Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ridgecrest Montessori Children’s House (RMCH) located?
Our school is located at 732 North Norma, Suite B, which was built to be a school and has housed an elementary Montessori program in the past. We would love to have you tour our school! You can click on the "Schedule a Tour" link and sign up for a tour today!
Who is leading the teaching staff at RMCH?
Abeer (Abby) Alhayek is our Owner/Director, she has thirteen years of experience as a teacher and director in a Montessori program, and is certified to teach T-K/Kinder and Lower Elementary. Amanda Nelson is the Lead Elementary Teacher and has been teaching in a Montessori classroom for thirteen years, five of them spent as lead teacher supporting Upper and Lower Elementary, both of which she holds certifications in. Tammy Motteshard is our Lead Primary Teacher and has been a Montessori Early Childhood teacher for the past thirteen years, which she is also certified in.
How much is tuition?
Tuition rates are provided in the registration packet. Rates are comparable to other local private schools for half-day, 3/4 day, and full-day Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, as well as elementary and after school enrichment program.
What are the class sizes?
We will never exceed a ratio of twelve students per teacher. In the Montessori environment children are usually in multi-age cohorts as they work according to their skills and abilities, as well as their needs for support. We anticipate a lower elementary cohort and an upper elementary cohort, focused on the specific academic needs of children at these developmental stages.
What are the school calendar and hours?
Our calendar closely follows the holidays and dates of the Sierra Sands academic calendar. However, we will not have late start days, and our minimum days will be slightly different because the Montessori model provides for more parent conferences than public schools. School will start daily at 8:00am, but drop-off will start at 7:30am. School will end at 2:30pm for those who are enrolled for the full day, the After School Enrichment Program will end at 5:30pm.
What if I have another question?
Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. You can email us at ridgecrestmch@gmail.com or call us at (760) 381-6527 during normal business hours.