- AMS Affiliated since 2002
Preparing for Life.
Experience Life at Five Canyons
An authentic Montessori environment where toddlers, preschoolers, TK and kindergarteners grow into curious, confident, kind learners — guided by trained, credentialed teachers.
A child learns best when the environment supports their unique development.
Dr. Maria Montessori designed a curriculum and learning materials that grow independent learners. A Montessori classroom is multi-aged — a heterogeneous group working in cooperative learning, peer teaching and emotional development.
Respect for oneself, for others, and for the environment is the foundation of our classroom community. The aim is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem-solvers.
“The most important period in life is not the age of University studies, but the first one — from birth to age six.”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
A nurturing path from toddler to kindergarten.
Toddler
Our toddler program is for children between 18 and 24 months and is separated from older children in their own classroom.
Preschool
Our preschool program is for children between 2 and 6 years of age.
TK & Kindergarten
The kindergarten classroom contains children ranging from ages 4 to 6 years of age based on the Montessori principle of mixed are groups.
Daycare
Montessori School at Five Canyons offers Daycare in the morning and/or afternoon for enrolled children.
Summer Program
Our Summer Program (June – August)complements our School-Year Program, (September – May) creating a year-round education.
Ms. Meher Van Groenou, M.S.W., M.A. (Education)
The Montessori School at Five Canyons was founded in 2002 by Meher Van Groenou and provides quality care and education for toddlers and preschoolers. Parents appreciate the Montessori Method and style of education and place their trust in the school.
- Hands-on learning materials
- Green outdoor playground
- Parent-teacher conferences
- Beautiful, prepared classrooms
- Field trips & school events
- Music, Spanish & Mandarin
A calm, intentional environment for the young mind.
Child-centered care
Every child learns at their own pace. We create a nurturing Montessori environment that encourages independence, curiosity, confidence, and joyful discovery through hands-on experiences.
Preparing for life
We help children develop independence, responsibility, confidence, and essential life skills that prepare them for future learning and everyday success.
AMS- Credentialed Teachers
Our Montessori approach supports meaningful learning through structured guidance, real-world exploration, and developmentally appropriate experiences for lifelong growth.
Green Child Care
We provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment that encourages healthy habits, outdoor exploration, and a strong connection with nature while supporting every child’s growth and well-being.
A predictable, peaceful daily rhythm.
- Half Day
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Extended Day
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Full Day
9 hours between
7:00 AM & 6:00 PM
- Daycare
Morning 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Afternoon 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Trusted by parents in our community.
“We have found that a lot of Montessori Principles align with scientifically based research in terms of support in early child development and M5C follows these principles extremely well.”
Schedule a private tour of our school.
Tours are by appointment Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2:00–2:30 PM. You may bring your child. Please contact our office to schedule.
22781 Canyon Court
Castro Valley, CA 94552
Tour Hours
Mon · Wed · Fri — 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM by appointment
510-581-3729
Montessori.ins@gmail.com
Meet our Head of School /Founder Meher Van Groenou.
Meher Van Groenou has been serving as the Director of the school since founding the school. We only hire early childhood qualified teachers. In addition all head teachers are Montessori Early Childhood credentialed and certified by American Montessori Society.
100%
AMS-Credentialed Head
Teachers
5+ yrs
Average Teacher Tenure
Montessori Institute of Advanced Studies
In partnership with California State University, East Bay — credentialing the next generation of Montessori educators.