Montessori Schools which extend into formal education are required to register as Independent schools with the Provincial Department of Education, and therefore adhere to the laws governing these schools. Through the Basic Rights and Responsibilities for Independent Schools (from the Department of Basic Education) allows for the right to implement a Montessori Curriculum.

Our school, either in its own right or through Sonia as the Principal, is also a member of the following organisations:

–  SAMA (Sonia Heaton has South African Montessori Association accreditation)
–  North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA)
–  South African Council of Educators (SACE)
–  UMALUSI (under accreditation)

Each Montessori class operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Each class (environment) has its set of ground rules that differs slightly from age to age but is always based on the core Montessori beliefs, that is, respect for each other and for the environment.

The Montessori material allows concrete manipulation of materials that are multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting in nature, and hence facilitate the learning of skills as well as abstract ideas. The Montessori materials also have a built-in ‘control of error’ which provides the learner with information as to the accuracy of his response and enables him to correct himself.

The teacher demonstrates the lesson initially and is available when needed. The child is free to work at his or her own pace with material that he or she has chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher’s role is to act as a facilitator to encourage active, self-directed learning.

No. Although Dr Maria Montessori did much of her work with 3 to 6-year-old children, the Montessori approach to education has been used successfully with children from age two-and-a-half to eighteen from all socio-economic levels. It has benefitted children who are normal, gifted, learning-disabled, mentally challenged, emotionally disturbed, and physically handicapped. Addressing the education of the whole child, this approach allows children to actively participate in their own development.

Yes. Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than sole memorization of the curriculum. Learners at Knysna Montessori  School (KMS) have been taking the IEB Matric since 2008 and each year has consistently passed.

Montessori education is experiential and hands-on; children work with specially designed materials in the classroom before learning abstract pencil-and-paper methods. As students grow into the primary and middle school years, written resources make more appearances. Students are encouraged to do their own research.

Learners from 9 years and older have homework but it’s considered important not to over-schedule a child’s time and to leave plenty of time for free play. Though many “fun” activities are considered to be appropriate learning experiences. These include reading, gardening, music lessons, hiking, journaling, or playing a sport.

The distinctive arrangement of a Montessori classroom mirrors the Montessori method’s differences from traditional education. Rather than putting the teacher at the focal point of the class, the classroom shows a child-centred approach. Children work at tables or on floor mats where they can spread out their materials, and the teacher circulates about the room, giving lessons or resolving issues as they arise.

Montessori classrooms emphasize competition with oneself: self-monitoring, self-correction, and a variety of other executive skills aimed at continuous self-improvement. Students typically become comfortable with their strengths and learn how to address their weaknesses. In older classes, students commonly participate in competitive activities in which students give their best performances while simultaneously encouraging peers to do the same.

No, students are educated without reference to religious denominations. However, it is important to stress that the Montessori method does not have any conflict with any religion either.