Teacher owned and operated.
Hopper Creek Montessori has been part of Napa Valley for forty years, and it is owned and run by the teachers themselves. We take children ages two through six, keep our classes small, and let each child follow the work that holds their attention.
Class sizes run from six to twelve children, with one to two teachers in the room. The whole school is capped at twenty children.
Ages 2–3
Age-appropriate work that builds problem solving, language, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and comfort in a classroom.
3, 4, or 5 days a week. Potty training is not required to attend.
Ages 3–4
A full Montessori environment where each child moves at their own pace with a teacher alongside them, building independence and responsibility.
4 or 5 days a week.
Ages 4–6
Transitional kindergarten, designed to enhance kindergarten readiness. An advanced year for our Pre-K graduates, adding tool-skill work that sharpens fine motor control alongside the core Montessori materials.
5 days a week, or earlier when a child is ready.
Other day combinations are available. Ask us and we will work out what fits your family.
We offer morning, extended day and full day places, from three to five days a week. Call or text Brenna and we will work out the combination that fits your family.
Call or text 707-231-8768$75 / day
A single day whenever you need one. Pickup by 4:00 p.m.
$300 / week
For families visiting, between arrangements, or trying us out.
Drop-in and weekly places depend on availability, since the school is capped at twenty children. Call or text Brenna to check we have room on the days you need.
Call or text 707-231-8768Discounts and scholarships We offer reduced tuition for government employees, teachers, nurses, and police and fire department staff, and scholarship places when funding allows. Ask us when you get in touch.
Director
Before Hopper Creek, Tamara travelled widely as a private nanny, meeting families all over the world. Those years shaped how she thinks about what a young child needs from the room around them.
Outside school she is usually outdoors, hunting, camping, or practicing with her bow, often with her daughter. At home she quilts, cooks, bakes sourdough, and keeps a garden going.
"There is such joy in watching a child's eyes light up when they manage something they didn't think they could do. It is more than ABCs and 123s. It is kindness, independence, and the value of community."
Preschool teacher, ages 2–3
Away from school, Cleo likes walking downtown, spending time with her family, and a drink from Dutch Bros — she is not particular about which one.
Office and support staff
Brenna taught at Hopper Creek for five years before moving into the office. She now keeps the school running day to day and steps into the classrooms wherever an extra pair of hands is needed, so she is usually the person you reach when you call or email.
Resident dog
Lincoln is a fourteen-year-old red heeler and a certified emotional support animal. She has been coming to school longer than any of our children have been alive, and she spends most of the day within arm's reach of somebody.
Her two great enthusiasms are being read to and eating snacks, in roughly that order. Children who are having a hard morning tend to find her first.
An ordinary week at Hopper Creek. Swipe to see more.
Reviews left by Hopper Creek families on Google.
“My son spent a year at Hopper Creek and it was a fantastic experience! The facility is clean, light, and well maintained. The kids also spend a lot of time outside, which we loved. The staff are caring, communicative, and really sweet.”
Kirsten G.Google review
“Our daughter has shown immense growth since beginning her time at Hopper Creek. Her teachers have shown her such love and support throughout each stage of her development. We can’t wait to see how she continues to grow!”
Lauren N.Google review
“I have had four children go through Hopper Creek with Tamara and Brenna at the helm — with the last one currently in pre-k. Each of my children is different but each has thrived in the Montessori environment and with the teachers that are all so kind.”
Caroline H.Google review
Ten areas run through every classroom. A child may spend a morning on one of them or move between several.
A typical day. The rhythm holds, though the details shift with the children and the weather.
Children settle in with childcare activities until the day begins.
Children choose the work that interests them.
Served in a way that encourages healthy habits and doing it themselves.
Stories, songs, and activities together.
Play and activities that build gross motor and social skills.
Eaten as a group, with independence and conversation encouraged.
Children nap, or work on activities that interest them.
Chosen work again as children wake and rejoin the room.
Afternoon snack, served the same way as the morning one.
Stories, songs, and group activities.
Outside again until families arrive.
We admit on a rolling basis, so you can apply and start at any point in the year.
We would rather you see the classrooms and meet the teachers before you apply. Visits can be in person or virtual, and it is the easiest time to ask anything on your mind. Call or text Brenna at 707-231-8768, or send us an email.
Paper forms are always available at the school. Call or email any time and we will have a set ready for you to collect. The application is also available online. Send the completed form to hoppercreekmontessori1@gmail.com, or hand it to a staff member.
Once we have reviewed your application, we send an enrollment package with the records, disclosures, and consents needed before a first day of school.
Everything below needs to be complete before a child starts.
Hopper Creek Montessori was founded in 1984 in Yountville, with the aim of bringing modern, high-quality early childhood education to the valley. Ten years later the school moved to its present home a few blocks from downtown Napa.
Under founder Carol Woodiwiss it grew into one of Napa Valley's most respected preschools. In 2022 Carol passed the school to Brenna Roth, who leads it today with the same core values and a fresh direction.
For nearly four decades children have learned and played here, in a place where curiosity is encouraged, difference is welcome, and each child is met where they are.
Days the school is closed during the 2025–2026 school year. Please confirm current dates with the office.
Call or text Brenna at 707-231-8768 and we will give you current pricing. We offer morning, extended day and full day places, from three to five days a week, so the fee depends on the combination you choose. We also offer reduced tuition for teachers, nurses, government employees, and police and fire staff, and scholarship places when funding allows.
Children from two to six years old, across our preschool, Pre-K, and TK programs. Children do not need to be potty trained to start with us. The whole school is capped at twenty children across all three programs.
Yes. A drop-in day is $75, with pickup by 4:00 p.m. We can also take a child for a single week at $300. Both depend on availability, since the whole school is capped at twenty children, so call or text Brenna to check we have room on the days you need.
We are open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can choose a morning program, an extended day ending at 3:00 p.m., or a full day.
We admit on a rolling basis, so children can join at any point in the school year rather than waiting for a September intake. Enrollment forms are always available at the school, and you can call or email any time to have a set ready to collect. Openings depend on the age group, so it is worth asking early.
Children choose their own work from materials laid out around the room, and stay with it as long as it holds them, rather than moving the whole class through the same activity at the same time. Teachers observe and guide individually. With six children per teacher, that individual attention is possible every day.
At 2141 2nd Street in Napa, a few blocks from downtown. Families come to us from across Napa, as well as Yountville, American Canyon, and St. Helena.
The best way to know whether we are right for your child is to stand in the classroom. Tours take about half an hour.
Address2141 2nd St, Napa, CA 94558
Call or text Brenna707-231-8768
Emailhoppercreekmontessori1@gmail.com
HoursMonday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Call or text Brenna at 707-231-8768, whichever you prefer. Tell us your child's age and the days you are hoping for, and we will find a time. In person or virtual, whichever suits you.