Our Mission

“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist.” 
                                                                                           -Maria Montessori

Guided by the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, our mission is to create a safe, caring, and beautifully prepared environment in which children are empowered through self-directed activity, and can express their natural passion to learn and discover. 

Our dedicated staff is an integral part of the educational process at our school. The staff/child ratio is 1:8, allowing time for observation of the evolving needs of the individual child, and time for one-on-one interaction, as needed, to provide lessons, assistance, and direction. We strive to educate the whole individual through the Montessori approach, which addresses the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs of each child. This encourages the child's curiosity and independent thinking to foster self-discipline and a life-long love of learning.  

Ms. Dorothy
Owner, Director, Head Teacher
Dorothy Oertly came to Montessori as a parent in the early 1990’s, having recognized in it an educational philosophy that echoed her personal beliefs about parenting.  She finds that the daily interactions with the children, parents and staff at Rocklin Montessori allow her to follow her passionate belief in the Montessori method of education:  to provide a nurturing classroom in which children can feel individually valued and challenged, while gaining the all-important social and emotional skills to succeed throughout life.  

Ms. Dorothy holds her Montessori Primary Teaching Certificate from California State University, Hayward, Extension; her Site Supervisor Permit from the State of California; as well as a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Pre-Law and English, from University of the Pacific. 

Ms. Kara
Teacher/Administration
Ms. Kara began her teaching career in 2010 after receiving her certificate in early childhood education. She found joy in teaching toddler through pre-kindergarten and watching as children learn and grow. After a hiatus in the corporate world, Ms. Kara has returned to her first love, teaching, with a new appreciation for the independence and child-centered approach that Montessori has to offer.

Ms. Kara has received her Early Childhood Certificate from Riverside Community College in the fall of 2011. She is pursuing her full Montessori training and has completed the Montessori Assistant teacher training in 2023.

Ms. Elizabeth
Teacher/Administration
Ms. Elizabeth began teaching at Rocklin Montessori in the summer of 2012. As a Montessori child herself, she finds great joy in guiding her students towards their bright futures. She also works behind the scenes in the office.

Ms. Elizabeth completed her Montessori Teacher's Assistant training in the summer of 2013, and now works part-time while continuing her studies, as she earns her degree in Early Childhood Education.