Valley Montessori Academy’s New Beginnings for Bakersfield’s Youngest Learners
In the heart of the Seven Oaks Business Park, Valley Montessori Academy (VMA) has established a nurturing educational haven, serving children from 18 months to 9 years old. Known for its warm, engaging environment, VMA is committed to helping children grow and thrive through self-directed learning, independence, and curiosity. With the recent groundbreaking of a new building—Valley Montessori Academy Infant & Toddler Village—VMA is set to expand its reach even further, welcoming infants as young as six months old into their thoughtfully designed Montessori Infant & Toddler Environment. The expansion represents a new chapter in VMA’s commitment to early childhood education, set to debut in Fall 2026.
The new Valley Montessori Academy Infant & Toddler Village will add two new classrooms dedicated to infants aged 6 to 18 months, creating one of Bakersfield’s most comprehensive offerings for infant care. The expansion also allows VMA to increase toddler enrollment, with three new classrooms catering to children aged 18 to 36 months. Additionally, the academy will transform its existing toddler classrooms, establishing Casa 4, a new primary classroom for children ages 3 to 6 years. These changes not only reflect the school’s growth but its commitment to offering quality Montessori education to a broader age range.
Beyond classrooms, VMA is setting itself apart by introducing the Peace Rose Meditation Room, a unique yoga and meditation center, making it the only school in California with a dedicated space for mindfulness on campus. Designed for VMA students, staff, and the extended Montessori community, this center will offer yoga and mindfulness practices as an integral part of the curriculum. The goal is to nurture emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience in young children, helping them build a foundation for stability, authenticity, and ethical engagement in the world.
VMA’s expansion will also enhance its edible garden, giving students hands-on experience with gardening and food. This garden offers an engaging way to introduce young learners to the concepts of health, sustainability, and the rewards of growing their own food. VMA’s focus on these experiences is another testament to its holistic approach to education.
As VMA continues to grow, the school is laying the groundwork for a full Spanish Immersion program, further enhancing its educational offerings and enriching the experience for its diverse student body. VMA aims to foster linguistic and cultural awareness, preparing students for a globalized world through bilingual education.
As VMA expands, its focus on developing deep connections with the local community and supporting teacher professional development remains strong. Through its new offerings and commitment to a nurturing, mindful educational experience, Valley Montessori Academy is shaping the future of early childhood education in Bakersfield, creating a foundation of confidence, happiness, and lifelong learning for each child.
Valley Montessori Academy is situated in the Seven Oaks Business Park, a master-planned, 276-acre mixed-use development known for its environmentally friendly design and integration of open spaces. For the latest development news on the new Valley Montessori Academy Infant & Toddler Village and future projects, visit BolthouseProperties.com.