Historic Old Town Folsom · Established 2008
We are a small Montessori school in Folsom, CA with a mixed-aged classroom. We educate toddlers as well as children in Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten.
Additionally, we provide tutoring services for Pre-K through 6th Grade, a variety of academic camps and kids’ activities each summer and special community events.
Deborah Doss, M.A. in Child Development, is the Founder and lead teacher at American River Montessori and is deeply committed to nurturing the whole family—empowering parents and supporting the emotional, developmental and academic growth of every child in her care.
Please explore this website to learn more about our services and to schedule a visit today. We look forward to hearing from you!
International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme
We are honored to announce that American River Montessori has officially been accepted as a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB).
This milestone reflects our commitment to nurturing curious, compassionate, and globally minded learners. The IB philosophy aligns beautifully with our Montessori approach, emphasizing inquiry, whole-child development, and global citizenship.
As we move through the candidacy phase, we will be sharing regular posts to help our families understand what the PYP is, what this process involves, and how it will enrich the learning experiences of our students.
We are grateful for the trust and partnership of our families—past, present, and future. Your support is central to our mission, and we look forward to growing together through this exciting journey.
Join us for our nature-based community sessions in our outdoor classroom where families connect and kids thrive.
Montessori & Whole-Child Development
Working as a community, we as educators and parents work together to prepare each child to embrace and contribute to a better world.
Create positive supportive environments to plant the seeds of quality interactions that support positive child brain development, love of learning and curiosity for success in the world.
American River Montessori
View our latest posts from American River Montessori below
In a Montessori mixed-age classroom, children remain with the same lead teachers across multiple developmental years—a practice known as looping that deepens trust, continuity, and individualized learning.
Tonight’s bedtime story can be more than a story. The precept library brings timeless wisdom into your child’s world. Choose a virtue, a storyteller, and a little imagination.
As technology becomes an increasingly common part of family life, new research continues to examine how it affects young children’s development.
Montessori Outdoor Education
Our brand new for 2025 outdoor classroom evolves with the seasons and includes a garden where children can learn about growing things outdoors.
Equipped with a custom shade sail and adjacent to our organic Garden of Learning designed by Peas & Harmony, children enjoy hands-on botany, sensory exploration, and nature study year-round.
Our Testimonials
Parent of Sophia
“American River Montessori supported my daughter, Sophia, in developing strong math skills. For example, she was already learning multiplication before she entered Kindergarten. When Sophia was evaluated in Kindergarten it was clear that her understanding of math concepts was advanced. I believe my daughter developed the self-confidence for math that continues to inspire her as she learns even more advanced math concepts, because of her experience at American River Montessori. I would recommend American River Montessori’s Math Program, because I know that Ms. Debbie is committed to providing a positive environment where children want to learn more.”
Parent and Teacher
“My children have attended American River Montessori for over 2 years in the Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. My children spent time in other schools that weren’t the right fit for our family. When we walked into Ms. Debbie’s welcoming, bright, and peaceful classroom, we fell in love with Montessori education. Everywhere you look, children are happy and busy working independently, with friends, and with teachers on interesting jobs and projects of their choosing. Ms. Debbie recognizes each child’s needs and interests, and encourages them to work at their own pace, do their best, and communicate well with friends. There is a strong sense of community between staff and families. The children get along very well because of how Ms. Debbie models and teaches caring behavior. She gives the children freedom to explore the fun and meaningful jobs. She makes sure the children are getting what they need academically, socially, and emotionally. I am so thankful I found this school. My children look forward to going to school each day. They have a strong love of learning and they are well prepared for elementary school, thanks to their time at American River Montessori.”
Book a tour of our facility at American River Montessori in Historic Old Town Folsom.
