What is Montessori?

The Montessori movement takes its name from its founder, Dr Maria Montessori, who began the first Casa dei Bambini or Children’s House in Rome in 1907.

Today, Montessori is the single largest educational philosophy in the world, with 22,000 Montessori schools in more than 170 countries on six continents.

Montessori early learning centres and schools have been operational for over 110 years, proving that this learning approach for tamariki (children) is as relevant today as it was when first established and is suitable for future generations to come. They are defined by a child-centred approach to learning, nurturing independence and individuality in children.

Find out more about Dr Montessori, Montessori history, the Montessori learning environment and myths about Montessori education.