What kind of child care licence does NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI hold?

California licenses NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI as a day care center, a category that covers preschool-age children in a centre-based programme. The category comes from the state's own licence record, not from the provider.

How many children can NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI care for?

NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI is licensed for up to 60 children at one time. Licensed capacity is a ceiling set by the state, not a count of current enrolment or of available places.

How often has California inspected NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI?

California records 3 inspection visits to NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI, the most recent on June 17, 2026 and the earliest on record September 14, 2023. The state publishes the dates of these visits but not what they found, so this count reflects licensing activity, not results. Read the findings themselves in California's own facility search.

Has California visited NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI in response to a complaint?

California records 1 complaint-driven visit to NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI. A complaint visit means someone raised a concern and the state went to look. California does not publish what those visits found, so the count on its own does not say whether any concern was upheld.

Who holds the licence for NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI?

The licence is held by LAFONTAINE, BRITTNEY. California lists the licensee separately from the facility name, so the two often differ. The facility is in Orange County.

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NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI

LICENSED

20651 LAKE FOREST DRIVE A101, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630

DAY CARE CENTER in Orange County, California

28Elevated Risk

Preschool

5.0(7)Yelp(0)

DAY CARE CENTER

Hours: 7:30 AM–5 PM
Licensed for: 60 children

The public record

License number: 304371164
License status: LICENSED
License type: DAY CARE CENTER
Licensed capacity: 60 children
Address: 20651 LAKE FOREST DRIVE A101, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630
County: Orange County
Phone: +19499006688
Website: Not listed
License issued: November 9, 2017

Hours

Listed on Google

Mon: 7:30 AM–5 PM
Tue: 7:30 AM–5 PM
Wed: 7:30 AM–5 PM
Thu: 7:30 AM–5 PM
Fri: 7:30 AM–5 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

Hours change without the licence record changing. Call before you plan a drop-off around these times.

Licensing visits on record

California records 3 routine inspection visits and 1 complaint visit to NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI.

June 17, 2026Most recent inspection visit
June 23, 2025Inspection visit
September 14, 2023Inspection visit

What California does not publish here

The state publishes when licensing staff visited, not what they found. We do not hold California’s inspection findings, so nothing on this page tells you whether a visit resulted in a citation. A visit count is a measure of licensing activity, and a facility visited more often is not for that reason a worse one. Read the findings in California’s own facility search.

Amenities and accessibility

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Reported on the provider's Google business listing, not verified by the state.

How the reviews split

The 5.0 average comes from 7 Google reviews. An average hides whether opinion is consistent or divided, so the spread is shown too.

5 star7
4 star0
3 star0
2 star0
1 star0

From Google

Recent parent reviews

my daughter goes here - it's the absolute best. friendly teachers and staff!! can't recommend enough
Nicholas BivensApr 3, 2026
We have absolutely loved our experience at New Thought Montessori in Lake Forest! My son started when he was just 2.5 years old and is now completing his second year, and the growth we’ve seen in him has been incredible—socially, emotionally, and academically. This is a true, authentic Montessori program, not just a school using the name. The environment, materials, and teaching approach clearly reflect real Montessori principles, and it has made such a positive difference in my son’s independence and confidence. His teacher, Miss Kaylee, is truly amazing. She is bubbly, warm, and so engaging with the children. My son absolutely adores her, and it’s obvious she genuinely cares about each child. One thing I especially appreciate is how quick and responsive the staff are with communication. Messages are answered promptly, and I always feel supported as a parent. We are so grateful to be part of this school and highly recommend New Thought Montessori in Lake Forest to any family looking for a high-quality, authentic Montessori preschool.
Elizabeth WilliamsJan 20, 2026
My son started at this beautiful Montessori school 2.5 years ago, and I’m so grateful for the experience we’ve had. Every teacher is so caring, attentive, and truly amazing. The school is always spotless, peaceful, and welcoming. It instantly puts you at ease. They’ve played such a meaningful role in shaping my son during these early years, and I’ve seen him grow in the most wonderful ways. I drive quite a distance just to bring him here, and it was 100% worth it. I always feel confident dropping him off, knowing he was in the most loving and capable hands. So thankful for this special community!
Angela KalinowskiJun 11, 2025
My son currently attends this wonderful preschool and loves it so much! Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a school that provides the most nurturing and supportive environment for children to learn, grow, connect & thrive.
breann schramSep 18, 2023
We love this school for our 3, almost 4-year-old. He has been there for two months and things have been great. He has adjusted really well. The teachers are really wonderful and the small class sizes and calm atmosphere are great. I love that it's nature based. I truly feel like our son is learning and having fun. The school and the teachers are very organized, too which is great.
Lisa NDec 5, 2018
We are so happy to have our little guy at New Thought! He's happy to march in each day for fun and play (learning). New Thought takes a hands on approach to education and allows the children to "learn by doing"! They are very intentional and thoughtful with their schedule/activities and I appreciate how the teachers really know my little guy! They are friendly, warm, and offer hugs, smiles, encouragement. I've seen my little guy BLOOM in the time he's been at New Thought. His social skills are flourishing and their positive discipline mirrors what we do at home too! He's become so verbal since starting...and loves telling us about his teachers and friends! They have animals, garden time, yoga, dance, etc!! Could not say more great things!! If I could give more stars I would!!
Meagan KihnMay 18, 2018

Reviews shown verbatim as published on Google Maps.

Questions parents ask about NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI

Is NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI a licensed child care provider in California?: Yes. NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI holds California licence 304371164, currently listed as "LICENSED" by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, first issued on November 9, 2017. Confirm current standing with the agency before enrolling.
What kind of child care licence does NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI hold?: California licenses NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI as a day care center, a category that covers preschool-age children in a centre-based programme. The category comes from the state's own licence record, not from the provider.
How many children can NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI care for?: NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI is licensed for up to 60 children at one time. Licensed capacity is a ceiling set by the state, not a count of current enrolment or of available places.
How often has California inspected NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI?: California records 3 inspection visits to NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI, the most recent on June 17, 2026 and the earliest on record September 14, 2023. The state publishes the dates of these visits but not what they found, so this count reflects licensing activity, not results. Read the findings themselves in California's own facility search.
Has California visited NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI in response to a complaint?: California records 1 complaint-driven visit to NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI. A complaint visit means someone raised a concern and the state went to look. California does not publish what those visits found, so the count on its own does not say whether any concern was upheld.
Who holds the licence for NEW THOUGHT MONTESSORI?: The licence is held by LAFONTAINE, BRITTNEY. California lists the licensee separately from the facility name, so the two often differ. The facility is in Orange County.

About this record

This page republishes the public license record maintained by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Fields marked "Not listed" are absent from the state's published data, not hidden. Verify current license status with the agency before enrolling.

Where this comes from

Primary. California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division facility search, facility 304371164.
Context. Our explainer on how California daycare licensing and inspections work, and on California child care assistance.

Licensing facts on this page were last checked against the state record on August 16, 2026. We republish the public licensing record and label absent fields plainly rather than leaving them blank. Where our data comes from · Report an error