About Us
Alhambra's Trusted Montessori School Since 1980
Founded and led by Sheela Perera, an experienced Montessori educator with 20+ years in Early Childhood & Montessori Education — serving families in Alhambra and the San Gabriel Valley.
Our Story
Children's Montessori Center has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Alhambra, California since 1980. For over 45 years, we have welcomed infants, toddlers, and preschoolers into our warm, prepared Montessori environment — helping thousands of Alhambra families give their children the best possible start.
Founded and led by Sheela Perera, our center brings over 20 years of Early Childhood and Montessori Education expertise to every family we serve. Sheela's vision has always been simple: create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children develop independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
Our bilingual program — offering instruction in Spanish and Chinese alongside English — reflects the rich cultural diversity of Alhambra and the San Gabriel Valley, giving children a lifelong cognitive and cultural advantage from their earliest years.
Our Core Values
Respect & Independence
We believe every child deserves a supportive and engaging learning environment. Our Montessori approach encourages respect, independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning.
Authentic Montessori Classrooms
Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared Montessori environments — beautiful, orderly, and purposeful — designed to invite exploration and foster independence at every turn.
Safe & Nurturing Environment
Every child's safety and emotional wellbeing comes first. We create a warm, secure space where children feel seen, valued, and free to grow at their own natural pace.
Partnership with Families
We work closely with families to ensure continuity between home and school, welcoming parents as partners in their child's early learning journey.
Why Montessori Works
Decades of research support what Montessori educators have known for over a century.
Stronger Academic Outcomes
Studies published in Science (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006) found that Montessori children outperformed peers in reading, math, and social skills by age 12.
Better Self-Regulation
The uninterrupted 3-hour work cycle develops concentration, self-discipline, and executive function — skills that predict lifelong success more reliably than IQ.
Love of Learning
Child-led learning builds intrinsic motivation. Montessori children are more likely to describe school as enjoyable and to pursue learning independently.
Stronger Social Skills
Multi-age classrooms develop empathy, leadership, and cooperation naturally — older children mentor younger ones, reinforcing their own learning while building community.
Meet Our Founder
Dedicated to giving every child the best possible start in life.
Sheela Perera
Founder & Head of School
Sheela Perera founded Children's Montessori Center with a singular mission: to create a place where every child in Alhambra could experience the transformative power of Montessori education. With over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood and Montessori Education, Sheela personally oversees all classroom programs, staff development, and family partnerships. Her deep knowledge of child development, combined with her warm and approachable leadership style, has made CMC one of the most trusted preschools in the San Gabriel Valley. Parents consistently describe Sheela as the heart of the school — always available, always caring, and always putting children first.
Why Parents Choose Us
- 45+ years serving Alhambra families — established 1980
- Bilingual instruction in Spanish and Chinese
- 5.0 ★ Google rating from real Alhambra parents
- Authentic Montessori classrooms with trained guides
- Extended day program until 5:00 PM for working families
- Nutritious daily lunch program included
- Large outdoor playground and nature play daily
- Accepting children ages 6 weeks through 6 years
Ready to visit?
Schedule a tour and see our classrooms in action. We'd love to meet your family.
Schedule a Tour