Peninsula
Montessori Schools

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 2001 opening of the Golden Cove Center school

From the Founder: Claudia Krikorian

In 1978, my 5-year-old daughter was attending a Montessori school at the foot of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. I volunteered quite a bit and fell in love with the Montessori philosophy of education. When the owner informed me that she was moving, I bought the school so it could continue without interruption. Since that time, it has continued to expand and is now in two locations: the Golden Cove Center for the past 25 years and the Center for Spiritual Living in South Redondo Beach. When I opened the doors all those years ago, I had no idea that nearly five decades later I would still be doing this work and loving it as much as I do!

School Growth

Our growth and longevity are the result of several factors. Certainly, there is a tremendous need for quality education in our community, but more importantly, families are looking for an educational environment that recognizes and nurtures each child as a unique individual. It is truly an honor to now be educating the children of our former graduates!

We have stayed true to our principles while continually growing and evolving to serve each new generation of children. We have been blessed with wonderful families, dedicated teachers and a community that values the whole child. That support, combined with a genuine passion for this work, is what has allowed our school to thrive.

Embracing Change

The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a business owner has been the importance of adapting to change—especially when it comes to technology. As the world began to shift toward digital systems, I realized the need to transition to computers rather than holding on to old methods of writing everything by hand and using a Rolodex to manage phone numbers and contacts.

Growth requires a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone. Just as we encourage children to be adaptable and open to learning, I recognized the need to embody those same qualities.

Individualized Education

I have lived in Palos Verdes my entire life and have witnessed many changes throughout the decades. I treasure our community and have tremendous respect for the education I received while growing up. However, I realized that the one-size-fits-all educational model struggled to meet the needs of children as they develop at different rates with varying strengths, interests and learning styles. Our focus is on critical thinking and understanding, not just recall.

At Peninsula Montessori Schools, we are not simply preparing our students for the next grade level but for a future that is changing rapidly. By fostering independence, curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration and a lifelong love of learning, we are helping children develop the very qualities that will allow them to thrive in whatever comes next.

Main image photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro