History
Montessori education dates back to 1907, when Maria Montessori opened the Casa di Bambini, or Children’s House, in a low-income district of Rome.
Dr. Montessori's unique philosophy sparked the interest of educators worldwide, and in the following decades Montessori schools opened throughout Europe, in North and South America, and, finally, on every continent but Antarctica.
Our School’s Story
Montessori Explorer School opened its doors in Bonita, California on July 31, 2002, beginning with just five students and a heartfelt mission: to offer children an authentic Montessori education that honors their individuality, curiosity, and innate love of learning.
Founded by Ms. Dinusha Perera, a lifelong Montessorian and experienced educator, the school was born from a desire to give her own son a strong and meaningful foundation. Over the years, what started as a single classroom has blossomed into a thriving community of passionate educators, engaged families, and eager learners.
A History of Growth
As word of Montessori Explorer’s nurturing environment and academic excellence spread, so did the school’s reach. Classrooms grew, teacher teams expanded, and new programs were introduced to meet the needs of our diverse and growing community. Today, we proudly serve families from all over San Diego County—and as of 2025, we are expanding into Hillcrest and Escondido, opening two new campuses to bring high-quality Montessori education to even more children across the region.
Our Commitment to Quality & Innovation
Montessori Explorer is an American Montessori Society (AMS) affiliate school, and we take that responsibility seriously. All of our lead teachers are AMS- or AMI-certified and bring years of experience in early childhood education. But more importantly, we believe in continuous growth—not just for children, but for educators too.
We regularly provide:
- Ongoing Montessori training and workshops for staff
- Professional development focused on child development, neurodiversity, and equity
- A supportive mentorship culture that empowers new and seasoned guides alike
We know that education doesn’t stand still, and neither do we. As society and young minds evolve, we are committed to staying responsive, intentional, and informed.
Partnering with Families
We believe that education works best when schools and families work hand in hand. That’s why Montessori Explorer provides a variety of resources for families, including:
- Parent education nights and workshops
- Regular communication on developmental milestones
- Guidance on Montessori at home practices
- A warm and collaborative school culture where families feel seen, heard, and supported
At Montessori Explorer, we don’t just teach children—we build a community that believes in them. We are proud of where we’ve come from, excited about where we’re going, and honored to walk alongside families as we prepare children not just for school—but for life.
