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Sydney Montessori School

Australia, Sydney

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$540 - 27,248
Ages 0 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages English, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Sydney Montessori School is a co-educational day school in Gymea, NSW, offering a continuum from early childhood to secondary education (ages 0–18). The campus provides Montessori-based Preschool (ages 3–6) in a prepared environment followed by Primary (6–12) using Montessori methods aligned to NSW syllabuses, and a High School (Year 7–12) delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with authorisation for the CP in progress. The school is registered and accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Classrooms are multi-age, with materials that are hands-on, self-correcting, and introduced by a Directress, fostering independent, collaborative learning within a calm, structured setting. Teachers hold Montessori and IB training. The curriculum integrates English, Mathematics, Practical Life, Science, Geography, Culture, Art, Music, and Physical Education, alongside NSW outcomes. Beyond academics, a range of clubs in Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, and Community and Service enhances holistic development, plus strong parent involvement through the P&F.

99–107 Manchester Road, Gymea NSW 2227, Australia

The Essentials

Sydney Montessori School has instruction in English.

Location
99-107 Manchester Road, Gymea NSW 2227, Australia

Stages
K-12 with Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group

Type
Co-educational, non-denominational day school

Additional learning support
Inclusive Education Policy is in place to support students with learning needs

Country affiliation
Australia

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational

School day structure
Preschool day runs 8:45 am to 3:00 pm
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Sydney Montessori School does not require uniforms. Clothing should be worn in a manner appropriate for a school environment and items must be clearly labelled with the child's name. A dress code policy is available on the school website; all students must wear enclosed footwear.

Food Options
Most children bring packed lunches. Some classes share a special lunch during the term. Lollies, chocolate, sugary snacks or fizzy drinks are discouraged. If a child arrives at school without sufficient lunch, the school provides available food and the costs may be forwarded to the parents. Please see the Food and Nutrition Policy on the school website.

Governance and Ownership
Sydney Montessori School is governed by Sydney Montessori School Ltd (SMS Ltd), registered with ASIC, which is responsible for the school's administration. Staff and parents automatically become eligible to join SMS Ltd; membership carries no financial or legal obligations beyond payment of fees and levies. The School Board is elected at each year's Annual General Meeting and oversees governance and policy; the Board appoints a Chairperson and Treasurer, and the Principal is a standing member of the Board. Minutes are recorded by the Board Secretary, and all SMS Ltd members have voting rights.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sydney Montessori School ranges from AUD 540 to AUD 27,248 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrolment Fees
- Application Fee: USD 350 per child, non-refundable.
- Enrolment Fee (payable on acceptance): USD 1,550 for the first child. Sibling enrolment fee reductions apply: second child USD 1,000; third child USD 750; fourth and subsequent children USD 500. There is no enrolment fee for Long Day Care (only the application fee and per-day Long Day Care fees apply).

Tuition fees (per term and annual equivalents where applicable)
- Preschool & Primary (Stages 1–3): Tuition USD 3,696 per term. Annual equivalent (4 terms): USD 14,784. Sibling tuition reductions per term: second child minus USD 420; third child minus USD 850; fourth and subsequent children minus USD 1,270 (annual equivalents: minus USD 1,680; USD 3,400; USD 5,080 respectively). Tuition is due by the first day of each term.
- High School (Stages 4 & 5): Tuition USD 4,692 per term. Annual equivalent (4 terms): USD 18,768. A temporary concession for incomplete building works is reflected as a discount of USD 1,000 per annum (equivalent to USD 250 per term) where applicable. Overseas students are billed according to stage plus an additional fee of USD 8,480 (subject to visa class).
- First Steps Montessori (0–3 years) per term: first child USD 255; second child USD 200; Parent & Baby (under 6 months) USD 135. No enrolment or application fee applies to First Steps Montessori.
- Long Day Montessori Education (per day): Tara Room (15 months–3 years) USD 150 per day; Akasha Room (3–6 years) USD 140 per day. Long Day Care fees are billed fortnightly; short-term leave must be paid in full. Early-bird discounts do not apply to Long Day Care.

Billing schedule & payment terms
- Tuition fees are due by the beginning of each term (payable by the first day of term). An early-bird discount (USD 120) is available where term fees are paid four weeks prior to the fee due date. Long Day Care is billed fortnightly. Mid-term commencements are pro‑rated for tuition; students starting mid-week in Long Day Care are invoiced for the entire week.

Other charges and routine additional costs
- Camps: additional charge (amount to be advised).
- Building Fund Donation: voluntary, tax-deductible USD 150.
- Card transaction surcharge: 1% applies to all MasterCard, Visa and EPOS payments.
- Long Day Care late‑pick‑up fees: USD 18.00 for the first 10 minutes (or part thereof) and USD 1.50 per minute after 6:10 pm.
- Additional incidental charges (for example specific excursions, subject fees or materials) may be billed separately (camp charges are an example).

Refunds, cancellations and notice periods
- Application Fee: non-refundable. Enrolment Fee: non-refundable.
- Withdrawal notice: For Primary and High School, one full term's written notice to the Principal and Enrolments is required; in lieu of notice one full term's tuition fees will be charged. For Long Day Care, four weeks' notice is required. Mid-term commencements are pro‑rated; however short‑term absence/leave from Long Day Care must be paid. An enrolment will end for Child Care Subsidy purposes if a child does not attend a session of care for 14 continuous weeks.

Boarding
- Boarding is not offered; the school operates day and Long Day Care programs only.

Fee payment options
- Bank transfer (bank details provided for electronic transfer): BSB and account number are supplied for use with family name as description. Card payments (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted with a 1% card transaction surcharge. Fees may also be invoiced and scheduled per the billing statements issued (Long Day Care billed fortnightly; school tuition billed per term).
Academics

Sydney Montessori School teaches Montessori Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum
Preschool (Stage 1, ages 3–6) follows a Montessori program in a prepared environment. It provides a rigorous, academic curriculum across English, Mathematics, Practical Life, Science, Gardening, Art, Physical Education, Geography, Culture and Music, with Stage 1 access to a full Kindergarten program meeting the outcomes of the NSW syllabus (NESA). Children attend a regular school day from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm. Primary (ages 6–12) uses Montessori methods with concrete materials initially, moving toward abstraction, and the learning aligns with NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) syllabuses and the NSW NESA syllabuses. High School (Years 7–12) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is a fully authorised IB DP school; the school is pursuing authorisation for the Career-related Programme (CP).

Higher Education Progression
The Diploma Programme is internationally recognised for its academic rigour and its focus on critical thinking, global awareness and intellectual curiosity, preparing SMS students for higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Montessori education supports social and emotional development. It develops independence, responsibility, concentration, respect, patience and a love of learning. The prepared environment is described as a 'Living Room' where psychosocial, physical and academic development are integrated. A three-year age grouping promotes social development, with older children teaching and younger children learning through observation and cooperation. Mixed-age classrooms encourage peer learning, collaboration and opportunities to practice empathy and self-regulation. Parents and educators collaborate to guide each child's social and emotional growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school supports students with additional needs through an inclusive enrollment approach. For children requiring support related to disability, health, mental health or other areas, SMS gathers information about the student's disability and need for adjustments before enrolment. The school requests reports such as psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to inform planning. These documents help plan appropriate adjustments to support learning within the Montessori environment. The school aims to include students with diverse needs by coordinating tailored supports and accommodations as part of the enrolment process.

Mental Wellbeing
The school prioritises holistic development, including social, emotional and physical growth. The 2025 Annual Report states SMS focuses on the development of the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically—within a prepared environment that encourages independence, curiosity and self-directed learning. The Preschool program provides guidance in social, emotional and co-curricular areas. The Montessori environment supports mental wellbeing by promoting independence, self-esteem, discipline and resilience through cooperative, mixed-age learning. The school emphasizes a safe, caring community where children form meaningful relationships and learn through hands-on activities.

Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection Policy and Procedure. The school also has a Grievance Policy and Procedure to address concerns. The Policies page lists SMS Child Protection Policy and Procedure and SMS Grievance Policy and Procedure. The Parent Handbook includes guidance on school procedures and grievance handling. The school expects all members to feel safe and to report concerns, with processes described in the policies.
Parent Experience

History
SMS is a co-educational, non-denominational school for children aged 0–16. Formerly known as the Sutherland Shire Montessori School. It offers a Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group, with Montessori learning across early childhood and primary, and transitions to the International Baccalaureate Diploma in high school. It is registered and accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and meets its syllabuses. Teachers are degree-qualified with Montessori and IB training.

Community
The school fosters grace, courtesy and mutual respect, building a strong community where families feel they belong. Parents are warmly encouraged to contribute to the school through various activities. An active Parents & Friends association coordinates social activities across all stages to engage families and support the school. The school values partnerships with families and the wider community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
SMS has a Parents & Friends (P&F) association. Its vision is to foster a generous and welcoming community that participates in inspired, sustainable activities. Its mission is to provide a base that supports and strengthens the school community through a variety of social activities across all stages. P&F coordinates a range of activities to encourage family involvement and engagement with school life. A P&F Manual outlines the governance and guidelines for P&F activities. P&F supports the SMS community through fundraising and events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment designed to meet the child's developmental needs. It groups children by ages 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12, with older children guiding younger ones. The materials are hands-on, self-correcting and arranged to invite exploration and independent work, introduced by the Directress in a logical sequence. The environment balances freedom with order and harmony, fostering cheerful order, calm, and purposeful work as a microcosm of society. The prepared environment provides materials and activities suited to the child's intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs at each stage of development.

Academic Facilities
The Montessori classroom provides materials and activities designed to meet the child's intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs at each developmental stage. The Directress introduces these materials in a logical sequence and supports learning as children work independently or in small groups. Materials are multi-sensory, self-correcting and suitable for tasks ranging from simple to complex. The environment is physically and psychologically designed to encourage independent, hands-on learning within a calm, orderly setting.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school provides a rigorous academic curriculum as part of the Montessori program. Curriculum areas include English, Mathematics, Practical Life, Science, Gardening, Art, Physical Education, Geography, Culture and Music. These co-curricular areas support independent learning and holistic development. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]

Arts & Creative
Arts and Music are included in the co-curricular program. Art and Music are taught alongside other subjects to foster creative expression. The Montessori environment emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in artistic activities. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]

Cultural & Language
Geography and Culture are part of the co-curricular areas. Students explore geography and culture through hands-on activities. Montessori methods support cultural awareness and global understanding. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]

Social & Hobbies
Social development is a key focus of the co-curricular program. Children work with peers and engage in group activities to build communication and social skills. These experiences emphasize collaboration, cooperation and respectful interaction. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]

Community & Service
Families are integral to the SMS community, and parent involvement is encouraged. The Parents and Friends association organizes social events and contributes to the SMS community. Parent information evenings and community activities are offered throughout the year. [nsw.edu.au/preschool, sms.nsw.edu.au/pandf, 2019 SMS Parent Handbook]

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical Education is included in the co-curricular areas. Gardening is included as part of the curriculum, offering outdoor activity. Music and Art support creative expression and well-being. Students learn through hands-on activities that promote independence and self-directed learning. [nsw.edu.au/preschool]
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction at Sydney Montessori School. Second language learning is offered from Years 7–10 and is included in Years 11–12 programmes. Current Year 9–10 students have had one year of French and will also study one year of Spanish; Year 11–12 language is proposed to be Spanish, with online language study available through Pamoja (including French, Mandarin and Spanish). The school supports non-English speakers with enrichment program IEPs and TESOL support and maintains a commitment to mother tongue maintenance and multilingualism.
Reputation

Accreditations
Registered and accredited by BOSTES (NSW Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards).
Registered and accredited by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) and meets the NSW syllabuses.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Entry points for education. SMS has multiple entry points for families to begin their children's education: Montessori First Steps Playgroup (0-3 years), Long Day Montessori (15 months–3 years, 3-6 years), or Stage 1 (3–4 years Preschool and 5 years Kindergarten), Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Primary Years 1–6). The school is a co-educational, non-denominational K-12 school, with a Pre-School, Long Day Care and Play Group, and students may transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma in High School. 2. Enrolment application and processing. All applications are processed in order of receipt of Enrolment Application form and payment of the Application Fee. Priority is given to families who already have siblings enrolled and do not have outstanding fees; priority is also given to families committed to a Montessori education and to those who have engaged with Playgroup or Long Day Care. 3. Documentation for additional needs. For children with Additional Needs requiring support, SMS gathers information about a student's disability and need for adjustments before an enrolment is confirmed, to enable appropriate planning. Helpful documents may include current school reports, psychologist reports, speech-pathology reports, occupational therapy reports, medical specialist reports, and vision/hearing reports. 4. Outcome and waitlist. If an enrolment is not accepted, SMS does not discuss the reasons. A formal offer of placement is made and should be accepted in writing within two weeks; if the offer is not accepted, the child's name may be returned to the Waitlist. 5. Acceptance conditions and orientation. On acceptance, parents agree to abide by the School's policies and ethos, and the Enrolment Fee for Stage 1–3 must be paid at the time of Acceptance. Where possible, an Orientation Visit for Stage 1 is arranged with the class teacher to familiarise the family with the classroom environment and discuss the child's health and background. 6. Enrollment administration and non-discrimination. The School maintains a School Register and does not discriminate in enrolment policies or procedures on the basis of gender, race, religion or disability.

Waitlist
Waitlist: An enrolment Waitlist is used; if an offer of placement is not accepted, the child's name may be returned to the Waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events
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