At Maria Montessori House, we believe that education isn’t a “one size fits all”
experience. Our focus is on supporting each child’s personal growth, ensuring every
learner has the tools and guidance they need to thrive in our shared environment.
For families considering enrolment for Grade R through Grade 7, we invite
prospective learners to spend three days immersed in our preschool or primary
school environment.
The Preschool 3-Day Experience
In our preschool environment, the three-day visit is centred on the “whole child” and
their ability to navigate a Montessori classroom. This is a space of freedom within
limits and we use this time to observe:
● How the child interacts with Montessori materials and whether they show an
interest in self-directed work.
● How the child engages with peers, follows classroom grace and courtesy and
manages transitions throughout the morning.
● The child’s ability to make choices and complete tasks with minimal
intervention.
● Fine motor coordination and sensory engagement to ensure the child is ready
for the hands-on nature of our Montessori curriculum.
The Primary School 3-Day Experience (Grades 1–7)
For our older learners, we balance the Montessori ethos with the requirements of the
South African National Curriculum (CAPS). The three-day visit in the Primary School
is more structured to ensure academic success.
● During their visit,learners will complete baseline assessments in core
subjects. This is not a “pass/fail” test, but a way to see their current academic
standing.
● Our teachers observe whether the learner can comfortably handle the
workload and concepts required for the specific Grade they have applied for.
● At the end of the three days, teachers provide detailed feedback. This
identifies the child’s strengths and highlights any areas where they might need
extra support to meet CAPS standards.
● We observe how the learner collaborates in a more formal academic setting
and their readiness for the increased responsibility of the upper grades.
Finding the Right Fit
At the end of the three-day period, we have an honest, transparent conversation with
parents. Our priority is the child’s confidence. We want to ensure that they are
entering a classroom where they will feel capable and properly engaged, rather than
overwhelmed.
Should we feel a different approach or grade level would better suit your child’s
needs, we offer personalised guidance to ensure the best path forward for their
individual development.
We believe that every child is unique. Our pre-enrolment assessment is the first step
in honouring this individuality, allowing us to work on supporting each child and
ensuring they receive the guidance necessary to flourish within our school
community.
Ensuring the Best Path for Your Child
While the Montessori ethos and our CAPS-aligned primary school program offer a
rich, supportive environment, we also understand that our specific setting may not be
the ideal fit for every learner.
If, following the three-day trial and assessment period, it becomes clear that a child
is struggling to adapt or might find more success in a different educational
framework, we prioritise transparency and the child’s well-being above all else. In
these instances, we initiate an open and supportive conversation with parents.
Our goal is to act as partners in your child’s education. If we believe a different
environment would better serve their specific learning style or developmental needs,
we will provide honest guidance and discuss alternative options. We want to ensure
that every child is set up for long-term growth and confidence, even if that means
their journey continues at a school better suited to their current requirements.
Conclusion: A Foundation Built on Understanding
Our assessment process is more than just a prerequisite for enrolment; it is a
commitment to your child’s future success. Whether we are observing a
preschooler’s first steps toward independence or evaluating a primary learner’s
academic alignment with the CAPS curriculum, our goal remains the same: to
ensure every child is placed in an environment where they will thrive.
By spending three days with us, your child experiences a comprehensive yet gentle
introduction to our school life. This process allows our educators to identify unique
strengths, address potential challenges early and provide parents with the clear,
honest feedback needed to make an informed decision. We believe that when we
truly understand a child’s starting point, we can etter navigate the journey ahead
together.