Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was the first female Italian doctor. Her philosophy and method of education was developed over many years based on detailed observations of children of all abilities and backgrounds, and was born out of love and re​spect for each unique child. Dr Maria Montessori designed activities that the child uses to support all areas of his mental, physical and spiritual development. The child chooses these activities spontaneously and independently having been shown how to use them by the Montessori teacher (Directress). The method was created in the poorest area of Rome and is now used with children of all abilities internationally. The child is given a balance between freedom and structure to use the activities without unnecessary interference so he develops to his full potential and at his own pace. "What I have done is merely to study the child, to take and express what he has given me, and that is called The Montessori Method."(Dr Maria Montessori) The method she developed encourages the child to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century.

Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education. Education of character is considered equally with academic education, children learning to take care of themselves, their environment, each other - cooking, cleaning, building, gardening, moving gracefully, speaking politely, being considerate and helpful, doing social work in the community, etc. Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.

Every Montessori preschool is individually owned and therefore they are all unique and have their own characteristics. Aranui Montessori is unique in that beside the Montessori programme, we offer our special enviro-nature programme in a beautiful naturalised outdoors that leads into Marlborough Park as well as a forest and bush programme. Montessori is not trademarked, licensed or a franchise and any preschool can call themselves Montessori, regardless of whether they offer a Montessori programme. It is important you visit the preschool of your choice to make sure you make an informed decision about your child’s education, which is one of the most important decisions you have to make as a parent.

We are limited in the number of children in nappies we can care for. Preference will be given to children who are toilet trained. We have a nappy changing facility at the preschool and admission of children in nappies will be on a case by case basis. However pull ups are ideal.

Montessori children settle well into primary school as they have established excellent work habits, and are academically well prepared. Montessori children are independent, lifelong, curious learners who have learned skills that will help them to embrace the challenge of settling into a new school and making new friendships.

There is a Montessori primary school on the North Shore. Huapai Primary School and Meraki Montessori Primary school at Silverdale.

Visitors are most welcome for a tour of our centre to observe the Montessori philosophy in action. We request that all visits are booked in advance so we can ensure there is someone on hand to guide you through the classroom and answer your questions. We also do not accept visitors during certain times such as a new child's first day or birthday celebrations due to respect for the child. Therefore it is best to contact our centre and book a suitable time in advance. It is advisable to have several possible dates in mind when you contact us to ensure we can book a suitable day for your visit. If you would like to visit, here are some points for you to consider; If you would like to observe the classroom during the Montessori work cycle, you will need to visit in the morning, approximately 10am. If you wish to come at this time we ask that you come without your child or children. This request is for two reasons. Firstly, we want you to relax and be at ease when you observe, which cannot happen if you are looking after your child. Secondly, when a new child enters the classroom the other children are attracted to them and therefore the work cycle will be broken and you will not see a true impression of Montessori in action. If you are unable to leave your child we request that you visit in the afternoon, approximately 2pm. This ensures that the enrolled children are not disturbed during their work cycle.