About DVMS
About Diablo Valley Montessori School (DVMS)
Established in 1965, Diablo Valley Montessori School (DVMS) is a non-profit school dedicated to delivering outstanding Montessori education for nearly six decades. Governed by a parent-led Board of Directors, DVMS serves over 150 children, fostering a warm, family-oriented environment where parents, students, and community members are central to the school’s vibrant experience. As DVMS prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in the 2025-2026 school year, it reflects with pride on decades of commitment to Montessori principles and educational excellence.
DVMS is defined by its committed and experienced staff, many of whom have served over a decade, with several dedicating over 12, 15, and even more than 30 years to the school. This exceptional staff continuity enhances the supportive community DVMS offers, creating a stable and nurturing environment for children and families alike. Headteachers are Montessori-credentialed and are well-versed in the Montessori philosophy. Staff members participate in regular in-service training, Montessori conferences, and workshops, ensuring they remain at the forefront of Montessori and early childhood education.
DVMS provides a wide range of programs in our intended toddler and primary classrooms, including outdoor classroom, movement, and extracurriculars like dance, music, soccer, tennis, and Spanish. Field trips and community events further support well-rounded growth. Affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS), DVMS is recognized for its high-quality teaching, family involvement, and educational standards. Through collaboration among experienced staff, engaged families, and dedicated leadership, DVMS remains committed to delivering an exceptional Montessori education, nurturing a strong sense of community, and offering a variety of academic and cultural experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement
Diablo Valley Montessori School (DVMS) is committed to fostering a community where every child feels respected, supported, and a true sense of belonging. Deeply rooted in Montessori principles, DVMS strives to create environments that honor each student’s dignity, nurture curiosity, and welcome families and staff of diverse backgrounds. These values extend beyond the classroom and shape how we support our teachers, staff, parents, caregivers, alumni, and the broader Lamorinda community we have served for six decades. We live out these commitments through inclusive curriculum and engaging enrichment programming that deepen our students’ empathy, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their connections to the world in harmony with Montessori’s focus on independence and self-directed growth.
How DVMS Lives These Values
Montessori-Aligned Learning Environments – Preparing classrooms that respect each child’s individuality, support independence and self-directed learning, and reflect a wide range of cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
Inclusive Curriculum and Enrichment – Offering curriculum and enrichment programs such as outdoor education, arts, and second language immersion that reinforce Montessori’s focus on independence and intrinsic motivation.
Socioeconomic Inclusion – Recognizing that socioeconomic diversity strengthens students’ academic experience, DVMS welcomes with open arms families from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Connected Community – Cultivating a tightly-knit and supportive community — both in- and off-campus — grounded in respect, trust, and shared responsibility through frequent collaborations with teachers, staff, parents, caregivers, and alumni.
Ongoing Reflection and Growth – Committing to continuous learning and thoughtful reflection to ensure our practices remain aligned with Montessori principles, our mission, and the needs of the Lamorinda community DVMS has served for six decades
Tax ID and Public Charity Deductibility
The Tax ID for DVMS is 94-1606963. You can use this number, along with the school’s address and phone number, when claiming the dependent care credit on your tax return.
DVMS is a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity, which means donations to the school may be tax-deductible as charitable contributions on your tax return. DVMS is also listed in the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search database.
Board of Directors
The Diablo Valley Montessori School Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the school, responsible for establishing policies, approving the budget, reviewing financial statements, overseeing major fundraising efforts, and ensuring all actions align with the school’s best interests. Board members serve two-year terms, with vacancies filled through recommendations from staff and current Board members. The Board operates through several standing committees and occasionally forms ad-hoc committees as needed. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in these committees, fostering a collaborative community and contributing to the school’s success. The Board meets on campus every other month at 7:30 PM. These meetings are open to all parents, and we warmly encourage your attendance and involvement.
2026-2027 Board of Directors:
President: Erin Ebe
Vice President: Rebecca Adams
Secretary: Noah Starr
Treasurer: Grace Koenig-Kammeyer
Member(s) at Large: Nishana Kuruppu, Jennifer Lacey, Kate Langon, Karla Moultak, Ben Schiffman, Alex Teece, and Alphonsine Viry
Head of School: Jayne Martin
– Executive
– Nominating and Governance
– Finance
– Long-Range Planning