Montessori educational environments are carefully prepared for child-centered learning.

The Montessori environment: 

  • Is organised to support the developmental characteristics and interests of a mixed age group within an identified range;
  • Promotes lively and purposeful engagement in both indoor and outdoor settings;
  • Can be adapted to any culture or setting; and,
  • Thrives through the trained adult’s careful observation of both universal and individual needs as revealed by each unique learner.

The visible environment includes accessible furniture, a variety of work spaces, and scientifically designed materials displayed for free choice of activity. These materials support concrete exploration which leads to both practical skills and abstract knowledge. Such exploration is initiated through minimalist lessons offered by the trained Montessori teacher followed by hands-on, self-directed, and self-correcting learning which can be individual, collaborative, or peer-to-peer.

The absence of an imposed daily schedule and incorporation of logical limits to activity create an environment that supports independence, confidence, self-discipline, mutual respect, social connection, and stewardship of the environment. The outcome is a vibrant learning community, characterised by positive behavioural, moral, and emotional development as well as solid cognitive achievements.