Camarillo Insider

Located in Camarillo at 4451 Las Posas Road, Carousel Montessori Preschool stands as a beacon of early childhood education excellence in Ventura County. With a commitment to nurturing young minds in a supportive environment, this preschool has become a valuable resource for local families seeking quality education for children ages two through Kindergarten.

Carousel Montessori Preschool offers a supportive atmosphere where children’s natural curiosity is encouraged, creating the perfect foundation for lifelong learning. With their flexible programs designed to accommodate various family schedules, they’ve established themselves as a trusted educational partner in the Camarillo community.

The school’s inspiring journey began with a shared passion for early childhood development. After over a decade of experience with an existing Montessori school, the current leadership embraced ownership in 2021, bringing fresh energy while maintaining the core Montessori principles. Their mission emphasizes providing a safe and nurturing environment where children develop through respect, dignity, and love—essential qualities that foster the creation of future leaders.

At the core of Carousel Montessori’s philosophy is a commitment to fostering independence and self-confidence in young children. Their professional staff implements the Montessori method with dedication, ensuring that each child leaves the program prepared for future educational success. This approach creates a space for growth and exploration where Camarillo’s young minds thrive in an atmosphere that mirrors the comfort and security of home.

Carousel Montessori Preschool offers a variety of flexible program options designed to meet the diverse needs of families in the Camarillo area. Their Early Care options support working parents with weekday scheduling flexibility, while their Half-Day Preschool programs provide the perfect balance of structured learning and creative play. For families needing extended hours, the Extended Day Program ensures children enjoy a full day of educational activities in a supportive environment.

The curriculum at Carousel follows the classic Montessori approach, focusing on five key areas of development. The Practical Life area prepares children for daily living and teaches principles of concentration. Sensorial activities help develop and refine the five senses, while Language exercises teach both written and spoken communication through exploration of letters, sounds, and handwriting. Mathematics is taught using hands-on and visual learning materials, making abstract concepts concrete. The Culture component allows children to explore the wider world through geography, science, botany, zoology, history, art, and music.

What truly sets Carousel Montessori apart is their commitment to creating a family-like learning environment. As a small, private preschool, they form meaningful bonds with each child and their families, fostering trust and genuine connections. This close-knit community atmosphere creates the ideal conditions for children to thrive both socially and academically, with parents consistently noting remarkable progress in their children’s development.

Parent testimonials highlight the transformative impact of Carousel Montessori’s approach. One parent shared how their kindergartner made significant improvements in reading and writing, while another described how their 4-year-old progressed from struggling with letter recognition to reading sentences within just five months. Perhaps most touchingly, a parent noted: “After the first day of class, we immediately noticed a difference in our daughter. She dances her way to the car and talks about how she had fun. It is like she has blossomed in an environment that works for her.”

The professional teaching team at Carousel Montessori is led by co-owners and directors Robin Bales and Beth Suafo’a, whose passion for early childhood education is evident in every aspect of the school’s operations. Their leadership guides a dedicated staff of preschool teachers, including Miss Frances, Miss Bit, Miss Rochelle, Miss Leila, Miss Joanna, Miss Christina, and Miss Lillian, each bringing their unique talents and warm personalities to the classroom experience.

This passionate, professional team nurtures every child’s potential, providing quality education enriched with compassion and individual attention. Their commitment to the Montessori philosophy ensures that each child receives personalized guidance that respects their unique developmental pace and learning style. The result is a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering atmosphere where children develop the confidence and skills they need for future academic success.