our school

our school

our school

Little Explorers Montessori is a small, in-home Montessori school, not a large childcare center. We are located in a detached single-family home in the Eastwood Village community of Irvine, intentionally designed to create a calm, intimate learning environment where each child is truly known.

Our two-story home dedicates the entire first floor exclusively to our Montessori program, allowing for small class sizes and individualized, observation-based education. With fewer children, our guides are able to carefully observe each child’s development, respond to their unique needs, and support learning at the child’s natural pace, one of the core principles of authentic Montessori education. Filled with natural light and fresh air, our classrooms open directly to a secure backyard designed for purposeful outdoor exploration. Children enjoy daily access to a playground, playhouse, sandbox with kinetic sand, mini garden, splash station, and a live nature corner that encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery.

Little Explorers Montessori is a small, in-home Montessori school, not a large childcare center. We are located in a detached single-family home in the Eastwood Village community of Irvine, intentionally designed to create a calm, intimate learning environment where each child is truly known.

Our two-story home dedicates the entire first floor exclusively to our Montessori program, allowing for small class sizes and individualized, observation-based education. With fewer children, our guides are able to carefully observe each child’s development, respond to their unique needs, and support learning at the child’s natural pace, one of the core principles of authentic Montessori education. Filled with natural light and fresh air, our classrooms open directly to a secure backyard designed for purposeful outdoor exploration. Children enjoy daily access to a playground, playhouse, sandbox with kinetic sand, mini garden, splash station, and a live nature corner that encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery.

Little Explorers Montessori is a small, in-home Montessori school, not a large childcare center. We are located in a detached single-family home in the Eastwood Village community of Irvine, intentionally designed to create a calm, intimate learning environment where each child is truly known.

Our two-story home dedicates the entire first floor exclusively to our Montessori program, allowing for small class sizes and individualized, observation-based education. With fewer children, our guides are able to carefully observe each child’s development, respond to their unique needs, and support learning at the child’s natural pace, one of the core principles of authentic Montessori education. Filled with natural light and fresh air, our classrooms open directly to a secure backyard designed for purposeful outdoor exploration. Children enjoy daily access to a playground, playhouse, sandbox with kinetic sand, mini garden, splash station, and a live nature corner that encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery.

Our mission is to guide each child with respect, provide individualized care within a small in-home Montessori environment, and foster meaningful connections among children, families, and guides.

Our mission is to guide each child with respect, provide individualized care within a small in-home Montessori environment, and foster meaningful connections among children, families, and guides.

Our mission is to guide each child with respect, provide individualized care within a small in-home Montessori environment, and foster meaningful connections among children, families, and guides.

Montessori preschool student in Irvine preparing food independently as part of practical life activities
Montessori preschool student in Irvine preparing food independently as part of practical life activities
Montessori preschool student in Irvine preparing food independently as part of practical life activities
Young child engaged in Montessori classroom work at Little Explorers Montessori in Irvine
Young child engaged in Montessori classroom work at Little Explorers Montessori in Irvine
Young child engaged in Montessori classroom work at Little Explorers Montessori in Irvine

Our Mission

At Little Explorers Montessori, children come first. We are deeply committed to creating a nurturing environment where each moment is purposeful, engaging, and supportive of every child’s growth.

Our program is grounded in the Montessori philosophy, which recognizes that development begins at birth. We thoughtfully balance academic exploration, physical development, outdoor and indoor experiences, healthy meals, and hands-on learning to support the whole child.

We treat each child with respect and intentionally cultivate meaningful connections within our community, fostering confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Philosophy

Little Explorers Montessori is a small, in-home Montessori community where children come first. We are dedicated to creating a calm, nurturing environment in which every moment supports joyful, purposeful learning and the child’s natural development.

Development from Birth
We support children from the moment they are born, honoring the first three years of life as a critical period of growth. During this time, children build the foundations for independence, concentration, movement, language, and emotional security

A Carefully Prepared Environment
Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared with natural, environmentally friendly materials that invite hands-on exploration, order, and concentration. Each element of the environment is intentionally designed to support independence and respect for the child and the world around them.

Health & Nutrition
Balanced nutrition and healthy daily routines are an essential part of a child’s development. We support children’s physical well-being, focus, and energy through nourishing meals and consistent care practices.

Music, Language & Creative Expression
Music, storytelling, and creative expression are woven naturally into our days to support language development, imagination, and emotional growth helping children express themselves with confidence and joy

Child focused on hands-on Montessori learning in a prepared classroom environment
Child focused on hands-on Montessori learning in a prepared classroom environment
Child focused on hands-on Montessori learning in a prepared classroom environment
Child working independently in a small in-home Montessori school in Irvine, California
Child working independently in a small in-home Montessori school in Irvine, California
Child working independently in a small in-home Montessori school in Irvine, California

WHAT MAKES OUR IN-HOME MONTESSORI DIFFERENT

WHAT MAKES OUR IN-HOME MONTESSORI DIFFERENT

WHAT MAKES OUR IN-HOME MONTESSORI DIFFERENT

Small Class Size & Individual Attention
Our limited enrollment allows us to build close relationships with every child and family, offering a level of care and attention not possible in large centers.

Observation-Based Montessori Education
With fewer children, our guides spend more time observing, guiding, and supporting each child’s development, academically, socially, and emotionally.

Transparent Classroom App
Families receive daily updates, photos, and developmental insights through the Transparent Classroom App, creating a strong home–school connection.

Screen-Free Environment
There are no screens anywhere in our classrooms. Learning happens through movement, hands-on materials, and real-world experiences.

Homemade, Thoughtfully Prepared Meals
Children enjoy fresh, homemade meals and participate in meal routines that support independence and practical life skills.

Health-Focused Environment
We maintain a clean, carefully prepared environment with:
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting
• Use of a bactericidal lamp
These practices contribute to children getting sick significantly less often than in large childcare centers.

Faculty & Staff

Our success is built on the experience, dedication, and care of our team. Each member of Little Explorers is a trained professional committed to nurturing every child’s growth, independence, and love of learning.

Julia Prisyazhnyuk, Montessori educator and founder of Little Explorers Montessori in Irvine

Director, Head Teacher

Julia Prisyazhnyuk

Julia Prisyazhnyuk, Montessori educator and founder of Little Explorers Montessori in Irvine

Director, Head Teacher

Julia Prisyazhnyuk

Julia Prisyazhnyuk, Montessori educator and founder of Little Explorers Montessori in Irvine

Director, Head Teacher

Julia Prisyazhnyuk

Lina Krukova, Montessori teacher supporting early childhood development at Little Explorers Montessori

Infant-Toddler Teacher

Lena Krivosheenko

Lina Krukova, Montessori teacher supporting early childhood development at Little Explorers Montessori

Infant-Toddler Teacher

Lena Krivosheenko

Lina Krukova, Montessori teacher supporting early childhood development at Little Explorers Montessori

Infant-Toddler Teacher

Lena Krivosheenko

Little Explorers Montessori was founded on a deep respect for each child’s natural ability to learn and grow within a thoughtfully prepared environment. By remaining a small, in-home Montessori school, we are able to truly know each child, provide individualized guidance, and nurture independence, confidence and a love of learning through hands-on, screen-free experiences. It is our privilege to partner with families during these formative early years and support the development of the whole child.

Little Explorers Montessori was founded on a deep respect for each child’s natural ability to learn and grow within a thoughtfully prepared environment. By remaining a small, in-home Montessori school, we are able to truly know each child, provide individualized guidance, and nurture independence, confidence and a love of learning through hands-on, screen-free experiences. It is our privilege to partner with families during these formative early years and support the development of the whole child.

— Founder's Message

— Founder's Message