Finding the right preschool in Singapore can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time parent embarking on your child’s educational journey. Even for those who are more familiar with preschools, the distinctions between Montessori and other preschool approaches can often be unclear. This blog is here to help guide you through the Montessori method, offering insights and tips to ensure you choose the best preschool environment for your child’s needs and development.
4 Beautiful Locations Islandwide
What is a Montessori Preschool?
The core of the Montessori philosophy is that education aligns with a child’s natural development. To understand this better, it’s useful to compare Montessori with traditional daycare settings. Traditional schooling often relies on seated learning and rote memorisation. In contrast, the Montessori method respects each child’s natural learning pace and integrates play into the educational process.
In Montessori classrooms, child-centred learning is emphasised, allowing students to select their activities and advance at their own speed. The environment is carefully designed with engaging, accessible materials that invite exploration and self-directed learning. This autonomy promotes a strong sense of responsibility and curiosity. Educators in Montessori settings act as guides rather than direct instructors, observing and supporting activities based on each child’s interests and developmental readiness.
What’s the best age to start Montessori schooling in Singapore?
Preschools in Singapore vary in the ages at which they begin accepting children. Some preschools start as early as 2 months old, while others may begin at 18 months or 2 years. It’s important to check with each school to understand their age requirements and how their programs cater to different stages of early childhood development. This way, you can ensure that your child starts their educational journey at the right time and in the most suitable environment.
Montessori preschools typically start accepting children from 2 months old. At House on the Hill, we offer a NIDO programme specifically designed for infants aged 2 months to 17 months. Following this, we have a playgroup for children aged 18 months to 2.5 years, and a pre-nursery for those aged 2.5 to 3.5 years. By the time children reach around the age of 3 years old, they are encouraged to transition into our Montessori mixed-age Nursery to Kindergarten preschool programme, where they continue their educational journey in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
What are the advantages of attending a Montessori school?
A Montessori school takes a holistic approach to education, not focusing on just academic achievements but on nurturing children’s talents, fostering community involvement, and teaching essential social skills for the next stages of their lives.
One standout advantage of Montessori schools is their mixed-aged classrooms. In these settings, students ranging from 3 to 6 years old learn together, creating a unique dynamic. Younger children benefit by learning from their older peers, while older children reinforce their knowledge and develop teaching skills by guiding the younger ones.
Another key advantage of Montessori schools is the emphasis on educational toys and manipulatives made from natural, aesthetically pleasing materials like wood. In a time when concerns about screen time and device use are prevalent in Singapore, these tools play a crucial role in promoting sensorial development and hands-on learning in a screen-free environment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Montessori Preschool
According to the 2022 Global Montessori Census, there are 63 Montessori schools in Singapore. While these schools share the same core philosophies, differences in programme implementation and curriculum can vary significantly. Here’s a checklist of key factors to consider when choosing the right Montessori Preschool for your child.
Learning Environment
Visit the school and observe the classroom setup. It should be a well-prepared, calm, organised environment with Montessori materials that encourage independence, exploration and learning.
Moreover, the classroom should have child-sized furniture and materials neatly arranged on low shelves within easy reach. This setup encourages independence as children can freely choose and manage their learning tools, fostering self-guided exploration and responsibility. The room should also allow for freedom of movement, with all items accessible at the child’s eye level to enhance engagement.
Curriculum and Activities
Review the school’s curriculum to ensure it includes a balance of culture, language, mathematics, sensorial, and practical life. At House on the Hill, we allow for uninterrupted work periods that encourage children to have focused work cycles. Additionally, we value the opportunities for social awareness experiences through our daily interactions with the children during group activities. Plus, our bespoke Mandarin programme provides an immersive environment for the children to develop a love for learning the language.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
Confirm that the school follows the Montessori practice of mixed-age classrooms, which fosters peer learning and social development. Through this arrangement, students are able to develop collaboration, patience, turn-taking, and leadership abilities. Mixed-age classes also foster natural learning opportunities where younger children can look to their older peers and learn from them. In turn, older children solidify their knowledge by teaching concepts they have already mastered.
Montessori Didactic Materials
Montessori didactic materials are uniquely crafted to provide hands-on, concrete learning experiences, complete with visual aids that enable children to grasp complex ideas through manipulation and exploration. Each Montessori material is self-correcting, allowing children to independently recognise, correct, and learn from their mistakes. This autonomy boosts confidence and promotes active learning—a cornerstone of the Montessori philosophy.
By engaging actively and enjoying the learning process, children develop a lifelong love for education. Montessori education serves as a solid foundation, preparing children to excel intellectually, socially, and emotionally and equipping them with the necessary skills for academic success and real-life challenges.
Joyful, Independent Children
Look for environments that encourage joyful independence and focused, self-directed learning. These settings should allow children to progress at their own pace, which builds confidence through hands-on experiences. At House on the Hill, we integrate socialisation into the daily routine, from meal times to outdoor play, to ensure that essential social skills are developed alongside academic abilities. This balanced approach is key to fostering well-rounded, confident, and independent learners.
Teachers and Educators
It is vital for Montessori teachers to have keen observation skills in order to plan children’s activities and allow for individualised learning. Look for educators who not only understand the Montessori method but also exhibit values of grace and courtesy, which are fundamental in creating a nurturing learning environment.
Additionally, assess the teacher-student ratio to ensure that your child receives personalised attention that can effectively support their unique learning journey. Engaging with the teachers during your visit will give you insight into their approach and how they facilitate a respectful, supportive classroom atmosphere.
Parent’s Involvement and Support
Consider how the school encourages and facilitates parental involvement in the child’s learning journey and communicates their progress regularly. Students aren’t the only ones who should be given support. A good Montessori school provides the necessary support for parents so they can be part of their child’s progress.
At House on the Hill, we work hand in hand with the parents of our students and regularly hold parent-teacher meetings, provide regular parent workshops and recommend ways for parents to continue with learning at home. This way, you will be updated with your child’s progress. You will also get valuable feedback to help you continue your child’s learning journey at home. In addition, we also provide opportunities for parents to sit in class and witness a class in session.
Outdoor Play Areas
Look for schools that incorporate outdoor exploration and nature play as part of their daily routine, which is essential for physical and sensory development. At House on the Hill, our expansive outdoor playgrounds provide children with ample opportunities to explore, engage with nature, and develop their physical and sensory skills. We also give importance to out-of-classroom learning experiences through fun and educational field trips.
Community and Culture
Visit the school to get a feel for the community and culture. Ensure the school’s values and philosophy align with your own, providing a consistent approach to education both at home and at school. A supportive and nurturing environment is key to your child’s overall development.
At each of the House on the Hill schools, we have a Parent Support Group, which helps plan social events within and outside the school. It is also a place where your child can find a family outside their home. It would be great to get to know the people your child will encounter daily.
Location
It’s best to choose a Montessori school that is conveniently located close to home or work. House on the Hill has four excellent locations in Singapore–Balmoral, Pasir Panjang, Mount Sophia, and Hollandse Club–one of which may be conveniently close to your home or work.
View our checklist below to help you choose the right Montessori preschool for your child.

Schedule a Visit
Visit a Montessori school in Singapore today! All House on the Hill schools welcome parents looking to give their children an extraordinary learning experience that prepares them for primary school and beyond. Book a tour now.