About | Casa Montessori

About Us

Providing quality Montessori education since 1970.

About the Head of School/Owner

Shannon Bingham has always had a natural love for children. As a Montessori child, growing up with a Mother who founded the Montessori School of La Jolla, she spent most of her childhood around the school helping in the classroom, playing and interacting with the children. You can say, the Montessori way has been engrained in her most of her childhood, adolescent and adult life.

After high school and college, she pursued a career in the legal field for approximately 10 years. As her Mother approached retirement, she felt a need to reconnect with her childhood passion and decided to go back to school and earn her Montessori Teacher Credentials. This began her new career and continuation of her love for children and teaching.

Over the years, Shannon managed her passion of teaching and administrating her school with a balanced lifestyle for family, in raising her now adult daughters with her husband, Mike.

After building a new school facility site in La Jolla, an opportunity came to expand at a location in Carlsbad already known as Casa Montessori de Carlsbad. After viewing the school, and seeing the wonderful environment that Casa provided she was so excited to continue on with this new adventure in Carlsbad. With some TLC over the years in improving the environment this little gem of a school tucked in the village area of Carlsbad has truly been another rewarding experience and provides a quality Montessori program in Carlsbad.

Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband and her two dogs walking on the hiking trails, boating, mountain biking, spending time with her family and grandchildren, gardening, the beach and traveling.

Maria Montessori

Learn more about Dr. Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. She became the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome Medical School in 1896. In addition to being a doctor, Maria Montessori did research in psychiatric medicine and continued her education in philosophy, psychology and education. Dr. Montessori was appointed Professor at the University of Rome in 1904.

Dr. Montessori’s interest in the development of children started with disabled and mentally challenged children. Through this process of children in her care, her theories evolved. She saw amazing results with these children and thus began her philosophies. In 1906, Dr. Maria Montessori founded the first Casa de Bambini also known as a “Children’s House”.

Dr. Montessori discovered how young children naturally adapted and enjoyed learning. Dr. Maria Montessori continued her work and findings, which she shared throughout the United States, Europe and India. She founded training courses, an institute for research in Spain, and Montessori Training Centers around the world. Dr. Maria Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times.

I am genuinely delighted to introduce myself as the Director of Casa Montessori de Carlsbad! It is a great privilege to be part of our wonderful school community, where I have the opportunity to support our students and their families. I am excited to share my experience, openness, and child-centered approach, all while embracing the cherished Montessori philosophy of education. I firmly believe that the relationships between families and the school are essential for your child's success. My natural affinity for children has guided me throughout my teaching journey.

My teaching career commenced in 2010 within the Montessori education framework, where I have had the incredible opportunity to nurture and inspire a love of learning in young children. Over the years, I have developed engaging and hands-on learning experiences that allow each child to explore their interests at their own pace, fostering their natural curiosity and creativity. Witnessing their growth and development has been a profoundly rewarding experience, as I strive to cultivate a supportive and enriching environment that empowers each child to thrive academically and socially.

I am genuinely excited about the wonderful collaboration and support we will be able to offer your child throughout their journey at Casa Montessori de Carlsbad. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters each child's individual growth and learning. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure that your child's educational experience is both enriching and enjoyable, emphasizing hands-on learning, creative exploration, and a strong sense of community. Together, we can create a foundation for your child's lifelong love of learning!

Jacky Lopez

Director

Philosophy & Principles

"Help me to do it myself." - Maria Montessori

The following are the most important Montessori philosophies and principles:

Environment richly prepared
Children progress at their own rate
Freedom of choice with responsibility
Self-teaching manipulative materials
Character and personality development
Building a positive self-image
Children responsible for themselves and the environment
Recognition of sensitive periods for learning
Sensory-based learning
Self-control through lessons in grace and courtesy
Control-of-error built into lessons
Utilizing mixed age groups for positive behavior consequences
Self-discipline through work
An interrelated curriculum
Stimulate left and right brain integration
Encourage movement necessary for neuro-muscular development
Individual as well as group interactions
Non-judgmental approach
Appreciation of all life
Inner peace and satisfaction through education