What is Montessori?
Montessori is an internationally recognised educational philosophy developed by Dr Maria Montessori. It nurtures the natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning in each child.
Montessori education supports the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, personally, and intellectually — through hands-on experiences, a carefully prepared environment, and a child-centred approach to learning.
Children are free to explore their interests at their own pace, building intrinsic motivation, self-confidence, and a strong foundation for future learning and personal growth.
At Capalaba State College, we embrace Cosmic Education, an interconnected and open-ended Montessori curriculum that fosters a deep understanding of the world and a sense of wonder and responsibility.
Who We Are at Capalaba State College
Capalaba State College proudly offers a Montessori program within a mainstream state school setting, led by Montessori-trained educators who are passionate about child development and holistic education.
Our Montessori team:
- Prepares carefully designed environments that foster independence and exploration.
- Observes each child's learning journey to provide personalised guidance.
- Models grace, courtesy, respect and thoughtfulness in every interaction.
- Facilitates meaningful learning through hands-on experiences and key Montessori lessons.
- Delivers high-quality, purposeful learning embedded across the Australian and Montessori National Curricula.
We are committed to nurturing confident, responsible and independent learners within a caring and inclusive community.
Our Beliefs
We believe that:
- Students should be presented with a challenging and broad academic environment that encourages intellectual inquiry and critical thinking.
- Education is the shared responsibility of students, families and the school.
- Nurturing curiosity and creativity is the key to stimulating exploration and discovery throughout life.
- Students learn best when they are actively engaged in authentic learning experiences.
What We Do
Our Montessori Curriculum:
- Supports the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, personally and intellectually.
- Takes a holistic approach that fosters self-discipline, self-correction, intrinsic motivation and self-confidence.
- Is dynamic, developmentally appropriate, purposeful and engaging, laying a strong foundation for literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and social skills.
- Encourages independence, self-direction, active learning and discovery.
- Allows each child to progress at their own pace without constant comparison to peers.
- Moves from sensorial, concrete experiences to abstract thinking through specialised hands-on learning materials.
- Presents an interconnected curriculum through Cosmic Education, sparking curiosity, responsibility and global thinking.
- Aligns with both the Montessori National Curriculum and the Australian Curriculum, with individualised learning based on each child's strengths and interests.
Learning Areas Include:
- Language
- Mathematics
- Science
- History and Cultural Studies
- Creative Arts
- Health and Physical Education (HPE)
- Practical Life
- Sensorial
- Grace and Courtesy
- Nature-Based Learning (Forest School)
Our Montessori Environments:
- Feature multi-age groupings to foster leadership, mentoring and peer learning.
- Provide uninterrupted work periods to allow deep engagement and concentration.
- Encourage self-responsibility and awareness of personal and environmental impact.
- Offer indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering connection with nature through practical life experiences.
- Include developmentally appropriate, carefully curated materials designed to support hands-on learning.
Would Montessori Suit My Child?
Montessori may be the right fit for your child if they:
- Are naturally curious and love to explore and learn independently.
- Benefit from hands-on, experiential learning.
- Thrive in calm, respectful and purposeful environments.
- Show early signs of independence or self-motivation.
- Would benefit from an individualised approach to education that honours their pace and interests.
We encourage families to attend an information session or tour to explore whether our Montessori program aligns with your child's needs and your family's educational values.
How Do You Apply for the Program?
- Attend an Information Session or Tour: Meet our Montessori educators, visit classrooms and learn about the program.
- Submit an application: Application forms are available through the College office or can be downloaded online.
- Family Interview: After applying, families will be invited to meet with the Montessori HOD to discuss Montessori philosophy, your child's learning needs and program expectations.
- Enrolment Offer: Successful applicants will be offered a place in the Montessori program.
Please Note:
- Spaces are limited.
- A commitment to Montessori principles and philosophy is important for long-term success in the program.
- For students applying for entry into Cycle 2 (Years 1–3), Cycle 3 (Years 4–6), or Cycle 4 (Years 7–9), it is necessary that they have a background in Montessori education to ensure a smooth transition and continued success within the program.
At Capalaba State College, we believe education is about nurturing the mind, hear and spirit of every child.