Welcome to Maru Montessori

Maru Montessori is a preschool specialising in the teachings of Maria Montessori. We cater for children from the age of two through to the age of six.

The school is located within a specialist preschool building designed to meet the needs of the children. There is a generous outdoor area where the emphasis is on the natural environment, including rabbits, hens, flower and vegetable gardens, trees and grass!

The Montessori method of teaching is very well known overseas and is hugely popular. In New Zealand however a lot less is known and understood about Montessori schools. Those in New Zealand that have not been exposed to Montessori, often perceive it as “alternative” which could not be further from the truth. Montessori emphasises independence, learning about the environment and stimulating the brain by way of using educational equipment and has many specialised common threads with the Te Whariki curriculum. The Montessori approach is holistic which encourages the development of a well rounded child.

We are a preschool not a daycare so we only operate for school hours. The shorter hours (compared to a daycare) mean that both the children and teachers remain fresher and get greater benefit from their time together. We have weekly staff meetings and teacher only days before each term, ensuring the emphasis is always on providing high standards of teaching.

Such has been the success of the Montessori programme at our school, that we are actively approached by primary schools to recruit our children. Primary schools find that our children begin school with a far greater level of independence and awareness than other children making the transition to school more seamless.

Those that wish can move on to a Montessori primary school; however it is not mandatory. Many of our children move on to a traditional primary school with a significant advantage over their peers. The early years of a child are very informative. As their brains are still developing, the Montessori method of teaching is designed to enhance their development and aid in maximising their potential in later life. Given the ever increasing competitiveness of society, parents are more and more appreciating the importance of education and the need to start early.

At Maru Montessori we are blessed to have a wonderful team of teachers (most of whom have been with the school for a number of years), headed by Joy Cain. Joy has had a well rounded career which has included working in traditional daycares; however her passion has always been Montessori. She remains convinced that she gets the best developmental results from this form of education. Joy is a true professional who sets high standards; a real asset to Maru Montessori!

You may call for an appointment to meet Joy and the team - I am sure you will not be disappointed!