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An Extraordinary Education at Barrenjoey Montessori
When the Beaches COVERED. team set out to explore Barrenjoey Montessori School in Avalon, we expected something unconventional — maybe even a little whimsical. What we discovered, however, was something much deeper: a dynamic, purposeful, and nurturing community that redefines what education can be. Consider our socks officially blown off.
From the moment we stepped into the school’s Preschool and Primary campus, it was clear this was no ordinary place. It felt like stepping into a Peter Pan adventure — a forest-based treehouse of learning where children tinkered, built, explored, and created. Every student was actively engaged: calculating the surface area of a wall for a mural, experimenting with hands-on materials, painting, or deep in conversation. The energy was electric. No blank stares. No fidgeting. Just a genuine atmosphere of curiosity and joy.
This is the Montessori way — self-directed learning within a well-designed, structured framework. Teachers serve as guides rather than instructors, fostering independence while ensuring each child’s learning journey is both cohesive and tailored.
Real-World Lessons from Day One
A moment that stuck with us involved something as simple as a missing pair of scissors. A young student expressed frustration that scissors were always hard to find. Instead of dismissing the concern, the teacher sat with him and asked, “How do you think we could solve this?” Together, they created a system for organising supplies. It was a perfect example of how Montessori schools empower students to find solutions and take ownership.
Student-Driven Initiatives
This same sense of autonomy was on full display in a student-led excursion to the Sydney Observatory. The children researched ticket prices, called the venue, and organised transport — all without being assigned the task. One child’s curiosity about “the brightest star in the sky” snowballed into constellation-inspired art, space research, and a full-blown model of the solar system. Before they knew it, they were at the Observatory, having driven the entire learning process themselves.
Leader/Learner Magic
One of the most profound differences from traditional schooling is the way classes are grouped: by developmental stages rather than year levels — ages 3–6, 6–9, and 9–12. This fosters a natural “Leader/Learner” dynamic. Younger students look up to older ones for guidance, while the older children reinforce their own knowledge by mentoring — building empathy, patience, and leadership.
“Not a single child appeared disengaged or distracted… every student is actively involved, experimenting, creating, learning.”
The result? A thriving, multi-age community where students learn from each other as much as they do from adults — and build life skills that transcend the classroom.
Teachers Who Stay the Journey
Montessori educators don’t simply instruct — they mentor. And in this school, they often remain with the same group of children for multiple years, developing deep, trusting relationships. This continuity allows them to truly understand how each child learns, adapts, and grows — and to meet them exactly where they are.
A Setting That Inspires
Tucked behind Avalon Beach’s sand dunes, Barrenjoey Montessori is immersed in nature. Classrooms flow seamlessly into outdoor spaces, and learning happens indoors and out. After school, the nearby field becomes a hub of family life — a place where community thrives long after the final bell.
The Verdict?
Our visit dismantled some of the most persistent Montessori myths — that it’s just for “alternative” families, or that it lacks academic rigour. In truth, we found a rich, structured, and profoundly thoughtful approach to education, full of heart and intent. The students here are seen, heard, and inspired every single day.
Barrenjoey Montessori isn’t just a school — it’s a living, breathing experience. A place where curious minds grow into capable, confident, and compassionate humans ready to shape the world.
For families looking for more than just a classroom, this is a school with soul.
Check it out. •
