What is Montessori?

Dr. Maria Montessori, a physician, anthropologist, and pedagogue, developed this unique method of educating children over a professional career that spanned over fifty years. The Montessori approach was developed through intense scientific observation of children from many ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds from birth to maturity. It is based on a deep understanding of child development.

Montessori recognised the importance of protecting the newborn and providing them with a calm, supportive and loving environment. She believed that the child would reflect their environment and express emotions related to that feeling. She identified the child will be responding negatively only to that of their environment, so it is our role to ensure that the environment is suited to their needs. Montessori believed that education begins at birth.

In Australia, Montessori education is available for children of all ages, from 2months old to age 18, through early childhood education and care services, preschools and kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools. The number of Montessori programs in Australia is steadily increasing, with more than 360 schools and centers across the country educating more than 26,000 children. The majority of these programs are operated by not-for-profit, community-based associations, with an increasing number of privately-owned programs and also programs within the public school system.