About
Sierra Preschool.
A family-owned Montessori-inspired preschool rooted in Riverside for over 20 years.
Over 20 Years of Nurturing Little Minds.
Sierra Preschool & After School was founded in 2004 with a simple belief: every child deserves a safe, loving, and stimulating environment in which to grow. What started as a small family-run center in Riverside has grown into one of Riverside County's most trusted early childhood education programs.
Drawing on Montessori principles, we build curriculum around each child's natural curiosity — encouraging independence, creativity, and a genuine love of learning from the very first day.
Today we serve children ages 18 months through 12 years old, with programs spanning Toddler, Junior Pre-K, Pre-K, Transitional Kindergarten, and Before & After School Care.
Child-Led. Teacher-Guided. Family-Centered.
We believe the best learning happens when children feel safe, respected, and free to explore. Our Montessori-inspired approach puts children at the center — letting their interests guide discovery while our trained teachers provide just the right amount of structure and support.
Families are our partners. We keep parents informed with daily updates, open-door communication, and regular opportunities to engage with their child's learning journey.
Our Core Values.
Safety First
Every decision we make starts with your child's safety. From our closed-circuit cameras to our 4:1 infant ratio and foam-padded play yards, we engineer security into everything.
Curiosity-Driven Learning
Children learn best through exploration. Our Montessori-inspired curriculum follows each child's natural curiosity with hands-on materials, outdoor spaces, and themed projects.
Community & Family
We're not just a school — we're a community. For over 20 years, Riverside and Corona families have trusted us as true partners in raising confident, compassionate children.
Nicole Anderson
Director of Curriculum — Sierra Preschool & After School. Ms. Nicole leads curriculum development and daily operations across our Riverside campus, bringing years of early childhood education expertise to every program. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University of Fullerton and has worked in childcare as a Teacher, Director and now serves as our Executive Director.
State Licensed Childcare Center
Sierra Preschool & After School is a fully licensed California childcare center operating under License No. 304371707, issued by the California Department of Social Services. We are an equal opportunity provider and employer committed to serving all families in our community.
Dedicated Teachers. Passionate Caregivers.
Every member of our team is carefully screened, trained in early childhood education, and genuinely passionate about helping children thrive. Our low staff-to-child ratios mean every child gets the attention they deserve.
A Look Inside Sierra Preschool
Come See Us in Person.
We'd love to show you around. Schedule a tour and meet our team — we're located at 11077 Whitford Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505.