Welcome to Discovery Montessori
Since 1982, Discovery Montessori has been the school of choice for many Kitsap families. Discovery Montessori is established as an educational home for children, toddlers through primary (pre-k). At Discovery Montessori, we nurture your child’s growth and abilities as an independent learner using the Montessori Method.

Our mission
Montessori education differs from conventional forms of education in the fact that lessons are given individually or in small groups. Instruction is based on the needs of the child, instead of lecturing to the entire class.
We observe your child's needs/interests and offer a curriculum that integrates practical life activities, sensorial development, mathematics, language, science, geography, biology, history, music, and art.
In addition to academics, Montessori education also focuses on fostering self-esteem, respect for others, independence, self-discipline, cooperation, and love of learning.
"Imitation is the first instinct of the awakening mind."
— Maria Montessori
established 1982
At the school, students are active participants in their own learning
Through the use of Montessori materials and extensions that reflect the best practices of education, students grow into lifelong learners developing independence, respect and creativity in an environment that nurtures the spirit of the child.
This prepares each child to be a contributing member of a diverse world community.

programs
You won’t find the traditional school desks; instead children work at tables or on the floor, rolling out mats on which to work and define their work space. The classroom promotes Maria Montessori’s approach to learning.
Natural lighting, soft colors, and uncluttered spaces set the stage for activity that is focused and calm. Learning materials are displayed on accessible shelves, fostering independence as students go about their work. Everything is where it is supposed to be, conveying a sense of harmony and order that both comforts and inspires.
There are spaces suited to group activity, and areas where a student can settle in alone. Parts of the room are open and spacious, allowing a preschooler to lay out strands of beads for counting, or a movable alphabet to learn letters and sounds. In this safe and empowering environment, students find joy in learning.
"The first essential for the child's development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy."
— Maria Montessori
Toddler
12 months — 2.5 years
Toddler 2's
2-3 years
Early Primary
3 - 4 years
Primary
4 - 6 years
At Discovery Montessori, we work closely with families to ensure that our school is a good match for each applicant and their family. We look for children and parents of diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures who will benefit from a cooperative, nurturing environment where students are challenged to reach their full potential.
Parents are required to tour the school, meet with a teacher and observe a classroom in session prior to submitting an application.
Frequently asked questions
Application Submission
An application for the September to May academic year must be completed and returned to the Discovery Montessori School with a $125.00 non-refundable application fee. The Application Form may be downloaded from the link on the left navigation.
Before and After School Daycare
Before and after school care is available to all our full time students enrolled in any of our programs for an additional cost. Before school care program is available from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. After school care runs from 3:00 pm to 5:15 pm. The children in these programs enjoy a wide range of activities including arts, crafts, building, cooking, sports and outdoor play.
Before/after school is available to students who attend East Port Orchard Elementary (EPO) from ages 5 to 11. This care is coordinated with South Kitsap School District Transportation who have provided us a bus stop for pick-up and drop-off. Students are escorted to and from our facility by a staff member. Please contact the office for pricing and availability.
Tuition
We offer 3 and 5 day primary programs for both full day and half day attendance.
We offer a 10% sibling discount on tuition. The discount will be applied to the tuition(s) with the lowest monthly fees.
Daycare programs are offered for both before and after school hours for an extra fee.
Families are invoiced monthly for tuition, fees, and incidentals and are due on the first of each month from September through May. There is no penalty for prepayment.
We accept DSHS/CVYF and MCCYN subsidies.
Tuition is based on an annual cost (Setember through May) and may be divided into 9 equal payments for your convenience. Because this cost is based on an annual amount, months with holidays will have the same amount due as those months without holidays or breaks.
Contact our office for an interview and pricing.
Contract
Annual tuition and before and after school care fees are paid on a monthly basis with nine equal payments. The payments are due on first of each month beginning on September 1 and continuing on the first of each month through May. A late fee will be assessed for payments received after the 7th of each month. If payment or arrangements have not been made by the 20th of each month, services will be suspended and your child will not be allowed to attend until the account is brought current.
Discount
We offer a 10% sibling discount on tuition. The discount will be applied to the tuition(s) with the lowest monthly fees. We also offer other discounts for active-duty military, first responders and more. Please contact the office for more information.
Statement of Non-discrimination
Discovery Montessori admits students of any sex, race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Discovery Montessori does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies or financial aid program.


Meet our staff

Sabrina Gardner
Director

Brenda Sutton
Office Manager

Brenda Randol
Lead Primary Teacher

Marki Griffin
Lead Primary Teacher
Caitlyn Murphy
Assistant Teacher

Shanie Fairbanks
Lead Early Primary Teacher
Shelby Birkenfeld
Assistant Teacher

Tisha Moller
Lead Toddler 2's Teacher
Christina Campbell
Assistant Teacher

Alyssa Shilston
Lead Toddler Teacher
Jeddah Parocha-Aflatooni
Assistant Teacher
Brooklyn Parker
Assistant Teacher

Valerie Nelson
Lead / Education Specialist
Join us today to maximize your child's growth!
E-mail us to ask any additional questions
Contact us
Address
1026 Sidney Ave, Suite 160
Port Orchard, WA 98366
info@discoverymontessori.org
Phone
(360) 443-7120



