Reserved ASC must be reserved at least two weeks in advance through the Extended Care tab of the Parent Portal. If you do not sign up in the Parent Portal at least two weeks in advance, Drop-In ASC will be your only option.
Drop-In ASC
We are pleased to be able to offer a Drop-In option for the ASC program ($22 an hour in ½ hour increments) for those Primary and Elementary families who need occasional care. Same day sign ups must happen by 1:30 pm for Primary and Elementary. Space is limited.
Note: Drop-In for Morning ASC is not available for Toddler and Primary students. Primary children who would like to attend ASC in the morning must sign up through the Full-Year Package ASC program.
Cancellation Policy for Drop-In
To cancel a session, use the Parent Portal and click on the Extended Care tab.
You must cancel by 1:30 pm for Primary and Elementary or we'll have to charge a $66 cancellation fee. Please note that the Office and Registrar are unable to make cancellations after these deadline times.
Details about Primary ASC
The afternoon ASC program for Full-Day Primary children starts after school and ends at 6:00 pm in the Song Sparrow classroom. Our Primary ASC program echoes the Montessori day while allowing for different kinds of activities that families would typically do at home together after a long day at school. ASC is a play-based activity time. When children arrive, they will have the opportunity to enjoy and explore a wide variety of manipulative toys, crafts, games, books, musical instruments and outdoor play on the grassy area and play structure.
They also have the opportunity to enjoy healthy light snacks such as rice cakes, sun butter, apples and carrots.
In ASC, we continue to practice Montessori grace and courtesy skills. Our program builds the skills to help students respectfully interact with each other and our materials. When students are finished with an activity, they will put it away neatly so it is ready for the next person before moving on to a new activity. When finished snacking, students will wash their dishes before returning to play.
When parents arrive for pick up, please use the drop off area gate. You will use the parent code that allows access during the ASC hours and go directly to the Song Sparrow classroom to sign out and wait for your child. Please expect to wait a few minutes allowing time for your child to independently wrap up and put away their activity. We teach our students that ASC is closed for them, and it is time to promptly clean up when their grown ups arrive. Please note that the play structure is also closed for them supporting smooth departures.
Afternoon Primary ASC will be headed up by Taz Pesso who brings years of experience and boundless joy to this work.
Details about Elementary ASC
ASC is available for Elementary students before school from 7:30 a.m. to the start of class and after school from 3:15 – 6:00 p.m. For Morning ASC, Elementary students go to the Hummingbird classroom. Elementary students who need care prior to school may drop in on the morning that care is needed (there is no charge and no pre-registration is required).
The home base for the afternoon ASC program for Elementary children is also the Hummingbird classroom. The students are offered a variety of games, arts and crafts, cooking projects, and other activities (both indoor and out).
Snack will be prepared by the children and served around 4:00 each day.
Afternoon Elementary ASC will be headed up by Matt Stratton and supported by Frida Kolozsvari. The Elementary ASC environment has been carefully prepared to become a joyful extension of the workday where elementary children from all four classrooms can come together to collaborate and connect with one another. Blending outdoor and indoor play, elementary ASC will be full of cooking, games, art, and science. It's a place where children can continue to build a practice society and further develop relationships across classrooms.
Bayside Afternoon Classes (BAC)
Each semester, we offer Bayside Afternoon Classes for Primary (4 years old and older) and Elementary students.
The Registration Lottery for Winter 2025 classes opens on Thursday, November 7, and closes on Friday, November 15 at 12:00 pm.
Winter BAC starts the week of January 13, 2025. Cancellation Deadline December 18. After that, families will be fully obligated.
Be sure to register for each class separately. For more about the lottery system, click the tab above.
How To Register
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Log into your Parent Portal.
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Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
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In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
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On the next page, make your BAC selection(s).
How to Opt Out or Cancel a BAC Session
- Log into your Parent Portal.
- Go to the “Extended Care” tab.
- In the “Participants” sub-tab, select your child's name for the correct BAC session and click "View Signups."
- On the next page in the Session Calendar, click on the day(s) you wish to cancel and select “Opt Out.”
Winter 2025 Options
Primary
Yoga with Kathy Winkler |for Full-Day primary children 4-6 years old
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Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm
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8 sessions: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 (No class on February 18 for Mid-Winter Break), 25, March 4, 11
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/12
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Registration: $350
This winter indoor yoga class will focus on breathing and mastering a few poses and routines that will enable children to develop self-guided practice on their own. We will work individually as well as with partners. The goal is to have a relaxed, gentle environment in which the children feel safe to try new things and learn to relax in their own space. We will have some guided instruction and play games. Each day, the class will open and close with appreciations and gratitudes about their day and others in the class.
While a snack will be provided, children are welcome to bring their own.
Kathy Winkler has been teaching young children for 20+ years. She is currently the Primary Movement Specialist at MMS and taught Kindergarten for 16 years prior. She earned her BA in Economics at UC Davis and received her Multiple Subjects Credential from UOP. She is active in many outdoor pursuits that engage the body, including trail running, ocean swimming, paddle boarding, and yoga. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Kathy at kwinkler@marinmontessori.org.
Art in the Garden with Shellie Occhipinti|For Full-Day Primary children 4-6 years old
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Wednesdays , 3:00 - 4:00 pm
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8 sessions: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, (No Class February 19 for Mid-Winter Break) 26, March 5, 12
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/12
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Registration: $350
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Materials fee: $25
Life blooms in the garden year-round! Join Shellie to joyfully create imaginative artwork honoring the winter season. Classes will use a variety of art mediums, including watercolor, sculpture, recycled materials, and objects from nature. Snacks will be provided each week in our beautiful garden setting.
Shellie has taught various after-school programs for the Boys and Girls Club of America for over 20 years. She has been with Marin Montessori School for six years, working in various positions, including Elementary ASC and Summer Camp. Currently, Shellie is the Primary Garden Teacher and loves working with children of all ages. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Shellie at socchipinti@marinmontessori.org.
Primary Spanish with Adriana Romo |FOr Full-Day Primary children 4-6 years old
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Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
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16 sessions: January 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, February 4, 6, 11, 13, (No Class February 18, 20 for Mid-Winter Break) 25, 27, March 4, 6, 11, 13
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/12
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Registration: $550
The after-school Spanish program will focus on co-curricular lessons, use fun oral activities for conversation practice, use task-based instruction, and prioritize Spanish reading material. The class will have a greeting circle followed by a story and lesson. The children will be introduced to developmentally appropriate lessons, songs, and projects. The program will provide opportunities for the children to experience authentic food, music, and Spanish traditions. The program's goal is to provide exposure and create a love of learning Spanish and its colorful culture.
Adriana Romo has eight years of early childhood education experience and completed her degree in Early Childhood Education from Diablo Valley College. She is certified through the North American Montessori Center. She found her passion for literacy when she had the tremendous opportunity to partake in a program that utilized Ballet Folkórico--a traditional Mexican cultural dance--to teach Spanish. Adriana has continuously provided a Spanish curriculum in a Montessori setting for four years. She hopes her experience and enthusiasm will excite the children as they learn Spanish joyfully and engagingly. If you have questions regarding the class, you may contact Adriana at aromo@marinmontessori.org.
Elementary
Elementary Spanish with Andrea | For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)
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Twice each week - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 pm
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16 sessions: January 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, February 4, 6, 11, 13, (No Class February18, 20 for Mid-Winter Break) 25, 27, March 4, 6, 11, 13
Class minimum/maximum: 6/14 -
Registration: $550
Our Elementary after-school Spanish program will incorporate high-frequency words and phrases taught using question-driven instruction with varying resources/materials, authentic texts, communicative tasks that facilitate target language use, and interactive activities differentiated for all students' needs. The class structure will include a greeting, a story, a discussion, and a lesson followed by level-appropriate projects, crafts, cooking, or songs. The goal of the Spanish program is to create an exciting extension and build on language proficiency in which the children experience Spanish culture through their senses.
Andrea brings over a decade of education experience and interaction with children of diverse ages. Her roles have included being an AMI Montessori Guide for elementary education, a Spanish teacher, a preschool caregiver, and a volunteer in the Humanitarian Association. Raised in an educator family, her connection with children started at a young age. Throughout her primary and secondary years, she attended an Italian community-founded school where she learned and grew through personal experiences.
Andrea volunteered in underserved communities during university, establishing libraries and workshops for children and mothers. Following a specialization in Europe, she worked in the multicultural realm of banking. However, her true calling drew her back to education, leading her to acquire Montessori pedagogy training. Over the past four years, she has served as an AMI Montessori Guide in elementary education, teaching French and Spanish. Andrea remains dedicated to nurturing her bond with children and families, cherishing connections with nature and people, irrespective of differences. Her fervor for education and personal growth propels her to continue enriching lives in the Montessori environment. If you have questions regarding the class, please contact Andrea at abeltran@marinmontessori.org.
Photography with Arthur Lockhart | FOR ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (1ST-6TH YEAR)
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Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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8 sessions: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 (No class on February18 for Mid-Winter Break), 25, March 4, 11
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/14
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Registration: $400
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Material Fee: $20
Introduce your children to the art of photography in a creative and hands-on way! This engaging class offers children their first experience with a camera, showing them how to capture the world around them while honing their observational skills. We will learn camera basics, from framing a shot to experimenting with light, shadow, and perspective. Then, shifting to delve deeper, participating in guided exercises that build technical skills and confidence behind the lens. Culminating with artistic prints of their work that will be brought home at the end of the class.
Arthur Lockhart brings a wealth of experience to the program. After studying photography in Montreal, he spent over a decade working as a professional photographer in Paris, including seven years with Agence France-Presse. In addition to his experience with sports, art, and architecture photography, he taught adults for several years before transitioning to teaching kids, including art forms like cyanotype. Now based in the Bay Area, he’s excited to bring his passion for photography and visual storytelling to students, guiding them through an inspiring creative journey with their cameras. Cameras will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own. Please reach out to Arthur at contact@arthurlockhart.com with any questions.
Cooking with Adeline Shrout Fray |For Elementary Children (1st-6th Year)
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Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
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8 sessions: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, (No Class February 19 for Mid-Winter Break) 26, March 5,12
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Class minimum/maximum: 6/16
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Registration: $350
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Materials fee: $25
This after-school culinary experience, where passion meets creativity, will elevate your child's cooking skills and leave a lasting impression they’ll be excited to share with friends and family. Whether new to the kitchen or eager to refine their skills, this hands-on class welcomes all levels.
In this class, your child will explore essential cooking techniques, discover diverse cuisines, and uncover the secrets to making delicious, nutritious dishes. Under Adeline's guidance, each session offers an immersive experience where kids build confidence and enjoy the process of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. With other young food lovers by their side, they’ll have fun unleashing their culinary potential and experiencing the joy of cooking together.
Adeline’s passion for crafting exquisite dishes has been with her since childhood, grounded in her commitment to healthy, flavorful cooking. Known for sourcing local and sustainable ingredients, she brings a thoughtful approach to each meal, treating cooking as both art and nourishment. Adeline’s mission is to deliver meaningful cooking experiences that inspire and empower young chefs here at MMS. For questions about the class, please reach out to Adeline at ashrout@marinmontessori.org.
Off the Block S.T.E.M with LEGO® |FOR ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (1ST-6TH YEAR)
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Wednesdays: 3:30 - 5:00 pm (1.5 hr Class)
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8 sessions: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, (No Class February19 for Mid-Winter Break) 26, March 5, 12
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Class minimum/maximum: 8/20
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Registration: $400
Join us this winter for an exciting LEGO-based STEM class where kids will dive into the worlds of engineering, physics, and more while building imaginative creations! Each week, students will explore fun themes like "Winter Wonderland Engineering” and "Holiday Challenges," tackling hands-on projects designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking. By engaging with LEGO® bricks and technic materials and exploring real-world concepts, students will develop a solid foundation in STEM subjects while having a ton of fun!
The goal of the program is to provide students with a hands-on, engaging, and educational experience that fosters a deep understanding of STEM concepts while nurturing creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. As a creative thinker, Ian is constantly finding new and innovative ways to use LEGO® to teach complex STEM concepts in a fun and accessible way, as well as staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in STEM education and LEGO. With his experience and background, Ian is always enthusiastic about STEM education and LEGO's creative possibilities of LEGO, and I hope my programs will inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators! For questions about the class, please contact Ian at offtheblockstem@gmail.com.
About the BAC Lottery System
BAC Class Sign-up Registration
Registration Window: A designated one-week window will be announced for all sessions, during which all participating families can register their children for their desired after-school classes.
Lottery System: Once the registration window closes, a randomized lottery will be conducted for classes with more applicants than available spaces. All registered families for an oversubscribed class will have an equal chance of securing a spot, regardless of when they submitted their registration. You will automatically be placed on the waitlist when you sign up – please ignore your waitlist number. Your waitlist number is not an indication of being signed up.
Notification: Shortly after the lottery, families will be notified of their child's enrollment status (enrolled or waitlisted).
Waitlist: A waitlist will be established for oversubscribed classes, and enrolled families may choose to add their child's name to the list in case of openings.
We believe this system offers several benefits, including:
Fairer Access: Ensures equal opportunity for all families to secure a spot in their desired classes.
Reduced Stress: Eliminates the need for families to rush and be online at specific times.
Transparency: Provides a clear and predictable registration process.