Maori Hill Montessori Preschool

Welcome to Māori Hill Montessori Preschool, located in the beautiful city of Dunedin, New Zealand. Our preschool is a unique establishment that offers a program based on the philosophy and educational discoveries of Dr Maria Montessori.

At Māori Hill Montessori Preschool, we believe in the innate potential of each child and recognize their unique absorbent mind and sensitive periods as tools that enable them to develop and gain knowledge of their environment. Our specially prepared environment, activities, and materials are designed to meet the individual needs of children, reflect their culture, and aid in their self-construction.

We value the multicultural diversity that children and their families and whānau bring to our preschool. We acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi and incorporate Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori into our daily routines, ensuring a rich cultural experience for all.

Our commitment to the Montessori philosophy is alongside our commitment to the principles of Te Whāriki, the New Zealand curriculum for early childhood education. Te Whāriki focuses on holistic development, empowerment, and whānau and community relationships, through wellbeing, belonging, contribution, communication, and exploration. Our aim is for children to grow up as competent and confident communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging, and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.

"The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge. Our apparatus for educating the senses offers the child a key to guide his explorations of the world," said Dr Maria Montessori. We believe in providing a stimulating environment where children can explore and learn through their senses.

Our preschool caters for up to thirty children with four qualified staff members. Children attend four morning sessions from Monday to Thursday, with optional afternoon sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and a Friday morning session. We follow primary school terms and offer a small holiday program during each term break.

Parent evenings are held twice yearly, providing an opportunity for parents and staff to meet and discuss aspects of our program and school policies. Additionally, individual teacher/family conferences are held twice yearly to ensure open communication and collaboration between families and teachers.

Children are required to bring a healthy, manageable snack for morning tea and their lunch. We provide filtered water for drinking, ensuring the well-being of our students.

At Māori Hill Montessori Preschool, we strive to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where children can thrive and develop a love for learning. We invite you to join our community and experience the enriching Montessori education we offer.