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 coming soon!)
We follow the Montessori philosophy of hands-on, self-directed learning — respecting each child’s natural curiosity and developmental pace.
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.
Program Highlights
What Makes CMS Unique
✔️ Authentic Montessori materials and methods
✔️ Mixed-age classroom for ages 2–6
✔️ Music Together classes every Monday
✔️ Outdoor exploration and nature-based learning
✔️ School-year calendar with part time and full time options, with optional summer camp
We help children develop concentration, confidence, and kindness — the foundation for lifelong learning.
Our Montessori Approach
Guided by Montessori Principles
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that education should awaken a child’s inner potential. At CMS, children are free to choose purposeful work, develop independence, and grow into capable, compassionate individuals.
We carefully prepare the environment to meet each child’s developmental needs — supporting academic, social, and emotional growth.
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.