Tall Oaks Out of Little Acorns Grow.
A Montessori school for children ages 3 months to 6 years
Our Mission is to Prepare Children For Life
All children possess a deep curiosity to explore and understand themselves and the world around them.
Nature's Way Montessori nurtures each child by offering specialized prepared environments that spark every child's imagination and the individual potential that lies with the human spirit.
Each child is given the experience of individualized and cooperative learning to foster independence, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Six
Years that Shape a Lifetime
At Nature’s Way Montessori, this journey is an intentional investment in your child’s future. When protected and uninterrupted, these years cultivate concentration, time management, healthy boundaries, self-discipline, and a deep love of learning — gifts that extend far beyond the classroom and into adulthood.
The Absorbent Mind
From birth to age six, children experience what Dr. Montessori called the Absorbent Mind — a time when they effortlessly take in language, culture, movement, and values. What may look like simple play is actually deep internal construction. In these years, children are building the foundation of who they will become.
Early Brain Development
Research confirms that the early years are critical for brain architecture. Shonkoff & Phillips (2000) describe how early experiences shape neural pathways that influence language, problem solving, and emotional regulation. These first six years lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and well-being.
Prepared Environments
A Montessori prepared environment is intentionally designed to support independence, concentration, and exploration. Order, beauty, and purposeful materials invite children to engage deeply. With careful observation, adults guide without interrupting the child’s natural development.
Whole Child Development
Education in the early years must nurture the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Alongside early literacy and math, children practice grace and courtesy, collaboration, and care for the world around them.
The Small Moments Matter
Growth often happens quietly — a new word, a solved problem, a kind act. When we notice and celebrate these moments, we strengthen a child’s natural drive to learn and connect.
Individualized Learning
Every child develops at their own pace. Montessori honors this through individualized learning, allowing children to follow their interests and build mastery through repetition and choice. The result is confidence, competence, and intrinsic motivation.
Our Programs
Infant
3 months - 18 months
Toddler
18 months - 36 months
Primary
3 - 6 years
How to Apply
Visit, Apply & Join
Nature’s Way Montessori accepts applications throughout the school year and offers contracts based on classroom space.
Applications and enrollment occur year-round.
1
Contact Us for a Tour
Tours are required in order to submit an application for your chil;d.
2
Come in for an observation
Our tours last for approximately two hours and are the best time to ask in-depth questions about your program of interest.
3
Submit an application for your child.
Our program offers rolling enrollment. It is first come first serve and our spaces are limited and fill up quickly. We invite you to apply early if possible.
4
Join our thriving community!
If your child is accepted to our school, we require that you send your first month's tuition and a material fee to secure your enrollment.
4.9 stars by past and present parents
Nature's Way is the only true Montessori school with an infant program available in Napa. We sent our son there from 13mo-2y and I appreciated the lack of electronic toys/screens, focus on whole foods (like fruits and cheeses for snacks), and how the teachers facilitate the kids learning/sharing in a calm and loving way.
— Lara Young
Nature's way is a wonderful school with dedicated teachers. They have guided our children on a wonderful journey of learning and discovery.
— James McCeney
We have been at NWM for two years and it has been a great experience for us and our child. Teachers and staff pay close attention to children’s needs and the parent community is truly unique, supportive and fun. The quantity and quality of time the children spend outdoors is beyond compare in Napa. I highly recommend this school.
— Brenna Ruiz
If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, contact us. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.
— Monica MacDonald - Head of School
