Lower Primary (ages 6–9): a foundational Montessori stage integrating Cosmic Education with NSW curriculum in collaborative, mixed-age classrooms fostering reasoning, moral awareness, and creative thought. discover more UPPER PRIMARY PRIMARY CURRICULUM Home / Lower Primary / Lower Primary BUILDING ON THE EARLY YEARS Exploring Montessori for 6-9 Year Olds In the Lower Primary stage, children embark on their 'cosmic education' journey. Developmentally, this phase serves as a period of construction, as children progress at their own pace from the absorbent and sensorial aspects of early childhood into the second plane of development. Here, we witness the emergence of more reasoning and creative thought processes. This time is also marked by heightened social awareness, where young learners begin to engage with moral concepts and explore ideas of justice. Our Lower Primary program features mixed-aged classrooms accommodating (mainstream Years 1, 2, and 3), facilitating a collaborative environment where students can support and learn from each other. The school seamlessly integrates the NSW mandated curriculum with the Montessori curriculum within a student-focused framework designed to promote individualised learning. Montessori educators offer a diverse range of choices and activities within a prepared environment, maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. This approach empowers children to take responsibility for their own learning while fostering respect for the needs and rights of their peers.

Central Coast Montessori’s Primary program (ages 6–12) delivers Cosmic Education—integrated, interdisciplinary learning that cultivates curiosity, empathy, and intellectual independence. discover more LOWER PRIMARY UPPER PRIMARY Home / Primary / About Primary LAYING STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING What is Montessori for the 6-12 Year Old? At Central Coast Montessori School, we believe that the journey of learning for children aged 6 to 12 is profoundly transformative. This period marks a time for Cosmic Education—learning in an existential context where children explore their place in the universe. Our prepared environments are designed to support, guide, and facilitate the unfolding of each child's unique life, providing considered, integrated, and contextual spaces that nurture an organic balance between freedom and responsibility. As children transition into the second plane of development, Montessori observed the fading of what she termed the 'absorbent mind'—characteristic of the first stage—and the emergence of a new capacity. This stage heralds the awakening of a reasoning mind, where children develop the ability to transcend space and time, grasping deeper concepts and ideas. It is a period marked by enhanced creativity and a fervent desire for cognitive and intellectual independence. Within the Montessori primary environment, we offer a rich tapestry of experiences that serve as a doorway to understanding both the universe and each child's unique position within it. Montessori referred to this holistic approach as Cosmic Education. Through captivating 'Great Stories', impressionistic charts, engaging experiments, and meaningful timelines, children are invited to explore the awe and wonder of the world around them. Our focus is not on the segregation of subjects; rather, we encourage children to collaborate across disciplines, understanding the interdependent nature of knowledge. The years between six and twelve are also characterised by great social sensitivity. This socio-academic stage fosters a heightened awareness of morals and justice, presenting an invaluable opportunity to cultivate compassion and empathy. It is during this formative time that values hold deeper significance, paving the way for a more conscientious and connected future. At Central Coast Montessori School, we are dedicated to creating an environment where each child can thrive, explore, and develop into the thoughtful, independent individuals they are meant to be. The Great Stories (Cosmic Education) Dr. Montessori conceived the Great Stories—often referred to as Cosmic Education—as a means to introduce a holistic perspective across all subjects. This framework provides a 'big picture' overview that illustrates how sciences, art, history, language, and geography are interconnected. Through the Five Great Stories, children gain an understanding of the universe's evolution over billions of years and recognise that it operates according to specific laws that govern the harmony and sustainability of all living beings and the broader cosmos. In the Montessori primary curriculum, the Five Great Stories serve as foundational narratives that engage children with these significant concepts. These stories are first introduced in the Junior Primary years (ages 6-9) through impressionistic lessons and are revisited annually until the end of Senior Primary (ages 9-12). Unlike the younger 3-6 environment, where learning begins with smaller ideas that gradually expand into larger concepts, the primary learner is immersed from the outset in grand themes—beginning with the origins of the universe. This 'big picture' perspective provides Junior Primary students with a broader framework, enabling them to anchor smaller ideas as they embark on their own independent inquiries. The Five Great Stories cover a sweeping overview of fundamental subjects, guiding students on a journey from broad to specific understanding: The First Great Story: The Coming of the Universe and the Earth Second Great Story: The Coming of Life Third Great Story: The Timeline of Humans Fourth Great Story: The Story of Writing Fifth Great Story: The Story of Numbers By weaving these narratives into the curriculum, we inspire curiosity and foster a sense of connection to the cosmos. This approach not only enriches their academic experience but also cultivates a deep appreciation for the intricate web of life. It encourages children to explore how various disciplines intertwine and influence one another. As they engage with these captivating stories, learners are invited to see themselves as part of a larger narrative, developing a sense of responsibility and connection to the world around them.

Explore Montessori education at CCM in a 1-hour online Discovery Session. Learn about our approach and next steps for enrolment. Start Your CCM Journey with a Discovery Session Explore our philosophy, programs and enrolment pathway in a relaxed one-hour online session Home / Book a Discovery Session / There is no better way to understand Central Coast Montessori than by taking part in a Discovery Session. This online information evening introduces our prepared learning environments, our approach to child development, and the principles that guide our work each day. You will meet members of our team, explore our programs, and gain a clear picture of what Montessori education looks like at CCM. About the Discovery Session We invite you to join a one hour online Discovery Session to explore what makes Central Coast Montessori unique. You will explore our philosophy, programs and enrolment pathway in a relaxed one hour online session, guided by members of our experienced team. This experience introduces our prepared learning environments, the principles that shape our work, and what families can expect throughout their CCM journey. During your Discovery Session, we will: Introduce our Montessori philosophy and what it looks like in practice at CCM Show you how our Early Years, Preschool and Primary programs work and how children grow and learn through each stage Explain how we foster independence, curiosity and lifelong learning in a nurturing, supportive community Answer any questions you have about enrolment, curriculum, daily life or how we structure learning environments Who it’s for Prospective families with children aged 0 to 12 years How it works Online via Zoom. The session runs for approximately one hour. Simply register below and we will send you the meeting link prior to the day. What to expect A friendly, personal conversation with one of our guides or admissions team. Clear explanation of our programs, community, and how we support children and families. Space to ask your questions and talk about your child’s needs and interests. Click below to reserve your space — we’ll be in touch with a Zoom link and further details. Tue, 21 Jul 2026, 7:30pm - 8:30pm AEST Tue, 13 Oct 2026, 7:30pm - 8:30pm AEDT We look forward to welcoming you to CCM and helping you discover whether our Montessori community is the right fit for your family. Ready to get started?

Explore our Montessori FAQ: straightforward answers to common questions about our approach, admissions, and programs at Central Coast Montessori. Home / Montessori FAQ / Montessori FAQ ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS Welcome to our Montessori FAQ section. Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Montessori approach. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to submit it at the bottom of the page. Is Central Coast Montessori just a Preschool? Central Coast Montessori offers progams from birth, through to upper Primary with Secondary (years 7 and 8) slated for 2027. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education? What distinguishes Montessori education from traditional schooling from the industrial revolution style schooling widely practiced today? For children under six, Montessori emphasises sensory-based learning, engaging all five senses, rather than solely relying on listening, watching, or reading. Students progress at their own pace and choose activities from a wide range of options. Instead of sitting passively in a group lesson, children participate in individual or small group projects with materials introduced personally by the educators, tailored to each child's readiness. This approach makes learning an engaging journey of discovery, building concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a lifelong love of learning. For students over six, the focus shifts to developing independence through research, organising Going-Out Experiences, interviewing experts, and creating presentations, plays, art exhibits, musical performances, and science projects. The environment encourages creative exploration without traditional textbooks, scheduled lessons, or adult-led group instruction. While respecting each child's choices, students often surpass expectations typical of conventional education. Learning becomes a purposeful activity where children enjoy their studies, collaborate, and often teach one another, promoting a culture of sharing and inspired learning rather than competition. Why does Montessori have multi age classrooms? Multi-age settings give us the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to meet each child's unique development and real life experience. We spend time with people of different sexes, ages and abilities/skills. Children can progress at their own pace while still feeling connected within their peer community. Additionally, having a range of ages in the same classroom encourages older children to take on leadership roles, fostering confidence and social skills—even for those who might be shy or reserved. Are Montessori schools affiliated with any religion? No, they are not. Montessori education focuses on the development of the whole child without aligning with any religious beliefs or traditions. This approach fosters a classroom environment that is highly diverse, embracing students from various cultural, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Is Montessori a franchise/chain? No, Montessori is not a franchise. The term 'Montessori' is not trademarked, so anyone—regardless of their training, experience, or affiliation—can open a school claiming to be Montessori. It’s important for parents to research carefully to ensure they select an authentic Montessori program. While there are larger chains in Australia, many of these centres are Montessori 'themed' rather than true Montessori schools, often using only some materials without proper guidance from trained Montessori educators. Is Montessori a cult? No - but the question usually comes from people who haven’t looked very far into what Montessori really is. Montessori is a century-old, evidence-based approach to education, practised in thousands of schools worldwide. Families can seem especially passionate, but that enthusiasm comes from seeing their children grow into confident, capable learners — not from secret handshakes. Montessori communities are often close-knit because they are more than schools; they become villages of learning, dynamic ecosystems where children are offered purposeful, contextual, and experiential opportunities. If anything, Montessori is not a cult but a global movement for independence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Given Montessori emphasises collaboration over competition, how do students prepare for real-world competitive situations later in life? Montessori encourages children to focus on 'personal-best's', developing skills such as self-monitoring, self-correction, and other executive functions that support ongoing self-improvement. Students build confidence in their strengths and learn constructive ways to address areas needing growth with daily experiences in mixed age environment's that concretely present peers not only working on diverse topics but at different stages immerses student in an unlimited space within which they exist and work daily. This builds self-belief and develops resilience for future challenges. Why do your classrooms look so different to regular classrooms? Where does the teacher sit? Where are the rows of desks? The unique organisation of a Montessori classroom reflects its distinct educational philosophy. Instead of positioning the teacher as the central figure, with children relying entirely on him/her for instruction, the environment is designed to be child-centred. Children usually work at tables or on floor mats, where they can freely spread out their learning materials. The 'guide' (not 'teacher') moves around the space, offering lessons, guiding individual students, or addressing issues as they come up, fostering independence and self-directed learning. Do Montessori schools match the academic standards of traditional schools? Absolutely. our Montessori programs are fully accredited by the educational governing bodies ACECQA and NESA. Our programs emphasise developing a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles behind skills and concepts, rather than merely practising isolated techniques through repetition. The achievements of former Montessori students showcase the strength of this approach, with many going on to excel in secondary and tertiary education, often surpassing their peers from industrial revolution style approaches to education. Are Montessori children successful later in life? Research indicates that children educated in Montessori environments tend to be well prepared for future challenges across academic, social, and emotional domains. Beyond performing well on standardised tests, Montessori students often excel in skills such as following instructions, completing tasks on time, listening carefully, applying fundamental skills, demonstrating responsibility, asking insightful questions, displaying enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations. Submit a New Question Name* Email* Message* Submit Start the Journey ENQUIRE NOW BOOK A TOUR APPLY NOW

Central Coast Montessori fees are an investment in your child’s future. Our Preschool and Primary programs provide high-quality Montessori education that nurtures independence, confidence, and lifelong learning. Home / Investment / Investment FEES & PAYMENTS Education at Central Coast Montessori involves a commitment to investment, and we are sincerely grateful to all who consider joining us on this educational journey. We work diligently to ensure that our fees align with the high-quality education and engaging environments we offer, while also remaining competitive with similar offerings. Additionally, we warmly welcome any extra contributions from families who are able to provide them, as these resources enhance our community and opportunities for all students. Admission Fees Application for Enrolment Primary Enrolment Fee Early Years/Preschool Enrolment Bond $250 per new student ($150 siblings) $1,000 per child $500 per child Tuition Cycle/Year Primary Secondary (2028) 2026 instalment payment due dates are on 23 January, 17 April, 17 July, 9 October. Annual Investment per Child $8,800 $11,300 Quartely Instalments $2,200 $2,825 Fortnightly $352 $435 Preschool and Early Years Programs Parent & Child (0-3 Years Program) Per Session $35 (billed termly) Per Session $35 (billed termly) Parent & Child (0-3 Years Saturday Prep Program) ELC Program (3-6 Years Preschool Program) 48 weeks per year (3 year program) Daily $125.28 (full day rate) Central Coast Montessori offers an ‘Approved’ Preschool Program. As such, families may be eligible for the Childcare Subsidy. To find out more about eligibility, please contact the Department of Human Services . The Preschool operates five days a week and 48 weeks of the year. * For further details about the Early Years investment, please see the link below. Investment Our fees and charges are reviewed and set annually. Below, you will find our detailed investment schedule's along with the Enrolment Conditions. 2026 early years investment details 2026 primary investment details enrolment conditions discover more primary years gallery applying to CCM Sibling Discounts Sibling discounts are offered to Primary and Secondary enrolments to help support our families where appropriate. We will reduce the Tuition Fee payable for full-time students attending Central Coast Montessori concurrently where they are siblings. For step-siblings to be eligible, they must live predominantly at the same address. The applicable allowances are: No discount for the oldest child 10% of tuition fees for the second sibling 25% of tuition fees for the third and fourth or subsequent siblings Community Contribution Levy The Community Contribution Levy requires each family to volunteer 3 hours per term of their time and/or services to the school. CCM will provide a wide variety of opportunities for families to participate in/contribute to community life. Working Bees/Cultural Day/Material Making/Open Days/Projects/Community Pods – Events/Full Fridge/Gardening/Co-Op etc. Facilitating Communality: (3 hrs p/term – 24 hrs p/year) Paying fees and charges Make a Payment We aim to make it as easy as possible to pay fees and other costs, and offer a range of options for families: Australia Post BPay Electronic Funds Transfer Credit Card Over the phone Online make a payment * 2027 Investment Details - Available Wednesday, 1 October 2026 Fees are reviewed, taking into account that Central Coast Montessori operates as a non-profit organisation. Factors considered include compliance with government funding and regulatory requirements, the organisation’s financial needs, application and enrolment levels, and other relevant considerations.

Find answers to common questions about applying to enrol at Central Coast Montessori, including fees, tours, childcare subsidy (CCS), immunisation, and more. Home / Admissions FAQ / Admissions FAQ ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS Welcome to our Admissions FAQ. Here you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about the enrolment process, eligibility, and requirements. If you have a question that’s not covered here, please feel free to get in touch —or submit your own question below. Enrolment Preschool Primary Secondary Does my child need to be enrolled from birth? Our typical entry age begins at 6 months through our Parent & Child Program, but we encourage families with older children to enquire as well. While spaces are limited in our early programs, we are happy to discuss options and guide you through the process for children of various ages. Starting the conversation early ensures you won’t miss out on the best fit for your family. What is the enrolment process? Our enrolment process is designed to be thoughtful, informative, and centred around ensuring the best fit for your family. You’ll find a clear, step‑by‑step guide here: https://www.ccm.nsw.edu.au/enrolment-process Can I book a tour? Absolutely! The best way to experience Central Coast Montessori is by visiting our environments, exploring our spaces, and speaking with our team while learning more about our programmes. Visit our Discovery Tour page and choose the next available date. Do I need to submit an application? Yes, all families are required to submit an application to enrol. We recommend reviewing our enrolment process beforehand to ensure you understand each step before applying. If your child is transitioning into a new cycle (Primary/Preschool or Secondary) or if you are enrolling a sibling of a currently enrolled student, please contact the office directly for guidance. What are the fees? Education at Central Coast Montessori involves a commitment to investment, and we are sincerely grateful to all who consider joining us on this educational journey. Families with children attending Central Coast Montessori Preschool are able to recieve the Childcare Subsidy (CCS) providing they are eligible. Please visit our Investment page to learn more about our Fee Schedule's and Terms and Conditions. If I already have a child enrolled at the school and wish to enrol their sibling, is it necessary to submit a seperate Application for Enrolment? If you already have a child enrolled at Central Coast Montessori and wish to enrol their sibling, you are still required to submit a seperate enrolment form and participate in a classroom experience and/or meeting with a lead educator, we will then work with your family to develop a personalised Transition Plan. Discounts apply for siblings and families with 2 or more children, visit the Investment page for more details. Submit a New Question Name* Email* Message* Submit Start the Journey ENQUIRE NOW BOOK A TOUR APPLY NOW

Home / The Early Years Education / The Early Years Education 'HELP ME DO IT FOR MYSELF' At Central Coast Montessori, the early years provide children with the opportunity to work towards the acquisiton of physical independence. With each skill developed, the growing individual also experiences a greater sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. Absorbent Mind and Sensitive Periods From birth to six, children absorb information effortlessly from their surroundings. In Montessori classrooms, hands-on, specifically designed, sequential materials support key developmental needs. Guides observe each child and introduce activities that match their interests and skills, ensuring engagement during this critical learning phase. Sensorial Development Materials like the pink tower and colour tablets are just two of hundreds of didactic resources that help refine children’s senses and to categorise the world. These activities progress from simple to complex, laying the groundwork for abstract concepts in maths, science, and beyond. Prepared Environment The classroom is designed to foster independence, with child-sized furniture, natural lighting, and organised materials within reach. Children freely choose activities, developing responsibility and autonomy as they care for their space and explore at their own pace. Social Development Multi-age classrooms encourage collaboration. Younger children learn by observing older peers, while older children reinforce their knowledge by helping younger classmates. Through the dynamic daily experience within a 'classroom family/community', children develop empathy, communication, and conflict-resolution skills essential for emotional and social growth. Practical Life Skills Tasks such as pouring, sweeping, and buttoning help children manage their needs and contribute to the community. Practical life activities build fine motor skills, concentration, and self-discipline, empowering children with real-world competence. Holistic Development Montessori education goes beyond academics, integrating practical life skills, emotional growth, and social responsibility. This holistic focus ensures children develop confidence, independence, and a well-rounded skill set to thrive in any environment. Where to from here? The Early Years Journey Lets Go

Home / Sitemap / Sitemap CENTRAL COAST MONTESSORI About Welcome from the Principal Vision, mission and values Term Dates Governance Annual Report Why CCM? What Sets Us Apart Is Montessori for You? Birth of a Movement Montessori FAQ Recommended Reading & Resources Admissions Enrolment Process Apply to Enrol Application for Enrolment Enrolment Conditions View Our Prospectus Prospectus Investment 2025 Early Years Fee Schedule 2025 Primary Years Fee Schedule Frequently Asked Questions (Admissions) The Early Years About the Early Years Parent & Child (Ages 0-3) Preschool Program (Ages 3-6) The Early Years Curriculum The Early Years Gallery Primary About Primary Lower Primary Upper Primary Primary Curriculum Primary Years Gallery Careers Working at Central Coast Montessori Current opportunities MyCCM Family App Compliance Policy Library Anti-Bullying Policy Anti-Discrimination Policy Child Safety Code of Conduct Child Safety Wellbeing Policy Community Code of Conduct Complaints Policy Complaints and Grievance Resolution Policy Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Statement (Employees, Contractors & Volunteers) Privacy Policy Work, Health and Safety Statement Sushi Friday Orders (Preschool & Primary Campus Only) Shuttle Bus Information CCM Family Handbook News & Events The Coddiewompler (Publication) Events Contact/Enquiries

Discover how a Montessori beginning has shaped innovators, creators and leaders worldwide. Not a celebration of fame, but of authentic learning. Home / A Legacy of Learners / Connected by Montessori WHEN CHILDREN LEARN TO LEAD THIER OWN LEARNING, THE WORLD NOTICES At Central Coast Montessori, we focus on each child’s unique path. Yet it is inspiring to know that the Montessori approach has quietly shaped people who have gone on to contribute in many ways across the world. This page is not about fame. It is simply a reminder that when children are trusted, respected and given the freedom to explore deeply, they develop the qualities that support a life of purpose. The individuals below offer a glimpse into how a Montessori beginning can nurture curiosity, independence and a love of learning. What these paths show us: Independence Montessori environments give children time and space to follow their interests, develop confidence and take initiative. This independence becomes a lifelong habit. Curiosity and depth Rather than being rushed from topic to topic, children explore concepts through hands-on materials and real experiences. This nurtures depth, focus and genuine understanding. Community and collaboration Mixed-age classrooms cultivate responsibility, empathy and leadership. Children learn to support one another and to value their part in a community. A love of learning The Montessori approach lays foundations for learning that continues far beyond childhood. It encourages adaptability, creativity and a mindset that welcomes challenge. At Central Coast Montessori, these principles shape every day. Whether in the classroom, the garden or during project work, children are invited to think broadly, explore boldly and grow into themselves with integrity. See how your child might follow their own path We invite you to visit our learning community and experience the quiet, powerful difference of Montessori education. Montessori-Educated Alumni A selection of individuals from around the world who experienced Montessori or Montessori-style education in their early years. Anne Frank – Writer Gabriel García Márquez – Nobel Prize-winning author Julia Child – Chef and author Taylor Swift – Singer and songwriter Helen Hunt – Actor and director Dakota Fanning – Actor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – Former First Lady of the United States Katherine Graham – Publisher, The Washington Post Andrew Lloyd Webber – Composer Yo-Yo Ma – Cellist Joshua Bell – Violinist David Blaine – Performance artist Thomas Pynchon – Novelist Prince William – Montessori preschool Prince Harry – Montessori preschool Princess Charlotte of Wales – Montessori preschool Princess Beatrice of York – Montessori nursery Larry Page – Co-founder of Google Sergey Brin – Co-founder of Google Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon Samuel Altman – CEO, OpenAI Jimmy Wales – Co-founder of Wikipedia Will Wright – Creator of The Sims Peter Drucker – Management theorist Katherine Kirk – Australian professional golfer Courtney Barnett – Musician and songwriter Dr Susan Feez – Linguist and academic Kathy Graham – Early childhood leader Eamon Sullivan – Olympic swimmer Miranda Tapsell – Actor Naomi Watts – Actor Tim Minchin – Musician and actor * Note: The individuals featured here attended Montessori or Montessori-style educational settings. Their inclusion is intended to illustrate the range of possibilities that child-led learning can support. Every child’s path is unique. Elon Musk/Ad Astra School: Some media outlets have referred to Elon Musk’s Ad Astra preschool as a 'Montessori preschool', though the more accurate description is Montessori-inspired, STEM-focused private education. The school notes that it incorporates Montessori methods and employs Montessori-trained educators, while operating outside the traditional Montessori model. Elon, if you ever read this, we would genuinely welcome a conversation about education and innovation. Montessori has always championed curiosity, independence and forward-thinking learning, and we would love to collaborate or exchange ideas. Where to from here? The Early Years Journey Lets Go

Primary Years Gallery Home / The Primary Years Gallery / AN ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS & GUIDES THE DEVELOPMENT OF EACH INDIVIDUAL, OFFERING A BALANCED INTERGRATION OF FREEDOM & RESPONSIBILITY

Download the Central Coast Montessori Prospectus to explore our Preschool and Primary programs, unique approach, and commitment to high-quality Montessori education. Home / Prospectus / View Our Prospectus To learn more about Central Coast Montessori, please view the Prospectus below. Our Prospectus provides valuable insights into life at Central Coast Montessori, highlighting how students embark on a wonderful learning journey filled with enriching experiences and opportunities for growth. If you have any further questions, please feel free to complete an online enquiry . Our Admissions team will be in touch within 24-48 hours to assist you. VIEW PROSPECTUS discover more APPLYING TO CCM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS