Welcome to Community Montessori Preschool

About CMS

Community Montessori School is a traditional Montessori preschool located in a quiet, residential neighborhood of Lake Oswego. Our intentionally small class size (8–12 children per day) allows for personalized guidance, meaningful connections, and a peaceful, focused environment. Currently enrolling children ages 2-6 years old (toddler class opening January 2027)

We follow the Montessori philosophy of hands-on, self-directed learning — respecting each child’s natural curiosity and developmental pace.

Preschool children painting and expressing creativity at Community Montessori School in Lake Oswego
Young children sitting together in a Montessori preschool classroom fostering social skills and learning
children playing outside at Community Montessori Preschool lake oswego

At Community Montessori School, we support each child’s natural curiosity with hands-on learning and caring teachers. Our welcoming community helps children grow confidently and enjoy discovering the world around them.

What Makes CMS Unique

music together for preschools
Children enjoying a group music together class, enhancing rhythm and coordination at Montessori preschool
Montessori teacher hugging a child in a caring moment at Community Montessori School in Lake Oswego

Meet Ginger Barker, Founder and Lead Guide at CMS

Meet Our Montessori Preschool Teacher in Lake Oswego

Community Montessori School is led by Ginger, a certified Montessori teacher with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education.

Ginger holds an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Primary Credential and a Master’s degree in Education. Her background includes Montessori classroom teaching, music instruction, and parent education — all rooted in a deep respect for the child and a passion for authentic Montessori practice.

She founded CMS in 2010 to create a nurturing, home-based Montessori environment where children are free to explore, grow, and thrive at their own pace. Each day, she brings calm guidance, joyful observation, and a commitment to supporting the whole child — socially, emotionally, and academically.

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Jaclyn Sarna
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Our family has been a part of the the CMS community for two years and counting. We have had nothing but positive interactions with Ginger (and Shizuka). Our eldest son's first school experience was at CMS and I felt deeply comforted by the warm and enriching environment created by Ginger. CMS has nurtured his curiosity and prepared him for kindergarten in so many ways.
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Shyam Joshi
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We had both of our children attend CMS and had an excellent experience. Both Ginger and Shizuka were thoughtful in their approach to preschool, and I am confident it made a meaningfully positive change in our children. We have nothing but great things to say about CMS!
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A Joshi
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Our kids attended CMS for 3 years each and we would highly recommend this wonderful Montessori school. Ginger is truly an amazing teacher and she creates an enviroment where all children are supported to grow in whichever direction excites them. It is a true Montessori experience with the children encouraged to be independent, take ownership, help one another, and spend a lot of time outdoors, no matter the weather. We loved the mixed age classroom setting and the flexibility with hours as our children grew from age 2.5 to 5 and could do longer and more days. There was always transparent and open communication that really helped us stay informed about how our children were growing and experiencing school. It was so hard to say goodbye when our last child finished CMS but the transition to public kindergarten was smooth for both kids, thanks to all the social, emotional and academic support from CMS.
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Ryan Albrecht
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Our son spent 2 years with Ginger at CMS, and we loved the experience. He entered traditional kindergarten with all the tools he needed to make a relatively seamless adjustment.
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Kristi Grant
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A true gem! This in house Montessori preschool provides a nurturing and safe environment that instills a life long love for learning. True to the Montessori method, my child developed practical skills and independence. These skills were so helpful as they transitioned into grade school. The teacher is supportive and understanding and they have plenty of time to spend outdoors. I highly recommend this school if you are looking for a safe and welcoming environment where your child will thrive!
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