REGISTERED NZ PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOL • YEARS 1–8
Montessori Primary School in Porirua, Wellington
A small school where children are known, academics matter, and every child has the opportunity to flourish.
Authentic Montessori education, a culturally diverse learning community and a commitment to making Montessori accessible to more whānau.
Whitby, Porirua • No previous Montessori experience required • Scholarships available
OUR KAUPAPA • OUR COMMUNITY
Back to the kākano — the seed of Montessori
Porirua Montessori grew from a desire to return to the original seed and spirit of Montessori education.
Maria Montessori believed that education could be a force for peace, dignity and social transformation. Her work was never intended to be reserved for a privileged few.
We seek to carry that vision forward in Aotearoa New Zealand: offering authentic, academically rich Montessori education to children and whānau from diverse cultures, backgrounds and circumstances.
38%
Our Māori learners
Currently, 38% of our school roll identifies as Māori. We value the cultures, languages, identities and experiences our tamariki and whānau bring to our learning community.
We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and seek to foster belonging, whanaungatanga, respect and meaningful participation.
Scholarships are available
We believe that a family's financial circumstances should not automatically exclude their child from Montessori education.
Scholarships and supported places may be available. Please enquire about opportunities for your whānau.
Enquire About ScholarshipsWhat is Montessori education?
Montessori is a child-centred approach to education developed by Dr Maria Montessori. It combines carefully prepared learning environments, hands-on materials, individual lessons, independence and clear expectations.
Children are encouraged to think deeply, make discoveries, take responsibility and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Mixed-age learning
Children learn with and from one another, developing leadership, cooperation and friendships.
Strong academics
Explicit teaching, individual learning pathways and meaningful work in literacy, mathematics and beyond.
Freedom within limits
Children develop independence through purposeful choices, responsibility and clear boundaries.
Cosmic Education
Children explore the interconnectedness of the universe, life, humanity, science, history and culture.
Cosmic Education and the Great Stories
One of the defining features of Montessori primary education is Cosmic Education. Through the Five Great Stories, children explore the coming of the universe, life on Earth, human beings, language and numbers.
These stories awaken curiosity and lead children into investigations across science, geography, history, mathematics, language and the arts. Children begin to understand not only how the world works, but also their place and responsibilities within it.
FIND YOUR LEARNING PATHWAY
Four ways to learn with Porirua Montessori
Our registered primary school offers flexible ways to access Montessori education, locally and throughout New Zealand.
Full-time Montessori School
Five days at school in Whitby.
Small mixed-age classes, hands-on learning, strong academics and a close school community.
Years 1–8.
Arrange a school visit →Hybrid Montessori School
Two days at school, three days at home.
Combining classroom connection with a school-planned programme for learning at home.
Years 1–8.
Explore Hybrid →Online Distance School
Montessori learning from home, nationwide.
Individual learning plans, teacher guidance and low-screen learning activities.
Years 1–8.
Explore Distance School →One Day Montessori School
One day of Montessori enrichment in Porirua.
Hands-on learning and community connection for homeschooling and other eligible children.
Not full-time enrolment.
Explore One Day School →Learning in our Montessori classroom
Our carefully prepared environment encourages concentration, curiosity, collaboration and purposeful independence.
Our values and learning community
At Porirua Montessori, we believe that children thrive in an environment of respect, meaningful work, clear expectations and belonging.
Tiaki
Caring for ourselves, others, our community and our world.
Compassion
Respecting others and acting with kindness.
Humility
Learning from mistakes and recognising others.
Curiosity
Asking questions and investigating the world deeply.
We work in partnership with whānau and welcome families who share our commitment to independence, cooperation, peace and learning.
Read more: Are We the Right Fit? →
Meet Lisa Dei Gratia
Founder, Principal and Montessori Teacher
Lisa founded Porirua Montessori in 2023 with a vision of returning to the kākano of Montessori: an education that honours the whole child and reaches a more diverse community.
Trained in Montessori and mainstream education, Lisa is a registered New Zealand teacher with experience in Wellington and Porirua.
Our school is governed by a trust board and committed to authentic Montessori learning, inclusion and strong relationships with whānau.
Fees, scholarships and enrolment
Porirua Montessori is a registered New Zealand private primary school supported through family contributions and fundraising.
Our standard full-time in-person contribution is NZ$1,500 per term, approximately NZ$150 per week over a ten-week term.
Scholarships are available. We encourage families to enquire about financial support rather than assuming Montessori education is beyond their reach.
Hybrid, Online and One Day programmes have separate fees.
Discover a different way to learn
Whether your child is beginning school, ready for a change, or exploring flexible learning, we invite you to discover our Montessori community.
Every child deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute and flourish.
Scholarships available — please enquire.
Porirua Montessori Primary School
39 Cleat Street, Whitby, Porirua
021 0842 7037
39 Cleat Street, Whitby Porirua
Porirua Montessori is a small Years 1–8 Montessori primary school in Whitby, serving families from Porirua and across the wider Wellington region.
Hours
Monday–Friday
8.45am - 2.45pm
Phone
(021) 0842 7037
A MANZ Member