Montessori at Ahuroa School
A Unique Learning Option for Years 1–8

Ahuroa School offers a Montessori option for families seeking a child-centred, hands-on approach to learning. Our Montessori classroom is a vibrant space where children are encouraged to explore, question, and learn at their own pace, guided by experienced Montessori teachers.

What Is Montessori?

A learning approach that honours curiosity, independence, and individuality.

Montessori education is a child-centred approach that recognises each child as a unique individual, capable of directing their own learning when given the right tools, time, and environment.

Rather than being driven by a single timetable or one-size-fits-all curriculum, the Montessori method follows each child’s natural curiosity and developmental needs.

In a Montessori classroom, children are active participants in their learning — exploring hands-on materials, asking questions, and discovering answers through real experiences.

Teachers act as guides, carefully observing and introducing lessons that meet each learner at their own stage of understanding.

The goal is not only academic success but the growth of independence, confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

A Day in a Montessori Classroom

Calm, purposeful, and designed for deep focus.

Each morning begins with a sense of calm and connection. Children arrive and move into a three-hour uninterrupted work cycle — the cornerstone of Montessori education.

During this time, students choose meaningful work that matches their interests and readiness. You might see a nine-year-old building large-scale division problems with bead frames while another researches native birds, and a group of six-year-olds constructing a model of the solar system.
The classroom hums with quiet focus — a balance of independence, collaboration, and respect.

Teachers circulate quietly, giving individual and small-group lessons, supporting children to progress at their own pace.

After the morning cycle, the day flows naturally into outdoor play, art, cultural studies, and “going-out” experiences — small excursions that connect classroom learning to the wider world.

Each day ends with reflection, tidy-up, and care of the environment, nurturing responsibility and pride.

Why Montessori Benefits All Children

An education that adapts to every learner — not the other way around.

Montessori education meets children where they are. In multi-age classrooms (6–9 and 9–12 years), learners work together across ages and abilities, building confidence and empathy. Older children reinforce their understanding by helping younger ones, while younger students are inspired by their peers’ advanced work.

Because progress is individual, there’s no competition or ranking — each child moves at their own pace, guided by interest and readiness.

Montessori materials transform abstract ideas into concrete experiences, allowing children to truly understand rather than simply memorise.
This deep, connected learning builds lasting comprehension and self-motivation — qualities that serve them for life.

Montessori and Neurodiversity

An inclusive approach that values every child’s way of learning.

The Montessori method naturally supports children with diverse learning needs — including ADHD, dyslexia, ASD, and anxiety — because it’s built around flexibility, observation, and respect.

Key features that make it supportive include:

Freedom within structure — children have choice over work and pace within clear boundaries.
Multi-sensory, hands-on materials that engage different learning styles.
Predictable routines and calm spaces that reduce anxiety and sensory overload.
Mixed-age environments that promote empathy, cooperation, and self-confidence.
Individualised teaching — guides work one-on-one, adjusting lessons for readiness and focus.

At the heart of Montessori is the belief that every child has the right to feel safe, capable, and seen.
Differences aren’t deficits — they are the foundation of a rich, inclusive community where every learner can thrive.

The Staff

Joy Leigh - Lead Guide

Joy lives in Warkworth with her husband and their three daughters. She has been passionately involved in education since 2012, gaining extensive experience with children across the primary and preschool years.

Joy holds a Master’s Degree in Education and the AMI 6–12 Diploma — an internationally recognised qualification in Montessori education.

She believes that when children are given the freedom to follow their interests within a carefully prepared environment, they naturally develop curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep sense of responsibility for their own learning journey.

Joy is inspired by the words of Dr. Maria Montessori:

"Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world."

Outside the classroom, Joy enjoys travelling, gardening, cooking, and spending time exploring the outdoors with her family.

Pui Yinn - Montessori Assistant

Pui Yinn has proudly called Auckland home since immigrating from Malaysia in 2007. With over two decades of dedication to Montessori education, she began her journey in Early Childhood and recently fulfilled her long-held dream of teaching at the Primary level by completing the AMI 6–12 course.

When she is not immersed in Montessori education, Pui Yinn loves exploring New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes through tramping and hiking. She also enjoys sewing and handcrafting Montessori materials, giving each resource a personal touch that enriches children’s learning experiences.

Pui Yinn is excited to be part of the Ahuroa School community and brings with her a wealth of experience, passion, warmth, and a spirit of adventure.

Interested?

Families who are interested in the Montessori option are warmly invited to:

Click on the link to fill in an expression of interest form
Visit the Montessori classroom for tour
Book an observation of the environment in action

Montessori at Ahuroa School A Unique Learning Option for Years 1–8