FMS is a non-denominational independent school. We welcome students and families from all cultures and backgrounds. The diversity of language and culture in our small school adds to the richness of education we provide. Cultural diversity in our school community provides a foundation for learning and acceptance, empathy and respect and is key to our delivery of an education for peace.
Cultural Diversity: A foundation for Peace Education
Our incredible community of cultures
In 2024, Forestville Montessori School recognised 25 different cultural backgrounds within our community. Nationalities representing among our most current cohort include: American, Australian, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Columbian, Danish, Fijian, Filipino, German, Greek, Gujarati, Indian, Indonesian, Iranian, Irish, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Maori, Slovakian, Serbian, Russian, Taiwanese and Turkish!
48% of our students speak a language other than English!
This incredible diversity among our small community provides endless opportunities for learning about other cultures, respecting cultural differences and gaining genuine inter-cultural fluency.
Diversity among staff
Cultural diversity is not limited to our students and families. FMS staff are a multicultural bunch too! At last check, the following countries were represented among our staff: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Canada, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Philippenes and Scotland!
As well as contributing to the richness of cultural education we provide, this means we have staff on hand who can assist international students’ language needs, especially where English is a second language.
Language Support for FMS students
In addition to English, we have staff available who are able to speak:
Bangla
Cantonese
Hindi Marathi
Japanese
Konkani
Korean
Mandarin
Spanish
