Beyond our continued growth as both an International Baccalaureate Candidate School and a nurturing Montessori environment, we are expanding the way children learn by investing in something deeply powerful: children learning with and from one another.

Imagine two young children sitting side by side, sharing a book, their imaginations wide open. One child pauses at a new word, while the other offers encouragement. Together, they laugh, question, predict, and discover. In that small moment, reading becomes more than words on a page—it becomes connection, confidence, and comprehension.

This is the heart of our Peer Assisted Learning Skills (PALS) initiative.

At American River Montessori, we recognize that reading comprehension is one of the most important—and sometimes most challenging—skills a child can develop. Decoding words is only the beginning. True learning happens when children understand, interpret, and connect deeply with what they read.

Through PALS, we are intentionally creating opportunities for children to strengthen these critical comprehension skills in engaging, joyful, and meaningful ways. By teaching students how to support one another as readers, we are building leadership, empathy, communication, and confidence alongside literacy.

This exciting addition reflects who we are as a school community:
A place where Montessori principles inspire independence.
A place where International Baccalaureate practices foster global thinking.
And now, a place where peer-supported learning empowers children to become active participants in each other’s educational journey.

For parents, this means your child is not only learning to read—they are learning how to think, collaborate, communicate, and grow.

At American River Montessori, we are building more than academic success. We are building compassionate leaders, thoughtful learners, and confident readers prepared for the future.

As we continue to grow our programs, we are proud to blend innovation with heart—creating magical educational experiences that prepare children not only for school, but for life.

The story we are writing at American River Montessori is one of curiosity, connection, and possibility.

And we are just getting started.