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 Apr 2026, 7:30pm - 8:30pm AEST 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?

Discover Central Coast Montessori’s unique 8-term year. Our ‘Rhythm Re-imagined’ calendar balances learning with regular breaks, supporting wellbeing, focus, and joy in learning. Home / Term Dates / Term Dates RHYTHM RE-IMAGINED Plan your year with term dates and all other important events throughout the year, including public holidays and student-free days. Unlike the traditional four-term system, Central Coast Montessori’s innovative Primary calendar, ‘Rhythm Re-imagined,’ features shorter terms punctuated by regular breaks. This structure is proving remarkably effective, fostering a more balanced learning experience that supports students’ well-being and ability to learn and enjoy learning. The shorter terms maintain high levels of engagement and energy, while the frequent breaks provide crucial opportunities for rest and reflection, leading to improved focus and reduced stress. 2026 Term 1 21 Jan Preschool Commences 26 Jan Australia Day Public Holiday 02 Feb Primary Commences 07 Feb Sakura Commences 2 Mar Primary Rest & Reflection Break Term 2 09 Mar Primary Resumes 03 Apr Good Friday Public Holiday 06 Apr Easter Monday Public Holiday 13 Apr Primary Rest & Reflection Break 14 Mar Last Sakura Class (Block 1) Term 3 20 Apr Primary Student Free Day 21 Apr Primary Resumes 25 Apr ANZAC Day Public Holiday 02 May Sakura Resumes (Block 2) 25 May Primary Rest & Reflection Break Term 4 01 Jun Primary Resumes 05 Jun Student Free Day/Staff Professional Development Conference 08 Jun Kings Birthday Public Holiday 20 Jun Last Sakura Class (Block 2) 06 Jul Primary Rest & Reflection Break Term 5 20 Jul Primary Student Free Day 21 Jul Primary Resumes 01 Aug Sakura Resumes (Block 3) 24 Aug Primary Rest & Reflection Break Term 6 31 Aug Primary Resumes 05 Sep Last Sakura Class (Block 3) 05 Oct Labour Day Public Holiday 06 Oct Primary Rest & Reflection Term 7 12 Oct Primary Student Free Day 13 Oct Primary Resumes 24 Oct Sakura Resumes (Block 4) 16 Nov Primary Rest & Reflection Break Term 8 23 Nov Primary Resumes 28 Nov Last Sakura Class (Block 4) 18 Dec Primary Student Free Day 21 Dec Primary Rest & Reflection Break 24 Dec Preschool Closed

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Our Preschool program offers a rigorous Montessori framework for children 3–6, fostering literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, evidence-based learning. discover more ENROLMENT FAQ APPLY TO ENROL Home / Preschool Ages 3-6 / Preschool Program LAYING STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING What is Montessori for the 0-6 Year Old? Families exploring Montessori education often have numerous questions, and we understand the importance of providing the right information to help you make informed decisions for your child and family. Central Coast Montessori offers a strong educational foundation to support and guide your child’s development. We appreciate your consideration of our Early Years program for your child. We offer Parent and Child classes from 3 months of age, to assist in preparing to enter our Preschool community starting at age 3 when your child will embark on a unique, enriching journey through the Montessori approach. As part of what is known in Montessori education as Cycle 1, our Early Years Preschool program focuses on the distinct needs of children aged 3 to 6. What Makes Montessori Learning Different from Play-Based Programs? Our educators act as Guides in the children's learning journeys, helping them to develop skills, follow their interests, and realise their individual potential. Children in our Early Years move from chaos to order, from distraction to focus through purposeful activities within the prepared environment. This transformation occurs through engaging, repeated experiences that captivate their attention and imagination. They learn effortlessly as part of the process. Education here is individualised, allowing each child to progress at their own pace under the guidance of trained Montessori professionals, all within an environment that promotes curiosity and active engagement. Literacy is a particular strength: more than 80% of our Preschool children are reading before they enter Primary, with many also confidently writing. These outcomes reflect the depth and consistency of the Montessori approach to language, which combines phonetic awareness, tactile learning materials, and an environment rich in spoken and written language. At Central Coast Montessori, we also include plenty of nature, outdoor play, and immersive experiences on our beautiful acreage campus. What Do Children Learn? The journey of the 3 to 6-year-old child is one of ‘self-construction’. Utilising the Montessori philosophy and specially designed materials, we support each child's capacity to absorb knowledge and foster their growth. Our Cycle 1 program encompasses four core areas: Practical Life Sensorial Language Mathematics Cultural The pre-primary environment connects the child to the world. We provide globes, maps, songs, landforms, and diverse cultural materials that promote the child's growth as an individual, fostering an appreciation for the broader context of their world. The Practical Life component bridges the child’s home life with the classroom experience. A child's innate desire for order and independence is expressed through various activities and materials that promote fine motor skills and foundational learning necessary for more advanced work. The Practical Life materials engage children in focused movements that encourage concentration, self-paced work, and the completion of tasks, leading to feelings of accomplishment and confidence. This area covers four primary aspects: Control of Movement, Care of Person, Care of Environment, and Grace and Courtesy. Practical Life From an early age, children naturally seek to create order and engage in sorting, arranging, and classifying their experiences. The sensorial component of our program plays a vital role in developing their perception and understanding of the world. Our sensorial materials offer children opportunities to explore and identify differences and similarities among various objects. As they advance, children learn to categorise objects based on measurable attributes, progressing from basic concepts to more complex distinctions. Each piece of sensorial equipment isolates a specific quality perceived through the senses, such as colour, shape, size, texture, temperature, volume, pitch, weight, and taste. By using precise vocabulary like loud/soft, long/short, rough/smooth, and terms for shapes, children enhance their sensorial experiences, making their world more meaningful. Sensorial Maria Montessori believed reading, writing, and language should not be taught separately. In our pre-primary setting, children are immersed in their natural language development through a structured program that includes songs, games, and stories. Preparation for writing begins with Practical Life and Sensorial activities that enhance fine motor skills and sound recognition. Children learn alphabet symbols alongside spoken language, trace sandpaper letters to feel sounds, and use movable alphabets to create words and stories. Creativity flourishes as they explore language intricacies, allowing them to read independently and open a gateway to literature. Language Mathematics is a lens through which we can understand and express measurable relationships. Children’s exposure to mathematical concepts begins with sensorial experiences that help them recognise variations in distance, dimension, and sequence. In our Montessori framework, concepts like geometry, algebra, and arithmetic are interlinked, reflecting real-life connections. Using tangible materials, children learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, gradually grasping abstract mathematical ideas with enthusiasm and ease. For example, the golden bead material illustrates the numerical, geometric, and dimensional Mathematics In the Preschool, the Cultural Area introduces children to geography, history, nature, and science. These experiences help them understand their place in the wider world and nurture a sense of wonder about how things connect. Geography materials support children in exploring continents, countries, and landforms, giving them a concrete sense of belonging in the world. History activities help children grasp the concept of change — through observing the seasons, studying the weather, and marking the days on the calendar, they begin to understand the cycles of time. Birthdays are celebrated with a beautiful Montessori tradition: the child carries the globe in a walk around a representation of the sun, marking each year of their journey through life. Cultural Where to from here? The Early Years Gallery Lets Go

Our biannual magazine, The Coddiewompler, is a thoughtful celebration of Montessori life—bringing together voices, stories, and moments that define our vibrant learning community. Home / The Coddiewompler / The Coddiewompler BI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION The Coddiewompler is Central Coast Montessori’s biannual magazine — a thoughtful collection of reflections, stories, and snapshots from across our learning community. Each edition brings together the voices of children, guides, and families, offering insight into Montessori education in practice and celebrating the shared experiences that make our community unique. Current Issue PAST ISSUES Past Issues PAST ISSUES Subscribe to our mailing list First name* Last name* Email* SUBSCRIBE

Our Primary Curriculum guides children through Montessori's core areas within the framework of NESA outcomes—fostering independent, socially aware, and self-motivated learners. Education for Life Primary education at Central Coast Montessori addresses every key developmental stage within supportive learning environments that cater to the social, emotional, and educational needsof pre-adolescents. Our program cultivates self-driven and independent learners with a strong work ethic, ensuring they become well-rounded young citizens with a passion for learning and the skills needed for a successful future. discover more PRIMARY YEARS GALLERY APPLYING TO CCM Home / Primary Curriculum / Primary Curriculum FROM GUIDED TO INDEPENDENT LEARNING Our Curriculum Our early Primary program builds on the formative work of the Early Years, further shaping attitudes to learning and helping students understand, master and apply core skills and concepts. While in later Primary we cater to the changing needs of students in their formative years, helping with the transition from primary school to secondary school while students continue to develop their knowledge and skills through a varied curriculum. Flexibility Montessori education is holistic and child-centred, designed around the developmental stages of the child. It focuses on hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative exploration across core areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies. Flexibility is a hallmark of the Montessori approach, allowing children to follow their interests and progress at their own pace while acquiring necessary and develpmentally appropriate skills. Lessons, or 'presentations,' are introduced individually or in small groups when the child is ready. This personalised approach fosters intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and a love of learning while developing social and emotional skills NESA Curriculum The NESA curriculum governs education in New South Wales. It is divided into key learning areas (KLA's) such as English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), Creative Arts, and Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE). NESA outlines specific learning outcomes to be achieved by set stages (e.g., Stages 1–6) with defined year-level expectations. Our Curriculum Our Lower Primary program builds on the formative work of the Early Years, further shaping attitudes to learning and helping students understand, master and apply core skills and concepts. While in Upper Primary we cater to the changing needs of students in their formative years, helping with the transition from primary school to secondary while students continue to develop their knowledge and skills through a varied curriculum. Aligning Montessori and NESA Despite their differences in implementation, the Montessori and NESA curricula can complement one another: Literacy and Numeracy: Montessori materials, such as bead chains or phonetic language tools, align naturally with NESA’s numeracy and literacy outcomes. Cultural Studies and HSIE: Montessori’s exploration of history, geography, and biology integrates well with NESA’s HSIE curriculum. Inquiry-Based Learning: Both frameworks emphasise hands-on, inquiry-based learning, particularly in science and technology. How They Work Together Individualised Learning: Montessori’s self-paced approach ensures children meet NESA outcomes at their own speed while achieving developmental milestones. Comprehensive Development: While NESA focuses on academic standards, Montessori expands this with emotional, social, and practical life skills. Integrated Outcomes: Guides in Montessori schools ensure state-mandated literacy, numeracy, and other outcomes are seamlessly embedded into Montessori activities. By blending Montessori’s child-centred philosophy with NESA’s academic guidelines, CCM offers a rich educational experience that nurtures well-rounded, capable learners ready for further education and life.

Browse our Early Years Gallery and discover the vibrant moments of Montessori learning—children engaging, exploring, and growing in a thoughtfully prepared environment. Home / The Early Years Gallery / Early Years Gallery EDUCATION FOR LIFE A nurturing environment that cultivates independence, empowering children to explore and choose while laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

A leading independent school, Central Coast Montessori is the first and only authentic Montessori on the NSW Central Coast, providing Preschool and Primary programs that deliver high-quality education while fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Discover more welcome Central Coast Montessori provides a distinctly enriching educational experience. By emphasising independence, adaptation and valorisation. Children are encouraged to inquire boldly, imagine freely, experience broadly and create responsibly so they can grow to their fullest potential and co-shape a sustainable society. EDUCATION RE-IMAGINED From the Principal Why Central Coast Montessori Dr Maria Montessori answered that call decades ago and people are still only realising the depth, extent and significance of her work today. Change is constant in most areas, yet schools and education systems seem to remain stagnant. How could that be? It's no secret education needed to change a long time ago . . . THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT Education for life To thrive in any iteration of a world that is changing exponentially, we need education to inspire students to know learning as the pathway towards a rich, aware and empowered life. A vantage point from which they can adapt, innovate, find purpose and add value as future leaders. Education and schooling are not the same, a revolution in education is building and Central Coast Montessori is at the forefront. We are strong proponents of the notion that the bridge connecting aspiration and achievement is undoubtedly work, and that both self-creation and meaningful social contribution come from ones capacity to relish opportunity, see possibility, recognise potential, value self-development and grow through adversity. montessori faq Is Montessori for you? OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY It takes a village What were once schools must now arrive at the distinct realisation that they are, in fact, far more. They are communities or villages of learning, dynamic information exchanges, living, breathing, interconnected ecosystems that must be purposeful, contextual, and experiential, holding real-life meaning the experience of both developmentally appropriate opportunity, struggle and discomfort. Growing familiarity with organic life processes experienced universally provides a solid platform from which to think critically, pivot fluidly to exist in any world—not with certainty of outcome but cognisance of both innate capacity and ability to upskill. Vision, Mission & Values Is Montessori for you? Go birth—3 years parent & child 0 3—6 years preschool Go 6—12 years primary What our community say ‘Choosing Montessori Preschool has been one of the best decisions we made as a family for my kids.’ GLORIA PARENT 'Each guide is deeply caring and wholeheartedly devoted to nurturing every child's growth and individuality. Central Coast Montessori Preschool has been instrumental in shaping our children’s early years, and we feel so fortunate to have been part of this extraordinary community.’ KAY PARENT 'I benefited from the Montessori education which in some ways gives the students a lot more freedom to do things at their own pace, to discover… Some of the credit for the willingness to go on your own interests, you can tie that back to that Montessori education.’ SERGEY BRIN CO-FOUNDER GOOGLE 'Our experience over the past six years has been nothing short of exceptional. The guides work tirelessly with passion and dedication, fostering curiosity, independence and kindness in every child . . .’ DAN PARENT 'We both went to Montessori school, and I think it was part of that training . . . of being self-motivated, questioning what’s going on in the world, doing things a little bit different.’ LARRY PAGE CEO, CO-FOUNDER OF GOOGLE ‘Central Coast Montessori transformed my child into a more thoughtful, self-regulating learner — best decision I’ve made for her.’ LIVIA PARENT 'I do not believe there is a method better than Montessori for making children sensitive to the beauties of the world and awakening their curiosity regarding the secrets of life…' GABRIEL MARQUEZ NOBEL PRIZE RECIPIENT give your child the gift of a montessori education A closer look read the blog Subscribe to our mailing list First name* Last name* Email* SUBSCRIBE

Upper Primary (ages 9–12): an academic-rich, collaborative Montessori environment where abstract understanding, moral awareness, and critical, imaginative thinking flourish. Home / Upper Primary / Upper Primary FOSTERING CURIOSITY & UNDERSTANDING Exploring Montessori for 9-12 Year Olds As children transition into the Montessori primary program for ages 9 to 12, they exhibit a remarkable blend of curiosity, imagination, and a strong moral and social awareness. This age group is characterised by their inquisitive nature and an innate desire for exploration. As they complete the first cycle of primary education, many fundamental skills are becoming more fluent and integrated. The second cycle is one of consolidation, further exploration, and application, greatly broadening their understanding of the world around them. In an environment centred around research and collaborative learning, the children often work in small groups on various projects that ignite their imagination and stimulate their intellect. Guided by trained Montessori educators, these lessons encourage children to engage in activities that foster their reasoning skills and teach them essential life skills. The Montessori approach intentionally guides children through a process that moves from the concrete and tangible to the abstract, commencing in their early years and continuing throughout their education. This didactic process supports true understanding rather than rote memorisation, allowing children to internalise knowledge deeply. From this foundation, they can innovate and apply what they have learned if they choose to do so. Having typically honed their reading and self-expression skills during the lower primary years, the senior primary child is now eager to delve into cultural knowledge, seeking a deeper understanding of both the natural world and human-made environments. At this stage, they demonstrate enhanced abilities for abstract thought and reasoning, along with a growing physical strength that empowers them to engage with the world more fully. Furthermore, their focus on peer relationships intensifies, coinciding with an increasing interest in questions of morality and the conscious organisation of community through established rules and roles. Driven by a quest to comprehend the universe and their place within it, these children possess an insatiable appetite for cultural exploration. Their studies encompass a wide range of subjects, including geography, biology, history, language, mathematics, science, music, and art. Learning is enriched through excursions beyond the classroom, utilising community resources such as libraries, observatories, botanical gardens, science centres, factories, and hospitals. This holistic approach not only fosters a deep sense of connection to humanity but also nurtures their inherent desire to contribute positively to the world around them.

Curious if Montessori is right for your child and family? Explore key principles, benefits, and perspectives to help you decide with confidence. Home / Recommended Reading & Resources / Recommended Reading & Resources UNDERSTANDING MONTESSORI If you’d like to explore Montessori further before your visit, here are some excellent starting points: Maria Montessori Cosmic Vision, Cosmic Plan and Cosmic Education - Camillo Grazzini Trevor Eissler - Montessori Madness Ted Talk- Montessori = creativity unleashed - Judi Bauerlein Montessori School Education www.montessori.org.au http://aidtolife.org/ www.howwemontessori.com www.themontessorinotebook.com discover more BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT MONTESSORI FAQ

Discover Montessori in action—book your visit today and explore our unique learning community. Discovery Session DISCOVER WHAT IS POSSIBLE Home / Discovery Session / Begin your family’s journey with Central Coast Montessori. Discovery Session Dates The below list shows upcoming dates, click to register: Tue, 30 Sep, 7:30pm - 8:30pm AEST About the Discovery Session Join our 1-hour online Discovery Session to explore the Montessori philosophy and discover how Central Coast Montessori approaches education. This session offers prospective families the chance to gain deeper insights into our learning environments, the Montessori method, and the ways we support children and families on their educational journey. To attend, please first submit an enquiry and our admissions team will provide you with a registration access code. We ask all families to attend a Discovery Session and attend a campus tour before proceeding with an application to enrol. These steps ensure you have a thorough understanding of Montessori education and what makes our learning community unique.