Teacher owned and operated
A Montessori preschool in Napa, where children learn at their own pace.
Hopper Creek Montessori has been part of Napa Valley for forty years, and it is owned and run by the teachers themselves. We take children ages two through six, keep our classes small, and let each child follow the work that holds their attention.
Three programs...
Preschool
Ages 2–3
Age-appropriate work that builds problem solving, language, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and comfort in a classroom.
- Practical life
- Sensorial
- Art
- Imaginative play
- Scientific exploration
3, 4, or 5 days a week. Potty training is not required to attend.
Pre-K
Ages 3–4
A full Montessori environment where each child moves at their own pace with a teacher alongside them, building independence and responsibility.
- Practical life and sensorial
- Handwriting and language
- Math and geography
- Scientific exploration
- Art
4 or 5 days a week.
TK
Ages 4–6
Transitional kindergarten, designed to enhance kindergarten readiness. An advanced year for our Pre-K graduates, adding tool-skill work that sharpens fine motor control alongside the core Montessori materials.
- Reading and writing
- Math and science
- Art
- Fine motor and tool skills
5 days a week, or earlier when a child is ready.
Meet Our Teachers
Mrs. Tamara
Director
Before Hopper Creek, Tamara travelled widely as a private nanny, meeting families all over the world. Those years shaped how she thinks about what a young child needs from the room around them.
"There is such joy in watching a child's eyes light up when they manage something they didn't think they could do. It is more than ABCs and 123s. It is kindness, independence, and the value of community."
Ms. Cleo
Preschool Teacher
Away from school, Cleo likes walking downtown, spending time with her family, and a drink from Dutch Bros — she is not particular about which one.
"I love the rhythm of the classroom and the way children discover their own pace of learning."
Ms. Brenna
Office & Support Staff
Brenna taught at Hopper Creek for five years before moving into the office. She now keeps the school running day to day and steps into the classrooms wherever an extra pair of hands is needed, so she is usually the person you reach when you call or email.
"The Montessori environment is a beautiful place for children to grow and thrive in their own time."
Lincoln
Resident Dog
Lincoln is a fourteen-year-old red heeler and a certified emotional support animal. She has been coming to school longer than any of our children have been alive, and she spends most of the day within arm's reach of somebody.
"Her two great enthusiasms are being read to and eating snacks, in roughly that order. Children who are having a hard morning tend to find her first."
What parents say
Reviews left by Hopper Creek families on Google.
“My son spent a year at Hopper Creek and it was a fantastic experience! The facility is clean, light, and well maintained. The kids also spend a lot of time outside, which we loved. The staff are caring, communicative, and really sweet.”
Kirsten G.
Google review
“Our daughter has shown immense growth since beginning her time at Hopper Creek. Her teachers have shown her such love and support throughout each stage of her development. We can't wait to see how she continues to grow!”
Lauren N.
Google review
“I have had four children go through Hopper Creek with Tamara and Brenna at the helm — with the last one currently in pre-k. Each of my children is different but each has thrived in the Montessori environment and with the teachers that are all so kind.”
Caroline H.
Google review
What Children Work On
Ten areas run through every classroom. A child may spend a morning on one of them or move between several.
Sensorial Exploration
Children explore the physical world through touch, sight, and smell, developing a deep understanding of the natural world.
Practical Life
Learning the skills of daily life, from pouring water to cleaning, to build independence and responsibility.
Language
Developing communication skills through a rich environment of books, songs, and interactive storytelling.
Mathematics
Discovering the beauty of numbers and patterns through hands-on materials that make abstract concepts concrete.
Cultural Awareness
Exploring the diverse world through history, geography, and the arts, fostering respect for all cultures.
Art and Creativity
Expressing the self through painting, sculpting, and music, nurturing imagination and emotional expression.
Physical Development
Moving the body through coordination games, climbing, and outdoor play to build strength and agility.
Social and Emotional Growth
Learning to navigate relationships, resolve conflicts, and build empathy through peer interaction.
Independence and Responsibility
Developing the ability to make choices, manage time, and take ownership of one's own learning journey.
Individualized Learning
Following the unique pace of each child, allowing them to focus on the work that holds their attention.
A Day Here
A typical day. The rhythm holds, though the details shift with the children and the weather.
7:30–8:30
Arrival
Children arrive and transition into the classroom environment.
8:30–9:45
Open work cycle
Children select and work independently at their own pace.
9:45–10:00
Snack
A nutritious, child-led snack time with a focus on independence.
10:00–10:30
Group time
Guided activities and circle time to foster community.
10:45–11:45
Outdoor time
Active play and exploration in our outdoor Montessori garden.
11:45–12:30
Lunch
A quiet, child-led lunch period in a calm, clean environment.
12:30–2:30
Nap or open work
Restorative naps or a second open work cycle for independent learners.
2:30–3:00
Open work cycle
Final independent work period before the afternoon snack.
3:00–3:15
Snack
A final, child-led snack to close the day with energy.
3:15–3:45
Group time
Final circle time and transition to the afternoon outdoor play.
3:45–pickup
Outdoor time
Final outdoor exploration before children are picked up.
Enrollment Package Contents
- LIC 700
- LIC 701
- LIC 702
- LIC 627
- LIC 995
- LIC 613A
- A copy of the child's immunization records
How to Enroll
We admit on a rolling basis, so you can apply and start at any point in the year.
1
Visit the School
Call or text Brenna at 707-231-8768, or email us to schedule a tour at our Napa Valley campus.
2
Fill Out an Application
Complete our enrollment application. Paper forms are always available at the school, or we can send a set to you by email.
3
Enroll
We send an enrollment package to complete before the first day of school.
Forty Years in Napa Valley
Founded in 1984 in Yountville, Hopper Creek Montessori moved to its present home near downtown Napa ten years later. We have grown under the dedicated leadership of founder Carol Woodiwiss and are now proudly passed to Brenna Roth in 2022. Our history is a testament to the enduring power of teacher-led Montessori education in our community.
Holiday Schedule
Our school is closed during these dates for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please check back for updates.
January 1 — New Year's Day
January 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 14 — Valentine's Day
March 17 — St. Patrick's Day
May 24 — Memorial Day
July 4 — Independence Day
July 5 — Independence Day
July 11 — Independence Day
July 12 — Independence Day
July 13 — Independence Day
Questions Parents Ask
Common inquiries regarding our Montessori programs, tuition, and classroom environment.
What is the tuition cost?
Our tuition varies by program and schedule. Full-day programs are $995/month, while half-day options are $400/month. We offer a $200 discount for community members.
What ages do you accept?
We serve children ages two through six. We do not require potty training to start, and we welcome all children who are ready to learn at their own pace.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We offer morning, extended-day, and full-day options to fit your family's schedule.
When can a child start?
We admit on a rolling basis. You can apply and start at any point in the year. We recommend visiting the school to discuss your child's readiness.
How does Montessori differ?
Montessori is a child-led approach where children choose their own work. We emphasize independence, responsibility, and a deep love of learning through hands-on materials.
Visit Our School
2141 2nd St, Napa, CA 94558
Call or text Brenna: 707-231-8768
Email: hoppercreekmontessori1@gmail.com
Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Three programs, one classroom philosophy
Class sizes run from six to twelve children, with one to two teachers in the room. The whole school is capped at twenty children.
Age-appropriate work that builds problem solving, language, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and comfort in a classroom.
3, 4, or 5 days a week. Potty training is not required to attend.
Preschool
Ages 2–3
- Practical life
- Sensorial
- Art
- Imaginative play
- Scientific exploration
A full Montessori environment where each child moves at their own pace with a teacher alongside them, building independence and responsibility.
4 or 5 days a week.
Pre-K
Ages 3–4
- Practical life and sensorial
- Handwriting and language
- Math and geography
- Scientific exploration
- Art
Transitional kindergarten, designed to enhance kindergarten readiness. An advanced year for our Pre-K graduates, adding tool-skill work that sharpens fine motor control alongside the core Montessori materials.
5 days a week, or earlier when a child is ready.
TK
Ages 4–6
- Reading and writing
- Math and science
- Art
- Fine motor and tool skills