San Antonio Montessori School in Selma
Country Day Montessori provides Selma families with education that respects each child’s natural way of learning. Since 1983, our Montessori school has created spaces where children learn by exploring and discovering rather than just listening to teachers talk. Our students choose activities that interest them while teachers guide their progress and help when needed. On our spacious 4.5-acre campus, children connect with nature daily through our butterfly greenhouse, friendly animals, and gardens. This unique setting helps Selma children build strong academic skills while also developing confidence, creativity, and a true love for learning.
Welcoming San Antonio Montessori School for Selma Families
Our San Antonio Montessori school offers Selma children a complete educational journey from infancy through elementary years. At Country Day Montessori, children work with specially designed materials that help them understand complex ideas through hands-on experience. Teachers watch carefully to see what each student needs, providing just the right level of challenge to keep learning exciting but not frustrating. This personal approach ensures that children master important skills thoroughly before moving forward. Selma families choose us because their children don’t just memorize facts for tests – they develop deep understanding along with the independence, problem-solving abilities, and social skills needed for success in school and life.
Our Programs include:
Infant Care (Newborn - 18 months)
Our infant care program welcomes babies as young as 3 months into a peaceful, loving environment. Caregivers build warm relationships with each infant, responding promptly to their needs while providing safe spaces for movement and sensory exploration. Babies develop at their own pace with gentle support, building trust and security that creates a strong foundation for all future learning.
Pre-Primary (18 months - 3 years)
Our Pre-Primary program embraces toddlers’ growing need for independence with activities that develop coordination, language, and self-care skills. Children practice pouring their own drinks, washing hands, caring for plants, and working peacefully with friends. These meaningful tasks help satisfy their desire to do things “by myself” while building concentration, confidence, and social awareness.
Primary (3 - 6 years)
The Primary program opens a world of discovery as children develop reading, writing, math, science, geography, and artistic skills through hands-on materials. Students progress at their own pace, moving from simple to more complex work as they’re ready. In this mixed-age classroom, younger children learn from watching older ones, while older students reinforce their knowledge by helping younger friends.
Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)
Our Lower Elementary program builds on the Primary foundation with deeper exploration of language, mathematics, science, history, and cultural studies. Students work independently and in small groups on research projects, story writing, and problem-solving activities. The curriculum responds to children’s growing curiosity about the world’s workings, fostering critical thinking and a love for discovery.
Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)
The Upper Elementary program prepares students for future academic challenges with more advanced work in all subject areas. Students learn to manage long-term projects, conduct original research, and present their findings effectively. They develop leadership skills, social responsibility, and the self-discipline needed for success in any educational setting. Our graduates leave with strong academic foundations and confidence in their abilities.
Summer Program
Our summer program blends learning with fun during school breaks, offering themed activities, nature exploration, art projects, and special events. Children maintain their academic progress while enjoying new experiences in a familiar, supportive environment. The program follows Montessori principles with a more relaxed summer pace that Selma families appreciate during the hot Texas summer months.
Why Selma Families Love Montessori
Learning Tailored to Your Child
Learning Tailored to Your Child
At Country Day Montessori, we respect each child’s unique development and interests. Our teachers personalize learning, allowing students to explore subjects at their own pace. A science-loving child can dive into experiments, while a student needing extra reading practice gets the right support without feeling behind. This approach keeps children engaged and excited. Selma parents are often amazed at how much their children learn when education adapts to their needs.
Real-World Skills
Beyond academics, we teach essential life skills. Children learn to manage time, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Even our youngest students practice preparing food, caring for their space, and resolving conflicts peacefully. Selma families often tell us they’re surprised by their child’s independence at home, thanks to Montessori’s focus on real-life learning.
A Special Place Worth the Drive from Selma
Country Day Montessori has provided quality education to San Antonio families for over 40 years. Rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori’s proven methods, our Cognia-accredited school ensures excellence and continuous growth.
What sets us apart is our blend of authentic Montessori education and a rich natural environment. Students learn in thoughtfully prepared classrooms and explore our 4.5-acre campus daily. Whether observing butterflies in the greenhouse, caring for animals, or tending gardens, these hands-on experiences deepen learning and foster a love for nature, reflecting Selma’s appreciation for green spaces.
Testimonials
When we moved to Selma, finding the right school for our children was our top priority. Country Day Montessori has exceeded our expectations in every way. Our kids are flourishing academically, but even more importantly, they’re developing into confident, caring individuals who love learning. The teachers truly know each child and respond to their unique needs with wisdom and patience.
Our son struggled in his previous school where he was expected to sit quietly and listen for long periods. At Country Day Montessori, his active nature is respected, and he’s learning through movement and hands-on exploration. His reading and math skills have improved dramatically, but the biggest change is in his attitude—he’s excited about school again and proud of what he’s accomplishing.
As a physician, I was initially skeptical about Montessori education, wondering if it would provide enough academic rigor. After three years at Country Day Montessori, I’m completely convinced. My daughter is reading and doing math well above grade level, has developed impressive research skills, and most importantly, has maintained her natural curiosity and love of learning. The drive from Selma is absolutely worth it for this quality of education.
How to Begin Your Child’s Montessori Journey
1
Schedule a Tour
Start by scheduling a tour to visit our campus, observe our classrooms, and experience firsthand how our approach differs from traditional education.
2
Select the Right Program
We’ll help you determine which program is best suited for your child’s age and development, ensuring they’ll have the perfect start to their Montessori journey.
3
Join Our Community
Complete the enrollment application and prepare for your child to become part of a supportive learning community where they’ll be valued, challenged, and guided toward becoming their best self.
Things We Love About Selma
We’re proud to serve families from throughout the Selma area. Our community includes families from neighborhoods near Stage Stop Park, I-35, Lookout Road, and Evans Road. We appreciate Selma’s blend of small-town charm and convenient location, creating an ideal setting for families who value both community connection and accessibility. Our teachers enjoy visiting the Selma Public Library with its wonderful children’s programs that support our literacy initiatives. After school events, our staff sometimes stops by Abel’s Diner for their classic Texas comfort food – a local favorite that captures the friendly spirit of the Selma community.
Other Areas We Proudly Serve
Ready to see the Montessori difference? Call (210) 496-6033 to book your tour today!
Schedule a TourApply HereFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Selma to Country Day Montessori?
The drive from Selma to our school typically takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions. Many Selma families find the commute worthwhile for the quality education their children receive. Some parents arrange carpools with other families from the area to share driving responsibilities and make the commute more manageable. The drive follows major highways and is relatively straightforward.
Do you have many families from the Selma area?
Yes, we have several families from Selma who have found our school to be worth the short commute. These families often coordinate with each other for carpooling, making the drive more convenient and environmentally friendly. Having multiple Selma families in our community also helps children maintain friendships outside of school hours through playdates and shared activities.
How does Montessori education compare to Selma area public schools?
The key differences include our mixed-age classrooms instead of single-grade groupings; hands-on learning materials rather than textbooks and worksheets; freedom of movement instead of assigned desks; individualized learning pace rather than whole-class instruction; and an emphasis on developing internal motivation rather than working for grades or rewards. Our approach provides a more personalized education that respects each child’s development while fostering independence, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning that many Selma families find missing in conventional settings.
What are your hours, and do you offer before and after school care?
Our school is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, making it convenient for working parents who commute from Selma. The core Montessori program runs during the middle of the day, with before and after school care available for families who need extended hours. During these extended hours, children engage in supervised activities in a familiar, comfortable environment with staff they know and trust. This schedule works well for Selma families who need to drop off children on their way to work in San Antonio.
How do you address safety concerns for children?
Safety is our top priority. Our campus has secure entry systems, and all visitors must check in at the office. Staff members undergo thorough background checks and are trained in emergency procedures. We practice regular safety drills with students and maintain clear protocols for student pick-up and drop-off. Our grounds are fully fenced, and children are always supervised when outdoors. Many Selma parents tell us they chose our school partly because of the secure, nurturing environment we provide for their children.
Do children need prior Montessori experience to enroll?
No prior Montessori experience is necessary. Many of our students from Selma come to us with no previous exposure to Montessori education, and they adjust beautifully to our environment. Our teachers are skilled at introducing new students to the Montessori approach and helping them transition at their own pace. Children naturally respond to the freedom within structure, hands-on materials, and respectful atmosphere of our classrooms.
How do you handle holidays and school closures?
We generally follow a similar calendar to area public schools, with breaks for major holidays and summer. However, our longer school day and optional summer program provide more consistent coverage for working parents from Selma. We provide our annual calendar well in advance so families can plan accordingly. When unexpected closures occur due to weather or other emergencies, we notify parents promptly through our communication system. We understand that Selma families need to plan their commute, so we strive to communicate any schedule changes as early as possible.