One of the most important things to consider when choosing Montessori, is if the Montessori preschool that you are interested in is quality assured. “Montessori” is not trademarked so it is possible for any school or centre to include the word “Montessori” in their name. Northwest Montessori Preschool is quality assured by the Montessori Australia Foundation. All our Directress’ are Montessori qualified.
Welcome to Northwest Montessori
Welcome to Northwest Montessori Preschool, we're a community of diverse families and educators that respect that every child learns differently & at their own pace. We are proud to offer nurturing, non-competitive, multi-age classrooms with an emphasis on social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Together we help develop children into independent life-long learners. Our Preschool is unique in this community, so if you think you might be interested in this type of education for your child, we’d love to meet you on one of our tours, it’s our opportunity to show you just how wonderful Montessori can be.
What is Montessori ?
Dr Maria Montessori, developed her 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.
Montessori classrooms provide a specially crafted learning environment where children are able to respond to their natural tendency to work. Children have an innate passion for learning, and the Montessori classroom encourages this by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the guidance of trained staff. Through their work, children become confident, responsible, independent learners, who trust in their own abilities. They develop concentration and joyful self-discipline inspiring them towards a lifelong love of learning. It is for this reason that it is often referred to as an ‘aid to life’. As an educational system, it is used in over 22,000 schools worldwide, and has a longer track record of success than any other educational approach in the world.
Curriculum
Between the ages of 3-6 children posses an absorbent mind, the ability to absorb all aspects of one’s culture and environment without effort or fatigue. Our program is designed to take advantage of this sensitive period. Learn more about the key elements below.
Practical Life
This area helps children develop muscular coordination, enabling movement and the exploration of their surroundings. They learn to work at a task from beginning to end, and develop their powers of control and concentration.
Sensorial
Sensorial materials serve as tools for development. Children build cognitive skills, and learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting and listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment.
Language
The Montessori environment is rich in oral language opportunities. The sandpaper letters help children link sound and symbol effortlessly, encouraging the development of written expression and reading skills.
Mathematics
Mathematical activities help children learn and understand the concepts of maths by manipulating concrete materials. This work gives children a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles, prepares them for later abstract reasoning, and helps to develop problem-solving capabilities.
Culture
Cultural learning involves geography, biology, botany, zoology, art and music. Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. The art and music programs give children opportunities to enjoy a variety of creative activities, as well as gain knowledge of the great Masters (e.g. Mozart, da Vinci, etc).
Coding
We teach children computer programing concepts in a Montessori way; hands on, self correcting & without the need for a screen. Our programing curriculum also integrates elements of our literacy, numeracy & cultural program.
Quality Assured by Montessori Australia
What Makes Montessori Great
- We promote hands on, self paced, collaborative, joyful learning.
- Children are innately interested in learning about the world around them and through their natural curiosity are able to develop themselves.
- Respect for each child as an individual personality with unique talents.
- Mixed age groups which not only offer a wide range of activities to spark children’s interest but also enable children to learn from others and learn by helping others.
- Freedom for children to work at their own pace, without interruption, choosing from a range of activities that are developmentally challenging and appropriate.
- Encouraged to explore so that children find things out for themselves, make mistakes and correct them independently.
- Respect for others, the community and the environment.
- We provide an environment where children can follow their interests, wherever that passion leads giving them strong academics, leadership, self discipline, responsibility, independence, initiative and a lifelong love of learning.
By providing an environment that supports natural development, our program sets a solid foundation, by helping children develop the skills they need for their life long learning journey.
All our staff have a deep understanding of child development and have been thoroughly trained to guide children towards productive and challenging experiences, both individually and collectively, that will provide a firm foundation of skills to serve them for life.
Testimonials
Latest News
Why Choose Montessori?
Why would I want to send my child to Montessori? What do you offer that a childcare/family day care program/staying home with a primary caregiver doesn’t?
Five tips to bring Montessori Home
Learn five simple ways to integrate Montessori into your home life.
Building Better Brains
Hear Dr. Steven Hughes, a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, talk about how Montessori education helps build a better brain.
Montessori = Happier Adults
The new study published in academic journal Frontiers in Psychology found that children who attend Montessori schools often have greater well-being and happiness in adulthood.