Our mission is to inspire our inclusive community of learners to shape the world with joyful curiosity, courage, and compassion and nurture a lifelong love of learning

Our History

The Sammamish Montessori School was started in 1977 by Founding Director Joan Starling and her husband, Chris Starling, in a location overlooking Lake Sammamish in what was then part of Redmond, Washington (decades before the City of Sammamish was established).

Our school has grown from an initial class of six preschool students into a vibrant multicultural school preparing toddler, preschool, kindergarten and lower elementary students with a maximum capacity of 300 students with strong academic and social skills and a love of learning.  This history has seen the maturing of the original classes into adulthood, and even alumni returning as parents of new students. Joan’s two daughters, Janet Villella and Hilary Prentice, continued the storied journey for over two decades following in their parents’ footsteps.

Today, Jabeen Hussain (Head of School) and Kalai Elango (Business Director), along with a dedicated and talented group of teachers and supporting staff, continue to ensure high standards and a caring, family-centered atmosphere at our school conveniently located in Redmond, Washington near the end of SR 520/Avondale, close to Microsoft’s main campus.

As members of the Sammamish Montessori community, it is our shared responsibility to devote ourselves to implementing and sustaining each of our core commitments.

We prioritize safety in everything we do. We act with safety of our children, staff, and school premises as our single most important priority.

We ground ourselves in the Montessori Philosophy by building an environment that inspires inquiry, stokes passion for lifelong learning, and encourages agents of change.

We extend learning with our Montessori+ curriculum. This innovative program integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Music & Movement (STEAM) and signature enrichment programs into our curriculum.

We develop thinkers of the future. We cultivate creative thinking, collaborative problem solving, and critical inquiry.  We celebrate growth and purpose in every child.

We treat everyone with respect and kindness. We treat others the same way we want to be treated. We build an anti-racist/anti-bias culture of belonging and inclusion.

We cultivate a diverse community. We partner with our parents and caregivers to conduct events and establish traditions that bring us together as one SMS family.

Our SMS experience

Our unique Montessori approach provides a holistic, well-rounded, and academically rigorous experience for our students. Teachers and parents work collaboratively to foster the child’s development and ensure each child’s well-being as they continue to grow and learn.

You’re invited!

Tour our campus and let us show you why children and families love SMS.