Montessori One Day School

Give your child one day each week to learn differently

Is your child curious, capable and ready for more time to explore ideas deeply?

Porirua Montessori’s One Day School gives children aged 5–13 the opportunity to experience a full Montessori school day while remaining enrolled in their current school or homeschool programme.

One day a week can provide space for your child to:

• work at their own level and pace

• follow their interests within a carefully prepared curriculum

• learn through practical, hands-on materials

• explore subjects in greater depth

• build independence, confidence and motivation

• connect with a small, welcoming group of learners

Our One Day School is available on Mondays and Tuesdays during the school term.

Who can attend?

One Day School is open to:

• children enrolled in mainstream schools

• homeschooled children

• children looking for additional challenge or enrichment

• learners who benefit from a smaller, calmer environment

• children who enjoy practical, interest-led learning

• families who would like their child to experience Montessori education without changing schools

Children do not need to have previous Montessori experience.

A real Montessori school day

One Day School students join our full-time students and participate in the life of our school. They are not placed in a separate programme or given a day of disconnected activities.

Your child will experience a genuine Montessori work cycle using a respected, internationally established curriculum.

Hands-on learning

Children use specially designed Montessori materials, practical activities and visual resources to understand concepts rather than relying only on textbooks or worksheets.

Personalised challenge

Students work at a level that is appropriate for them. This means a child can receive additional support in one area while being extended well beyond age-based expectations in another.

Independence

Children learn to make purposeful choices, organise their work, manage their time and take increasing responsibility for their learning.

Connected learning

Montessori subjects are not taught in isolation. Science may connect with geography, history, literacy, mathematics, art and culture, helping children understand the bigger picture.

Meaningful collaboration

Children have opportunities to work independently, alongside others and in small groups. They learn to communicate, cooperate, solve problems and contribute to their community.

Respect for individuality

Each child’s strengths, needs, interests and personality are recognised. Our small-school environment allows us to know children well and provide thoughtful, individual guidance.

What your child can gain

During their Montessori day, your child will be:

• welcomed and valued within a small, multicultural learning community

• offered work that reflects their abilities, interests and next learning steps

• encouraged to ask questions, investigate and make connections

• supported to develop concentration, persistence and self-motivation

• given time to complete meaningful work without being rushed

• guided by teachers who understand that children do not all learn in the same way or at the same pace

Our permanent roll is approximately 10 students. This creates a warm, close-knit environment in which children can receive individual attention while still being part of a genuine school community.

One Day School at a glance

Ages: 5–13
Days: Monday or Tuesday during the school term
Full day: 8.45am–2.45pm
Half day: 8.45am–11.45am
Full-day fee: $550 per term
Half-day fee: $440 per term
Sibling discount: Available
Location: Porirua Montessori Primary School
Eligibility: Homeschooled and mainstream-school students are welcome

Begin with a free trial visit

Before enrolment, every prospective student attends a free pre-enrolment trial visit.

The visit gives your child an opportunity to experience the classroom, meet our students and teachers, and participate in Montessori activities. It also helps us determine whether our environment and programme are likely to be a positive fit for your child.

During the visit, we consider your child’s:

• comfort within the environment

• engagement with the activities

• interaction with other children

• ability to participate in the school day

• learning needs and interests

• alignment with the culture and values of our school

The trial is not about expecting perfect behaviour. It is about making a thoughtful decision that supports your child, your family and our existing school community.

Contact us to arrange your child’s free One Day School visit.

Information for children enrolled at another school

Children enrolled in a state school will need permission from their current school to be absent for One Day School.

Under section 52 of the Education and Training Act 2020, the principal of a state school may release a student for an agreed period to receive outside tuition that the principal considers acceptable.

Parents and caregivers are responsible for discussing the arrangement with their child’s school and providing Porirua Montessori with written confirmation that permission has been granted. The child’s current school will determine how the time away is recorded.

Homeschooled children do not need permission from another school.

Could Montessori One Day School suit your child?

The best way to find out is to visit us.

Meet our small school community, see Montessori learning in action and talk with us about what your child needs from their education.

Arrange a free pre-enrolment visit

You can also learn more about our approach, expectations and school community by reading our school handbook.