Meet the Founders

With a combination of more than 50 years of teaching experience, Nedra Petty and Melissa Anastole established Day Star Montessori School to create an environment that is conducive to children's growth while emphasizing their dignity.

Nedra Petty
Nedra Petty received her B.A. and elementary teaching credential from San Jose State and has taught at the elementary level locally and overseas. Her course work in early childhood education includes classes in program, child and family, administration and supervision, child development, nutrition, speech and hearing, and she is certified in C.P.R. and first aid.

Nedra received her Montessori credential from St. Nicholas College. She taught in Southern California and later directed state and federally funded preschools there. Nedra has been teaching locally since 1980.

Melissa Anastole
Melissa received her Montessori credential from St. Nicholas College. Her course work in early childhood education includes classes in program, children's art, child development, child and family, child discipline, administration and supervision, health and safety, and she is certified in C.P.R. and first aid.

Before receiving her Montessori credential, Melissa worked in the Berryessa School District. She has been teaching locally since 1981.

Teachers
Our Montessori teachers are trained and have received their Montessori diplomas. They provide a traditional Montessori setting which includes the areas of practical life, sensorial, language and math. Some other subjects included in the yearly curriculum are music, movement, social graces, culture, art, geography, botany, zoology and history.