Parents and teachers at Forestville Montessori School explain why they chose Montessori education for their children, and the impact Montessori has on their children’s lives. Who do our children become? How does the Montessori philosophy aid this? Why does the world need more Montessori children – especially now?
Watch the clip here and hear from these long-time Forestville Montessori families as they share the reasons they chose FMS, and the impact Montessori education has had on who and how their children are in the world.
Hear from one of the founders of Forestville Montessori School, Sue Birdsall (at 2.20min), as she describes the concept of peace education in Montessori schools.
We’ve highlighted the key sentiments from these Montessori families for you below.
Of course, if you want to know more, the best way as noted is to come see for yourself! Book a tour or a classroom observation or both. We’d love to show you and your family our beautiful school and the magic of Montessori learning in action.
Unlike traditional text-heavy resources, these charts rely on visual representations, which makes them more appealing to children. The charts also provide a visual model of how to organise an investigation into ancient civilizations and cultures.
What’s the vibe like when the kids first arrive at school?
It’s all about connection. Right from the start of the day, the kids look their teacher in the eye and give a handshake. It’s such a simple thing, but it’s huge for building that natural confidence and helping them feel comfortable speaking with anyone.
Is Montessori just about what happens in the classroom?
Not at all! The idea is that school should feel like an extension of home. When children are encouraged to be independent at school, you see it rub off everywhere—they become these confident little people in all sorts of social situations.
Does it go beyond just learning the basics like ABCs?
Definitely. It’s about the “whole child.” Parents notice their kids aren’t just memorising facts; they’re becoming deep thinkers. You’ll see them getting really passionate about big-picture things, like caring for the environment or understanding social issues.
How does it feel different from a typical mainstream school?
The big shift is putting the child at the center. Instead of everyone doing the same thing at the same time, it lets them lean into their own strengths. They take real ownership of their learning, which is pretty amazing to watch.
How has Forestville Montessori stayed true to this over the years?
They’ve really stuck to their guns! The school has stayed dedicated to the core Montessori philosophy. They don’t just jump on mainstream trends; they stay focused on the unique way each individual child learns.
What’s the “big picture” goal for these students?
It’s actually quite beautiful—it’s about “peace education.” The goal is to support their natural development so they grow up to be true world citizens. The hope is that by nurturing them this way, they’ll eventually help create a more peaceful world.
If I’m thinking about this for my child, what should I do?
The best thing is to just come in and see it for yourself. The school encourages parents to visit, sit in the classrooms, and really soak in how the environment works. It’s the best way to understand the magic of it.
