About Our School
Welcome to Lilac Montessori, a teacher-led early education daycare program located in the heart of Escondido. Our mission is to provide inclusive education, flexible tuition options, and a strong focus on the needs of our community families.
We offer high-quality education for children aged 18 months to 6 years, with the aim of bridging the gap between school and home. We believe in fostering strong school-home partnerships through collaboration and open communication, enabling us to support the holistic development of each child.
As a micro-school, we embrace a unique social entrepreneurship model where our dedicated teacher-leaders teach and administer the school. This autonomy allows them to make day-to-day and school-wide decisions aligned with their vision while remaining responsive to the needs of the children, families, and community.
Following the principles of Maria Montessori, our environment is designed to promote independence, exploration, and self-discovery. We are dedicated to continuous improvement, employing rigorous evaluation and innovative approaches. Leveraging technology, we enhance observation and documentation to ensure the best possible learning experience for our students.
Inclusivity is at the core of our educational philosophy. Our curriculum caters to diverse abilities, learning styles, and backgrounds, ensuring every child feels valued and supported. We maintain the experiential nature of the Montessori method through hands-on activities, multi-sensory materials, and individualized instruction, empowering each child to reach their full potential in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.
Join us at Lilac Montessori, where we believe in the power of education to shape young minds and create a brighter future for our community.
Heads of School/Founding Teacher Leaders
Heather Zolzer
Founding Teacher Leader and Pre-Primary Guide
With a passion for education, I embarked on a journey in Montessori nearly 20 years ago. Searching for a unique learning environment for my oldest daughter, I found my calling when I stepped into a Montessori classroom. After receiving my Montessori Primary and Elementary training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego, my career flourished.
My focus has always been on challenging personalities, working with children who may not be "peaceful" yet. By individualizing the curriculum and adapting the classroom environment, I've successfully addressed special needs and behavioral challenges. Love, compassion, and humor play a vital role in helping children thrive. I am honored to be a founding leader at Lilac Montessori, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
Beyond teaching, I enjoy indulging in various hobbies like baking, cooking, and crafting. I am a proud parent of two amazing daughters and have a furry family as well. In addition to my Montessori credentials, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies and a Master of Education from Loyola University.
Brittany Keegan
Founding Teacher Leader and Primary Guide
In 2016, I had a transformative experience when I walked into a Montessori classroom as an assistant teacher. It was in that very moment that I knew I had discovered my true calling. As someone who personally faced struggles in traditional schooling as a child, I was driven by the belief that we could provide a better education for all children. Montessori became the guiding light that showed me the way forward. I completed the AMI Primary (3-6) training at the prestigious Montessori Institute of San Diego. Concurrently, I pursued a Master's in Education from Loyola University Maryland, delving deeper into educational theories and practices.
Beyond my formal training, I have been fortunate to witness the profound impact of Montessori in my own life as a parent. With two young daughters of my own, I have had the privilege of experiencing the power of Montessori principles firsthand within the walls of our home. It has been an incredible journey of discovery and growth for our family, and I am filled with excitement at the prospect of sharing the transformative beauty of Montessori with your own family.
Our Board
230 E 5th Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
(442) 999-4969
Lilac Montessori is a non-profit organization and does not discriminate by race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance. Furthermore, Lilac Montessori admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletics and other school-administered programs.
Lilac Montessori is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Pending licence #376300873