Montessori education is centred on the development of the whole child. Children learn in carefully prepared environments with specially designed materials, purposeful activities and guidance suited to their stage of development.
A trained Montessori guide observes each child and presents new work when they are ready. The child then has the opportunity to practise, explore and apply what has been presented, building understanding, concentration and independence over time.
Children are encouraged to move, work purposefully and progress at a pace appropriate to their individual development. The approach supports intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth rather than expecting every child to develop in exactly the same way or at exactly the same time.
Brooklyn Montessori is registered with the Department of Education as an independent school.
Frequently asked
The questions parents ask.
Montessori is a child-centred, hands-on approach to education that allows children to learn and progress at their own pace. Learners work with specially designed Montessori materials and receive individual guidance from their teachers rather than relying mainly on memorisation and traditional classroom teaching.
Children receive individual attention and are encouraged to work according to their own ability and level of development. If a learner is ready for more advanced work, they can progress without having to wait for the rest of the class. The environment is carefully prepared to encourage independence, concentration, confidence and a genuine enjoyment of learning.
No. Mixed-age environments are an important part of the Montessori approach. Children work within age and developmental groupings, allowing them to learn at their own pace while also learning alongside children at different stages of development.
Brooklyn Montessori offers Pre-school and Grade R through to Grade 7. The Primary School is divided into: Junior Primary, Grades 1 to 3, and Senior Primary, Grades 4 to 7.
The school follows the Montessori Recommended Curriculum alongside the Department of Basic Education’s National Curriculum Statement. Montessori materials are used extensively to support and enrich academic learning.
Brooklyn Montessori is an English-medium school. English is the primary language of instruction, with Afrikaans taught as a second language. French is also introduced as an additional language. The school welcomes both South African and international learners, including children who may initially have limited English.
Yes. The school has qualified teachers who are trained to present and guide children through the Montessori method and materials. The teaching approach is supportive and child-centred, with teachers acting as guides while encouraging independence.
The school generally works on a ratio of approximately one teacher to 15 learners.
Children should arrive in time for the start of the school day and Montessori work cycle. Half-day collection is around 13:00 to 13:30, while aftercare is available until 17:00. Children aged four and older are encouraged to arrive early enough to receive the full benefit of the Montessori programme.
Yes. Aftercare is available until 17:00. Aftercare is charged separately, and parents can contact the school for current information and fees.
Lunch is available as an optional additional service. Parents may also send food from home. Breakfast is not provided by the school and may be sent with the child where required.
Children bring a healthy snack from home. The school encourages parents to avoid excessive sugar, sweets, cold drinks, energy drinks and heavily processed foods. Children should also bring a refillable water bottle. In keeping with Montessori values of caring for the environment, parents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary single-use plastics and environmentally unfriendly packaging.
Younger learners wear neat, comfortable casual clothing. Older Primary School learners follow the school’s clothing guidelines, which include simple black, white and green clothing options. All clothing should be clearly marked with the child’s name and surname.
No. The school provides the stationery children use at school. An annual stationery fee applies, and parents can enquire directly with the school for the current amount.
The school follows a four-term Independent School Calendar, which differs slightly from the standard public-school calendar. Parents can contact the school for the current year’s term dates and holiday information.
Activities offered at or through the school may include: Art, Grace and Courtesy, Life Skills, Chess, Soccer, Swimming, Music, Ballet, Robotics. Some activities are presented by external coaches and may carry an additional fee.
Brooklyn Montessori’s primary focus is Montessori education rather than extensive on-site sporting facilities. A variety of sporting and extracurricular opportunities are nevertheless available, with some activities presented by external coaches or taking place off-site.
Yes. Brooklyn Montessori has welcomed children from South Africa and many other parts of the world. The individual nature of Montessori education can be particularly helpful for children entering a new environment or adjusting to a new language.
The school is religiously neutral and welcomes families from all backgrounds.
Access to the school is controlled, and children remain within the school environment during the day. At collection time, children are handed over to their parents or authorised caregivers by staff.
Parents should keep the school informed of any illness. In the case of a contagious illness, the school may request a doctor’s certificate confirming the nature of the illness and when the child may safely return to school. Parents should also ensure that the school always has up-to-date emergency contact information.
Yes. Visits to the school are arranged by appointment only. There are no general open days, allowing prospective families to arrange a more personal visit to the school.
Enrolment enquiries are welcome throughout the year, subject to space being available. Places may be limited, so parents are encouraged to contact the school to discuss availability for their child’s grade.
Parents can enquire with the school directly and complete the application process online, or contact Estelle for assistance. The school will guide parents through the registration and enrolment process.
There is not generally a formal waiting list, but availability depends on the number of places open in the relevant class or grade. Parents should therefore enquire directly about current availability.
Children already attending Brooklyn Montessori can progress through the school’s phases, subject to the school’s normal enrolment requirements. Parents should discuss the transition with the school as their child approaches the next phase.
Fees differ according to the child’s phase and the services selected, such as aftercare or lunch. Please contact Brooklyn Montessori directly for the current fee structure and information about available payment options or sibling discounts.
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Visiting
Please do not arrive for an unannounced tour. Educators cannot leave a class, so an unbooked visit means nobody can show you the school properly. Ask for a morning and the office will arrange one.
Enrolment
The enrolment page sets out the steps and the application form.
