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Our Teachers
Dr. Michelle S. Williams, Director & Lead Teacher
Dr. Michelle Williams is a dedicated educator with 20 years of experience. She began her career in education in East Palo Alto as a high school Humanities teacher. Since then, Michelle has served as a teacher, administrator, and instructional coach in the public, private and charter sectors. Prior to opening Oakland Community Montessori School at FBE Schools, Michelle was an instructor and support provider for pre-service teachers at Stanford University’s Teacher Education Program. Michelle is a mom of three inquisitive children. She enjoys cooking with her children and being outdoors as a family. Michelle is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for young learners.
Philosophy
At Oakland Community Montessori School, we believe in providing a liberating educational experience for young children. Our approach is rooted in the Montessori method, encouraging independence, freedom within limits, and a deep respect for each child’s individual development.
Location
Nestled in the Crestmont Hills neighborhood of Oakland, California, we enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay from San Jose to San Francisco.
We are near several toddler-friendly parks, a short walk from public transportation, and a 1-minute drive to Warren Freeway (SR13) that connects to I580 and SR24, making us accessible to Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley and Hayward. Just a short trip over the hill to Orinda, Moraga, and Lafayette.
About our program
At OCMS, we’re reimagining early childhood education as a space for liberation, cultural affirmation, and joyful discovery. We offer a warm, in-home learning environment where children ages 18 months to 4 years are deeply seen, supported, and empowered to grow into confident, compassionate thinkers. Our approach is inspired by Montessori principles—but we take it further. We center the lived experiences of families who have long been excluded from this type of nurturing education. We honor identity, encourage creativity, and create space for children to develop critical thinking, empathy, and self-trust from the very beginning.
Here, children are free to explore, make choices, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. We guide with love, set boundaries with intention, and foster a rhythm that supports each child’s natural development.
This is not school as usual. This is education for justice. This is learning that heals and uplifts.