About Montessori Education

A Montessori education is a complete concept. Montessori observed the special phases of development in a child from birth to early adulthood and used this as the basis for establishing the proper curriculum and equipment necessary at each phase for a childs full and satisfying education for life. She recognized Four Planes of Development in a young persons life, each plane developing successive levels of independence.

First Plane - Infancy
Occurs between birth and six years and coincides with the development of the Absorbent Mind and individual personality. It is a period when the child is moving towards physical and biological independence.

Second Plane Childhood
Occurs between six and twelve years and sees the elaboration of mind and personality in the child. During this plane the child moves towards mental independence.

Third Plan Adolescence
Occurs between the ages of 12 and 18 years. In this plane the child develops his or her social personality and moves towards social independence.

Fourth Plane Maturity
Occurs between 18 and 24 years. Now fully grown, your childs social personality is elaborated on as he or she moves towards spiritual and moral independence.

Melbourne Montessori School, which covers the first and second planes, is divided into three cycles:
Cycle 1 - for children aged 3 - 6 years
(Mainstream education - Kinder, Prep)

Cycle 2 - for children aged 6 - 9 years
(Mainstream education - grades 1, 2, 3)

Cycle 3 - for children aged 9 - 12 years
(Mainstream education - grades 4, 5, 6)