Springfield Montessori Walnut Creek is Having a 35th Anniversary Party and You’re Invited! August 20 @ 12pm
Acclaimed Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek, 2780 Mitchell Drive, has been educating and enriching the lives of toddlers and children in pre-K and kindergarten since 1990.
At 2780 Mitchell Drive in Shadelands, set safely back a ways from the street, stands Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek. Operating in a custom designed, award-winning building on a spacious and picturesque four-acre site, with a prominent monument sign, a long, private driveway, plenty of parking, and a welcoming entrance, Springfield Montessori School has been educating little ones, ages two to six, since 1990, and has called Shadelands home since 2006.
Springfield was founded by longtime educator Shashi Lal, who follows the Montessori philosophy of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870–1952). The difference between traditional teaching and Montessori is the difference between teacher-led and child-led. It’s the process, not the product.
“Here we follow the child, creating an environment that is open and organized, and that fosters their curiosity and sense of self-directed exploration, encourages hands-on engagement and independence, and provides a foundation for positive academic experiences,” said Rosanne Esplanada, Springfield’s admissions director. “Our focus is developing the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically — while preparing them for the next step on their educational journey.”
Springfield Montessori School was featured in a comprehensive March 2025 profile in The Shadelands Scene, which showcased the school’s renowned Montessori approach to education, and the school’s carefully structured spaces and sensory-rich environments designed specifically for toddlers through age six.
Montessori classrooms use sensorial, language, and practical materials designed to engage children's senses and help them develop skills in coordination, concentration, and math concepts, among others.
Learning gardens — outdoor classrooms — are tended to by students, who develop an understanding of and connection to the food they eat.
Now Springfield Montessori Walnut Creek is celebrating its 35th anniversary in a big way, and the public is invited to mark the occasion and join in the fun.
Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek
35th Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting
Meet & Greet; Presentations; Kona Ice
Thursday, August 20 | 12pm
2780 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek
On Thursday, August 20, at noon, Springfield is hosting a ribbon cutting in partnership with the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce to mark the milestone. Community members and interested families are invited to join Springfield at the ribbon cutting to learn about the Montessori Method, meet Springfield’s teachers, explore the classrooms, and meet new and returning families for conversation and sharing.
Attending will be former, returning, and new Springfield families and teachers, Chamber Ambassadors, elected officials, and business leaders. Walnut Creek Mayor Kevin Wilk will share a few thoughts, and representatives of Springfield will speak to the history of the school and the journeys of its students and teachers. The Kona Ice truck will be on campus serving up tropical-style shaved ice and frozen treats free for everyone in attendance.
“Prior to the actual ribbon cutting, we’re hosting a morning Meet & Greet social hour for students and families who are enrolled for the upcoming term — new students and returning students,” said Rachel Jacobsen, the director of Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek. “They’ll have a chance to formally meet their teachers and each other. Then, we’ll host the general Meet & Greet and ribbon cutting, welcoming back former students, families, and teachers. And of course, this is an exciting celebration to share with the public, so we invite everyone to come join us and get to know Springfield Montessori.”
Thirty-five years is a significant milestone for any business. But for Springfield Montessori, a small, family-owned business, recognizing and celebrating this milestone is deeply meaningful to the Springfield community.
Welcoming students and parents to Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek are (l-r) Director Rachel Jacobsen and longtime Springfield Montessori teachers Miss Belinda and Miss Katrina.
“Reflecting on the history of the past 35 years has been amazing for all of us, seeing how far we’ve come, and still living and breathing the mission created the day the school was founded: True Montessori,” said Rachel. “And that’s what we’re celebrating: 35 years of success and commitment to our mission; 35 years of serving children and our community.”
Miss Belinda has taught all ages at Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek over the past 25 years, and currently teaches kindergarten. “I’ve stayed at Springfield for 25 years because this is my love,” said Miss Belinda, who has a 43-year career in Montessori education, and whose own two children went through Montessori schools. “I enjoy teaching and interacting with children and their families. I enjoy my co-workers, who are amazing people — awesome teachers. I’ve enjoyed the Montessori experience as both a teacher and a parent.”
“Last year, a high school graduate came back to Springfield in his cap and gown and visited Miss Belinda at Springfield to say ‘Thank you,’” said Rachel. “That speaks volumes about the school – the quality of the education, the experiences, and the lifelong connections we make with our students and families.”
Miss Katrina heads the Toddler Department. She grew up in a Montessori setting in the Philippines, and has also been teaching at Springfield Montessori for 25 years, with many more years in education and instruction. Miss Katrina’s son, who is now 21, attended Springfield Montessori, as did several of her extended family members.
“The reason I’ve stayed so long is because I’ve never considered this a job,” said Miss Katrina. “I love being here and I love teaching. This is family here — Springfield is family.”
Miss Katrina sits with two-year-old Sylvia, newly enrolled in the toddler program, whose mother attended Springfield 25 years ago and whose grandmother taught at Springfield for 30 years.
Two-year-old Sylvia is a third generation Springfield Montessorian. She is enrolled in this year’s toddler program; her mother, Jordan, attended Springfield Montessori School and had both Miss Katrina and Miss Belinda as teachers 25 years ago; and Sylvia’s grandmother, Jordan’s mother, Ann, was a Springfield Montessori teacher for 30 years.
“I loved my time at Springfield 25 years ago and have remained connected to the school and the people,” said Jordan. “Now my daughter will be going to school here, learning from the same teachers I learned from. To me, this is a testament to how much the teachers care about students, and the quality of the education for students and families. Springfield isn’t just school; it’s a positive life experience that sets children up for the next day, and the next day, and the next day after that.”
Dr, Maria Montessori observed that children have different learning styles and that they will thrive in an environment that supports their natural curiosity and development.
“We’re building futures here,” said Miss Katrina, “and we feel very much involved in the community. Over the years, I’ve met really fine teachers and kids and parents who have moved on, but who we stay in touch with and who come to visit – because coming back to visit is like visiting family.”
“We get children for a very short amount of time, from toddler to age 5 or 6. This is very special period of their lives and we feel honored to be with them and to help them realize the love of learning and the joys of exploration and independence,” said Rachel. “Our teachers show children that they can enjoy their school days, enjoy the process, and enjoy the journey. And that’s what we do here, in a number of ways, every day — we help instill in them a love of learning.”
Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek
35th Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, August 20 | 12pm
2780 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek
RSVP Your Attendance
If you RSVP by August 10, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a prize.
For more information, contact Springfield Montessori School Walnut Creek at 925.944.0626; [email protected].
