Capital Montessori offers an authentic, high quality Montessori preschool programme for children 3-6 and a playgroup for 0-3 year olds.

Preschool Programme

Our preschool programme offers a foundation for life. Everything we do is designed to nurture a child's joy and love of learning, independence and self-motivation, confidence, respect and creativity. The first two years prepare your child for meaningful, holistic exploration of key learning areas - practical life, sensorial, language, music, mathematics, science and cultural topics. The final year is the culmination of these two years - where the concepts and skills they have learned truly blossom and a 'love of learning' becomes a strong and enduring part of who they are.

The Montessori Classroom

The Montessori classroom is the ideal environment for young enquiring minds to develop their problem solving abilities, visualise abstract ideas and have lots of fun all at the same time. Children love using the interactive Montessori materials to explore interesting and important concepts. Our classrooms are warm, inviting, peaceful places carefully prepared to stimulate and inspire our children and support their natural development.

The outdoor environment is a vital part of every child's learning. Our outdoor classrooms feature native and flowering plants, alongside a central vegetable garden. Children have the privilege of exploring outdoor spaces throughout the changing seasons, fostering a deeper bond with the natural world.

We have two preschool classrooms (Koru and Kowhai) with children aged under six years. The school day is from 8.30am to 1pm, 3pm or 5pm each day. We follow the primary school terms with four terms each year and an extended break in Summer. We offer a school holiday programme during the short term breaks and for the last three weeks of the summer break. We also offer extended hours until 5pm for enrolled children. This is available for the full school year, including the holiday programme.

Interested in seeing our preschool in action? Email us to arrange a time to visit.

Rata Infant & Toddler Community

 Rata is a calm and nurturing playgroup environment for infants and toddlers from 0-3 years to explore, learn and socialise accompanied by a parent or family member. It's also a place for parents to learn more about Montessori, develop friendships and find support.

Our beautiful, dedicated toddler room and garden have been developed to support the needs and interests of under 3s and their growing independence and confidence. At Rata, your child can explore a wide range of quality materials and resources for developing skills in hand-eye and gross motor coordination, music, art, language and practical life activities.

Rata is for families interested in exploring Montessori or have children at our preschool. The only Montessori-inspired playgroup in South Wellington, it is facilitated by a dedicated Montessori guide. Rata is a friendly and welcoming place where you'll have the chance to observe your child and relax with other parents.

Sessions run on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, from 9am - 11am for toddlers and infants. Our sessions are facilitated by Zoe, who is a mother of three and is studying Montessori philosophy.

You can choose to come along for up to three sessions a week

Rata Fees are $100.00 per term for up to 3 sessions.

We always welcome new families.

If you are interested in visiting or joining our under-3 playgroup community please email us to arrange a time to drop into a session.

We help children become joyful learners

Maria Montessori discovered that children who experience the joy of learning become happy, confident, fulfilled children. And that the path to that was giving them the freedom to independently choose activities that interest them and allowing them to concentrate and interact with those activities in their own way, for as long as they chose to.

Our approach is guided by Montessori philosophy.

A Capital Montessori education responds to the individual needs and interests of every child, giving them pathways for growth in language, music, mathematics, science, physical coordination, and art. As well as a broad range of practical life skills from gardening, to cooking and caring for their environment and social skills based on grace and courtesy.   

Observers, Creators and Communicators  

Our teachers have a very important role. They are skilled observers of children, so they can interpret and respond to their individual needs to encourage them reach their potential. They create and maintain a prepared learning environment to inspires each and every child. They are friendly and skilled communicators to make you and your child feel welcome

At Capital Montessori we have a team of professional teachers with a shared vision for quality Montessori Education. We have a mix of trained Montessori teachers and Montessori teachers in training. Our teachers are trained in the Montessori Method by recognised Montessori organisations such as the Association Montessori International (AMI), Aperfield Montessori Trust and Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

Our team offers enrolled families opportunities through the school year to participate in parent education programs, and community events. This nurtures relationship between our school, children and their families – the foundation stone of every strong Montessori community.