Montessori Child Care in North Seattle and Shoreline
At Chiara Preschool, we believe in blending time-honored Montessori principles with a modern approach tailored for today's active families. Formerly known as Alpha Montessori Preschool, we chose the name "Chiara" in tribute to Maria Montessori-honoring her legacy while embracing the evolving needs of early childhood education.
Founded and operated by Rob and Kimiyo, we bring over two decades of experience in nurturing young minds, alongside a dedicated team of educators with more than 35 years of expertise in early childhood care. Our Modern Montessori program fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning in a warm, engaging environment designed to support every child's unique journey.
At Chiara Preschool, we don't just prepare children for school-we prepare them for life.
Who is Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician, educator, and innovator best known for developing the Montessori method of education. As one of Italy's first female doctors, she applied her scientific background to studying child development, emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, and a prepared environment tailored to children's natural curiosity. Her approach, based on careful observation and respect for each child's unique learning pace, has influenced education worldwide, promoting self-directed learning and fostering a lifelong love of discovery. Today, Montessori principles continue to shape early childhood education, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.
