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Excellent

#1350 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 14% in state

River Montessori Elementary Charter

Elementary School · River Montessori Elementary Charter District

3880 Cypress Dr. Ste. B, Petaluma, CA 94954

Charter

Enrollment

133

Student-Teacher

22.2:1

Score

8.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#1,350 of 9,539

In Petaluma

#2 of 30

public schools

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Excellent

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River Montessori Elementary Charter

8.1/10

Elementary School in Petaluma · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cypress Primary School

5.9/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Cypress School

6.3/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About River Montessori Elementary Charter

River Montessori Elementary Charter is a public elementary school in Petaluma, CA, part of River Montessori Elementary Charter District. River Montessori Elementary Charter serves approximately 133 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 22.2:1 student-teacher ratio. River Montessori Elementary Charter has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,350 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for River Montessori Elementary Charter show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

What's said publicly about River Montessori Elementary Charter

Sources: School's website

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated May 2026. Reviewed for accuracy.

River Montessori Elementary Charter School is located in a business park in Petaluma, California, surrounded by wetlands and protected open space 1 . The school adjoins the entrance to Ellis Creek and the Shollenberger Park Extension, providing access to nature 1 . The institution follows the Montessori method, featuring mixed-age groupings where students of different ages learn together 1 . The curriculum emphasizes uninterrupted work periods, allowing students to develop concentration and complete tasks thoroughly 1 . Learning is driven by intrinsic motivation and student-directed choices from a prepared environment, rather than external rewards or uniform schedules 1 . Students have freedom of movement within the classroom and engage in practical life activities such as food preparation and plant care to develop motor skills and responsibility 1 . Teachers act as guides who observe students and introduce materials based on readiness 1 . The school has no admissions criteria and is free for all eligible students 1 .
Sources (1)
  1. www.rivermontessoricharter.org
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it compares1.9 pts above CA schools
  • This school 8.1 · Excellent
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 133 students, River Montessori Elementary Charter is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

River Montessori Elementary Charter runs 22.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

River Montessori Elementary Charter is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress10.0Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change+4.9 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendImproving
Academics7.5Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency43.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency69.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+27 pts
Overall Proficiency57% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)60% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-3.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile63th
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,467
Chronic Absenteeism41.4%

River Montessori Elementary Charter — Students at River Montessori Elementary Charter score 57% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

25.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 38.7% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
39.3% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 60.1% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
44.9% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 14 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2018
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
63.8%
ELA
56.6%
2024
Math
43.3%
ELA
67.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 10.0/10.

How River Montessori Elementary Charter Compares

See how River Montessori Elementary Charter performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.1/10
86th percentile in CA
Academic
7.5/10
Very Good
Growth
10.0/10
Excellent
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
26%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
41.4%

Location

3880 Cypress Dr. Ste. B, Petaluma, CA 94954

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering River Montessori Elementary Charter may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. THE SPRING HILL SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is McKinley Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 2.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Loma Vista Immersion Academy (rated 7.5/10, 3.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Petaluma, see our Petaluma schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.2 mi
School Distance Rating
CYPRESS PRIMARY SCHOOL Petaluma 0.0 mi 5.9
CYPRESS SCHOOL Petaluma 0.1 mi 6.3
HARVEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Petaluma 0.5 mi 5.6
Sonoma Mountain High (Continuation) Petaluma 1.2 mi
Casa Grande High Petaluma 1.3 mi 6.5
Miwok Valley Elementary Charter Petaluma 1.5 mi 4.3
La Tercera Elementary Petaluma 1.8 mi 6.4
THE SPRING HILL SCHOOL Petaluma 2.0 mi 8.6
Old Adobe Elementary Charter Petaluma 2.6 mi 6.3
McDowell Elementary Petaluma 2.3 mi 5.3
Valley Oaks High (Alternative) Petaluma 2.4 mi 7.1
San Antonio High (Continuation) Petaluma 2.4 mi 4.4
Grant Elementary Petaluma 2.4 mi 7.3
Live Oak Charter Petaluma 2.6 mi 6.4
McKinley Elementary Petaluma 2.8 mi 7.5
Petaluma Accelerated Charter Petaluma 2.8 mi 8.1
McNear Elementary Petaluma 2.7 mi 5.7
Loma Vista Immersion Academy Petaluma 3.0 mi 7.5
South County Consortium Petaluma 3.1 mi 7.4
Carpe Diem High (Continuation) Petaluma 3.2 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94954 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$107,564

Median Home Value

$790,100

Median Rent

$2,405/mo

Population

38,000

College Educated

36.9%

Homeownership

66.7%

Avg Commute

31 min

Poverty Rate

5.9%

Median Age

44.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Ballard Elementary Solvang, CA 8.1
Dr. James Edward Jones Primary Center Los Angeles, CA 8.1
Lexington Elementary Los Gatos, CA 8.1
Marcum-Illinois Union Elementary East Nicolaus, CA 8.1
New Los Angeles Charter Elementary Los Angeles, CA 8.1
Robert F. Kennedy Elementary Los Angeles, CA 8.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about River Montessori Elementary Charter

What grades does River Montessori Elementary Charter serve?

River Montessori Elementary Charter serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend River Montessori Elementary Charter?

River Montessori Elementary Charter has an enrollment of approximately 133 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at River Montessori Elementary Charter?

The student-teacher ratio at River Montessori Elementary Charter is 22.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does River Montessori Elementary Charter rank in CA?

River Montessori Elementary Charter ranks #1,350 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is River Montessori Elementary Charter's MySchoolScout rating?

River Montessori Elementary Charter has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at River Montessori Elementary Charter?

Based on loaded state assessment records, River Montessori Elementary Charter has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is River Montessori Elementary Charter a charter school?

Yes, River Montessori Elementary Charter is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is River Montessori Elementary Charter a Title I school?

No, River Montessori Elementary Charter is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for River Montessori Elementary Charter?

25.6% of students at River Montessori Elementary Charter qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
35 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
21 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
45 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
133
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
25.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Sonoma County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
41.4%

District

River Montessori Elementary Charter District
District Enrollment
133
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,467
District Rank
#1 of 1

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