Montessori Preschool - Ages 0 to 5

A Special Place for Fun & Learning

Shining Stars Academy combines Montessori environment with traditional education to nurture confident, independent, and joyful learners in San Francisco.

37+ Years of Excellence
0-5 Ages Welcome
2 Locations in SF and Novato
Children learning and playing at Shining Stars Academy
Montessori classroom environment
Our Philosophy

Where Curiosity Meets Confidence

At Shining Stars Montessori, we believe children learn best in a carefully prepared environment that sparks curiosity and respects each personality, while honoring the highest standards of traditional education.

Our experienced pedagogical team nurtures confident, independent, and joyful learners - fully prepared for a smooth, stress-free Kindergarten transition.

Independence
Respect
Confidence
Focus
Love of Learning
Multicultural
Meet Our Founders

Experienced Educators, Passionate Leaders

We were brought together through a shared background in education and united by a sincere desire to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where children can grow, discover, and thrive.

Proudly women-owned and operated.

Violetta Levina - Co-Founder

Violetta Levina

Co-Founder & Music Specialist

Violetta brings more than 37 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Child Care Development Administrator Certificate, Site Supervisor Permit, and BA in Teaching. As a music specialist, she develops children's auditory skills and vocal abilities while leading activities that stimulate motor development and early speech.

Iana Fitzpatrick - Co-Founder

Iana Fitzpatrick

Co-Founder & Lead Educator

With over 16 years in early childhood education and a Master's Degree in Pedagogy, Iana designs and implements Montessori curriculum including physical activities, arts and crafts, early literacy, numeracy, and emotional intelligence. She holds a Trauma Informed Child Development Coach Practitioner Certificate and 18 ECE units from City College of San Francisco.

Our Programs

Age-Appropriate Learning for Every Stage

From infants to preschoolers, our programs are designed to match each child's developmental needs and natural curiosity.

Infant program activities
Ages 0-2

Infants

  • Age-appropriate gymnastics and movement
  • Body awareness and parts recognition
  • Sensory exploration activities
  • Practicing to wave, clap, and tap
  • Classic music and positive atmosphere
Toddler program activities
Ages 2-3

Toddlers

  • Structured Montessori activities
  • Early speech development
  • Music and creative movement
  • Introduction to social skills
  • Hands-on sensory play
Preschool program activities
Ages 3-5

Preschool

  • Kindergarten readiness curriculum
  • Early literacy and numeracy
  • Science and nature exploration
  • Arts, crafts, and creative expression
  • Emotional intelligence development
What We Teach

Enriching Classes & Activities

We offer a wide range of activities designed to develop the whole child - mind, body, and spirit.

Life Skills - practical learning

Life Skills

Cooking, cleaning, measuring - practical skills for independence

Ballet & Sports

Ballet & Sports

Ballet, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, and golf

Music & Movement

Music & Movement

Rhythm, singing, instruments, and creative dance

Theatre

Theatre

Creative expression through dramatic play and performance

Literature

Literature

Stories, reading, and Russian Literature club

Etiquette & EQ

Etiquette & EQ

Manners, emotional intelligence, and social skills

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Circle Time

Group learning, stories, songs, and sharing

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Math & Counting

Numbers, shapes, colors, and early math concepts

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Geography & Science

World knowledge, nature, weather, and discovery

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Earth & Human Knowledge

How the world works - rain, gravity, where milk comes from

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Gardening

Hands-on learning with plants and nature

Why Choose Us

Benefits of Quality Childcare

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Kindergarten Ready

Our preschoolers are gently prepared for a smooth, stress-free kindergarten transition with high academic standards.

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Safe & Healthy

All team members hold Pediatric CPR/First Aid and CA Child Care Health & Safety Certificates. We use only clean detergents and purify air.

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Homemade Meals

We provide 2 healthy hot homemade organic meals plus snacks every day.

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Positive Environment

Children listen to classical music in a positive, nurturing atmosphere designed for exploration and discovery.

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Multicultural

We value our multicultural environment and celebrate all national holidays, cultural events, and family traditions.

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Free Parking

Located in a safe, family-friendly Sunset neighborhood with free street parking for easy drop-off and pick-up.

Giving Back
💛

We Give

Shining Stars Academy believes in serving our community. We actively support organizations like Okizu and participate in community service initiatives, teaching our children the value of kindness and generosity from an early age.

Donate to Okizu
Okizu - Supporting Families with Childhood Cancer
Our Locations

Two Locations in the Bay Area

Now Open

San Francisco - Sunset

  • Address: 2935 24th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Phone: (415) 409-9017
  • Parking: Free street parking available
Map coming soon
Coming April 2026

Marin County

  • Status: Opening April 2026
  • Details: More information coming soon
Get Notified
Parent Reviews

What Families Are Saying

★★★★★ 5.0 on Google

Read what our families have to say about their experience at Shining Stars Academy.

Best of 2026 Award - BusinessRate, powered by Google Reviews
Get in Touch

Schedule a Tour

We would love to meet you and your child. Fill out the form below and we will get back to you shortly.

Thank You!

We received your request and will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your tour.

Contact Information

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📍

Address

Sunset District
San Francisco, CA 94132

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Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Health & Safety

All team members hold Pediatric CPR/First Aid and CA Child Care Health & Safety Certificates. Homemade organic meals and snacks provided daily.

Shining Stars Academy - Scan QR code to enroll