Montessori Education & Philosophy
At Montessori School Bali, we create prepared environments where children develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on discovery and self-directed work.
The Prepared Environment
Our classrooms are equipped with classic Montessori materials which are attractive and enticing to use. These are set out on child-sized shelves so that the children can access what they want easily.
These materials are self-correcting, which means when a piece does not fit, or something is left over, the child can see what happened and make any corrections without adult intervention, learning that they are competent individuals able to manage mistakes independently in the process.
The materials form part of the overall prepared environment, to which very careful attention is paid in Montessori classrooms. Features include a calm atmosphere, responsive and well-trained adults, and beautiful surroundings incorporating nature and natural materials where possible.
Self-Correcting Materials
Classic Montessori materials that are attractive and enticing, allowing children to discover and correct mistakes independently.
Natural Environment
Beautiful surroundings incorporating nature and natural materials, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
Responsive Adults
Well-trained guides who understand child development and support learning without unnecessary intervention.
Child-Sized Everything
Appropriate-sized furniture, equipment, tools and utensils that empower children to be independent.
The Three-Hour Work Cycle
Uninterrupted time for children to achieve deep focus and meaningful learning
Introduction
0-15 min
Children enter, greet friends, and choose familiar activities to orient their brain to learn.
Deep Work
15-60 min
After warming up, children move to more serious work that takes effort and brain power.
False Fatigue
60-70 min
Brief restlessness appears, but guides wait it out, knowing deeper work is ahead.
True Concentration
70-180 min
The classroom moves into a calm, concentrated phase of deep immersion.
Freedom of Movement
Freedom of movement is an important element of the Montessori approach. Children are encouraged to move around the room as they need, so long as they follow established ground rules. This autonomy helps children develop self-regulation, decision-making skills, and respect for their own needs and those of others.
Move Freely
Children move around the room as needed, following established ground rules.
Choose Location
Work on the floor, at a desk, or outdoors – wherever feels right for the activity.
Select Partners
Work independently or with friends, fostering natural social connections.
Self-Regulate
Use the bathroom without asking and eat snacks when hungry (Preschool and up).
Students who stay a full day eat their lunches together, in their class, with their class teachers, creating a family-like community experience.
Methodology
Hands-On, Child-Driven Learning
Active engagement at every stage, adapting to natural developmental phases
Preschool
Ages 3-6
Three- to six-year-olds tend to choose to work independently to practise and consolidate important conceptual skills.
This independent work phase allows young children to master fundamental skills at their own pace, building confidence and competence.
Primary
Ages 6-12
When children have accomplished basic skills, they are ready to find their place in the social world and tend to want to work in groups.
Montessori recognised the natural inclination of six- to 12-year-old children to be social. We embrace their social nature through collaborative learning.
There is almost no time when we expect a child to learn passively. They are active and drive their own learning at a pace that continually challenges themselves.
Prepared for Life, Not Just School
Developing confident, capable individuals ready for real-world challenges
Underpinning Montessori is the idea that children should be prepared for the world in which they live. At the back of our minds, with everything we’re doing at MSB, we are thinking about how to help prepare an individual who is able to move into the next phase of their life effortlessly.
In Preschool, for instance, we think about the basic skills they will need in Primary, but also the basic skills they need to use in life. These soft skills carry through to create students who are leaders beyond school life and equipped to think holistically.
Our Goal
To develop confident, capable individuals who can navigate both academic challenges and real-world situations with grace and competence.