The Courtyard Montessori Preschool was set up in 1980 by a group of parents and educationalists determined to bring the choice of a Montessori education to Christchurch families. The Courtyard Montessori Preschool is an incorporated society, governed by a board of trustees made up of parents or caregivers of current pupils, and the principal. The not-for-profit status means that all surpluses are re-invested back into the preschool, whether in improved classroom resources or in other areas identified by the principal, teaching team or board of trustees.
Our Montessori approach provides a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child’s sensitive years between two and six years when a child can absorb information from our enriched environment. There are periods of intense fascination that children go through for learning a particular skill and it is easier for a child to learn a particular skill during the corresponding sensitive period than at any other time.
Our prepared environment and daily programme takes advantage of this fact by allowing the child the freedom to select individual activities, which correspond to their own periods of interest. Our environment is designed to put the child at ease by giving them freedom within an environment prepared with attractive materials within curriculum areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Maths, Language, Environmental and Art. Within any of these areas there are activities that vary from simple to complex so that each child can choose and work with activities in any area that fulfill their current interest and curiosity.
We have indoor outdoor flow to covered decks and sheltered play areas for wet weather. Our beautifully landscaped setting has been professionally designed with children in mind. It includes a garden with edible fruit and vegetables.
Enrolment Procedure
Families are welcome to make an appointment with the principal to view the preschool and have any questions answered.
Other information
Year Started: 1980
20 Hours: Yes
Age Children Start: 2 years
Age Range: 2 – 6 years
Full Year or School Terms: Closed 2-3 weeks at Christmas and New Year
Hours of Operation: 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Attendance: Minimum of 2 mornings in the 2-3 year classroom and a minimum of 4 mornings in the 3-6 year classroom. A full day is offered Monday to Friday for children who attend the morning sessions.
Fees: e-mail for current information.
Holiday Programme: No
After School Care: No
Staff Qualifications
Six staff members – Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Five staff members – Montessori Diploma
Two staff members – Montessori Diploma in training
