North Shore School Guide: Montessori, Democratic & Steiner Schools

If you’re looking for alternative learning environments beyond the mainstream school system, Sydney has a range of independent primary and secondary Alternative Schools. Review the excellent schools on the North Shore that use Montessori, democratic, and Steiner teaching methods.

This School Guide showcases alternative schools on Sydney’s North Shore, including Montessori, Steiner, and Democratic models. Whether you’re seeking a child-centred, creativity-driven, or self-directed learning approach, this resource provides insights into local options, philosophies, and unique benefits to help you find the best fit for your child’s education.

North Shore Alternative Schools: Montessori, Democratic & Steiner

Cameragal Montessori School, North Sydney
Forestville Montessori School, Forestville
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Middle Cove
Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School, Belrose
Kinma Preschool and Primary, Terrey Hills

What is a Montessori School?

A Montessori school is a child-centred educational environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Dr Maria Montessori’s philosophy emphasises hands-on, self-directed activities within a structured yet flexible framework. Multi-age classrooms encourage collaboration, while specially designed materials help students grasp abstract concepts through concrete experiences. Teachers, known as guides, observe and support rather than directly instruct, allowing children to progress at their own pace. The curriculum integrates practical life skills, sensory exploration, and academic subjects, nurturing intellectual, social, and emotional growth. This holistic approach cultivates confident, self-motivated learners prepared for real-world challenges.

What is a Steiner School?

A Steiner school, based on Rudolf Steiner’s educational philosophy, nurtures the whole child—intellectually, creatively, and emotionally—through a balanced, arts-rich curriculum.

Emphasising imagination and experiential learning, it integrates academics with music, movement, storytelling, and practical skills. Lessons are structured to align with natural developmental stages, fostering curiosity and a deep connection to learning. Standardised testing is minimised, and teachers often remain in the same class for multiple years, fostering strong relationships. Nature, rhythm, and creativity are central to encouraging independent thinking and social responsibility. This holistic approach cultivates well-rounded individuals with a lifelong love of learning.

What is a Democratic School?

A democratic school is a learner-driven environment in which students have a voice in their education and in the community’s governance.

Rooted in self-directed learning, it allows children to explore their interests at their own pace, free from rigid curricula and standardised testing. Decision-making is shared among students and staff, often through school meetings where rules and policies are collectively determined. This model fosters personal responsibility, critical thinking, and respect for others. By emphasising freedom, trust, and real-world problem-solving, democratic schools cultivate self-motivated, independent learners prepared to navigate life with confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of agency.

North Shore Steiner Schools

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Middle Cove

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

About Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

As Australia’s first independent Steiner school, Glenaeon provides a holistic Preschool to Year 12 education that both aligns with and enriches the NSW syllabus.

Their educational philosophy and practices were developed and evolved from Rudolf Steiner’s work. Their approach to learning encourages expansive thinking, the development of a living spirit, and a profound connection to the wisdom of the past, the realities of the present, and the possibilities of the future. Learning at Glenaeon takes place in a truly unique setting, blending natural and built environments within a deeply connected community – people, place, and purpose.

Ages: Preschool – Year 12
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Steiner Education
Boarding: No
Extracurricular activities offered: Drama Club, Chess Club, Art Space, Debating & Public Speaking, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; MUSIC: Sinfonia, Concert Band, Big Band, Jazz Combo, Chamber Choir; SPORT: Parkour, Basketball, Soccer, Fencing and Archery.
Notable Alumni: Angelina Meany (Set and Costume Designer NIDA); Bliss N Eso Jonathan “Bliss” Notely and Max “Eso” MacKinnon (Australian Hip Hop band); Brenna Hobson (Director of Programming, Sydney Opera House); Caitlin Fitzsimmons (Senior Writer, The Sydney Morning Herald); Cody Sheehan (Cystic Fibrosis Advocate & youngest ever Board Director for CF Together); David Heimann (Company Director Orson & Blake); Dr Andrew Keyworth (GP); John Polson (Australian Actor, Director and Founder of Tropfest); Luke Fischer (Poet); Manon Gunderson-Briggs (Actor); Phoenix Keating (Fashion Designer); Richard Claremont (Australian Painter); Scott Needham (Photographer); Stephen Ormandy (Artist & Co-Founder Dinosaur Designs); Taelor-Jane (Musician); Toby Thatcher (Australian/British Conductor); Vanilla Tupu (Film maker/Producer)
Transport Options:
- Private Bus: Glenaeon Charter Buses operate from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, and Inner West, and through the Balmain/Lane Cove area, to two of their three campuses: Castlecrag (K-Class 3) and Middle Cove (Class 4, Year 12).
- Public Bus: Services originate in Manly, Northbridge, Castlecrag, Chatswood, and Wynyard, as well as Belrose, Castle Cove, Davidson, Killarney Heights, and Warringah Mall.
Scholarships: Glenaeon offers various scholarships for new and existing Primary and High School students, including a general scholarship (Year 7 entry), a music scholarship (Years 7 to 10 entry) and an academic merit scholarship (Year 11 entry). The closing date for the 2027 Glenaeon High School scholarships is 27 February 2026.
Fees: $20,900 (Kindergarten) – $37,640 (Year 12). View fee schedule. Sibling discounts apply.

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Open Days & Tours

School Tours: Run across their Willoughby, Middle Cove and Castlecrag campuses throughout the year. Event details. Small group tours are also available.
Open Day (Middle Cove): Friday 13 March 2026, 9am-11am. Register here.

Contact Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

Address: 5a Glenroy Avenue, Middle Cove NSW 2068
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9417 3193
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School website

: Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

: Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

: Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School, Belrose

About Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School

Situated in beautiful bushland on the edge of Garigal National Park in Belrose, Kamaroi Steiner School offers primary education for children aged 4 to 12.

Based on Rudolf Steiner’s approach to learning, Kamaroi’s NESA-approved curriculum adapts to meet students’ changing needs. The education fosters a deep regard for human values by encouraging imagination, empathy and a rich, emotional appreciation of nature and the arts. By integrating the arts across all academic disciplines and offering an educational experience that inspires, children cultivate earnest confidence, genuine curiosity, and a real love of learning. This, in turn, develops individuals who can take initiative, impart purpose, and meet the challenges of our changing world.

Ages: Prep/Preschool – Year 6
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Steiner
Boarding: No
Transport Options: view their buses and transport options here.
Scholarships: A limited number of means-tested scholarships are available.
Fees: From $3,315 per term

Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School Open Days & Tours

School Tours: register for one of their regular tours here.

Contact Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School

Address: 220 Forest Way, Belrose, NSW 2085
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9450 1651
Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School

: Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School

: Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School

: Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School

North Shore Montessori Schools

Cameragal Montessori School, North Sydney

About Cameragal Montessori School

For 50 years, Cameragal Montessori School has been committed to fostering independence and a lifelong love of learning in children.

At the heart of the Montessori approach is the belief that each child should be placed at the centre of their own education and development. Their highly skilled and observant teachers act as both educators and guides, nurturing each child’s innate curiosity, extending their imagination and capabilities, and celebrating every step towards mastery and independence.

At Cameragal Montessori School, they proudly offer a truly Authentic Montessori education. Their programmes reflect the core principles established by Dr Maria Montessori and provide a rich, carefully prepared learning experience that sets them apart. Key features of their approach include:

Mixed-aged classrooms with balanced representation across three-year age groupings:
- Stage 1: 3-6 years (Preschool and Kindergarten),
- Stage 2: 6 to 9 year olds (Primary Years 1 to 3); and
- Stage 3: 9-12 years (Primary Years 4 to 6).
Uninterrupted three-hour “work periods”, allowing children the freedom to explore activities deeply and to spend as much time as they need on each task.
Scientifically designed learning materials are presented in a carefully sequenced manner as each child demonstrates readiness.
Highly qualified educators, including teachers by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the organisation founded by Maria Montessori, with qualifications that exceed mainstream educational requirements at all levels.

Each stage of development is supported by a beautifully prepared learning environment that nurtures academic excellence alongside social and emotional well-being. Rather than measuring progress by age, they tailor guidance to each child’s individual readiness and strengths. As children gain mastery, they are encouraged to mentor and support others — naturally developing leadership, empathy and respect.

Cameragal Montessori School meets ACECQA Early Learning regulations and NESA requirements for primary education, ensuring a seamless and well-recognised educational pathway.

Set your child up for a lifetime of joyful learning, success, and happiness at Cameragal Montessori School!

Ages: Kindergarten – Year 6
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Montessori
Boarding: No
Transport Options: 5-minute walk to Victoria Cross Metro (McLaren Street entrance), 10-minute walk to North Sydney Train Station, One-minute walk to Miller Street bus routes servicing the City, QVB, Wynyard, and North Shore suburbs.

Cameragal Montessori School Open Days & Tours

Tour: Click here to book a personalised campus tour

Contact Cameragal Montessori

Address: 47 Ridge St, North Sydney
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9954 0344
Website: cameragal.nsw.edu.au

: Cameragal Montessori School

: Cameragal Montessori School

: Cameragal Montessori School

Forestville Montessori School, Forestville

About Forestville Montessori

Forestville Montessori School offers a personalised learning journey for children aged 2 to 12 years in an expansive, nature-filled garden campus.

They inspire learning through curiosity, exploration, persistence, and fun! Using specially designed Montessori materials, your child will develop creativity, problem-solving, critical and analytical thinking skills. Children’s engagement with the learning environment fosters deep interest and a lifelong love of learning!

Your child’s education at FMS is designed to meet them at their current developmental stage. Children are carefully guided by masterful educators who observe your child’s progress daily and provide support or additional challenge as your child is ready. Their teaching staff are degree-qualified and Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained, the international gold standard for Montessori teachers. The school meets ACECQA Early Learning regulations and NESA requirements for primary school. With an incredible integrated pathway from toddler to preschool to kindergarten to primary school, visit Forestville Montessori and discover the difference yourself!

Ages: Toddler (age 2-3), Preschool (ages 3-6) – Primary K-6
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Montessori
Boarding: No
Extracurricular activities offered: swimming, surfing, gymnastics, sport, music, Japanese, horticulture/gardening, Grow Your Mind (well-being). Before and after-school and vacation care are available. On-site extra-curricular activities include Chess, STEM, Soccer, Piano, Violin, and Mandarin.
Transport Options: They are conveniently located in Forestville, with dedicated 15-minute parking opposite the school and ample road parking elsewhere. Public transport is close by, with Warringah Road bus stops in Forestville moments from their door.
Fees:
- Toddler program starting at $19,918 (Eligible families receive childcare subsidies)
- Pre-school program starting at $19,686 (Eligible families receive childcare subsidies (CCS) and Start Strong funding (SS)
- Primary School Program $20,525 (Eligible families receive Primary School Subsidy)

Forestville Montessori School Open Day & Tours 2026

To book a personal school tour, click here.

Contact Forestville Montessori School

Address: 1 Angel Place, Forestville NSW 2087
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9452 2044
Forestville Montessori website

: Forestville Montessori School

: Forestville Montessori School

: Forestville Montessori School

North Shore Democratic & Progressive Schools

Kinma Preschool and Primary, Terrey Hills

About Kinma Preschool and Primary

Kinma is an independent preschool and primary school set on five acres of bushland in Terrey Hills. For over 50 years, the school has offered a progressive, child-focused education that supports academic, social, and emotional growth. Kinma values curiosity, creativity, and confidence, helping children develop into capable learners and caring members of their community. A warm, non-competitive environment and strong connection to nature allow children to learn and grow at their own pace.

Learning at Kinma is play-based and holistic, recognising that children learn best through exploration and meaningful experiences. Children’s interests guide the curriculum and bring learning areas together through thematic projects. Students enjoy a wide range of activities, including music, basketball, swimming, soccer, and bush exploration. Democratic values are central to school life, giving children a real voice and encouraging independence, collaboration, and responsibility.

Ages: Play Group (0-5yo), Preschool (3-6yo), Primary Year K to Year 6
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Progressive with Democratic principles
Boarding: No
Extracurricular activities offered: Kinma has a large variety of activities both on and off the beautiful bushland campus, including regular bushwalking in our surroundings, basketball lessons, Spanish lessons, swimming lessons (for Primary), surf safety lessons (for eldest groups), music with Music Play Habitat, parks and shop visits. Some incursions include hosting local Aboriginal friend, Dennis Foley, who gives talks and demonstrations on the environment and traditional ways of life. Other incursions include Music A Viva, plays based on wellbeing, local expert talks about space and NASA, personal development sessions and robotics incursions. Kinma also have Tinkering Days, during which children and parents organise activities for the whole school, such as cooking, taking apart old engines, leather crafts, sewing, and knitting. Kinma also offer after-school care with Green Umbrella on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as well as on some vacation care days. On Fridays, there is Taekwondo after school with Dragon Taekwondo.
Transport Options: CDC Buses operates a shared bus service serving several schools in Terrey Hills. Check their website for more information.
Fees: $2812 per term.

Kinma Preschool and Primary School Tours

Open Day: Saturday, 7 March 2026, from 9–11am.
School tours: 9.30am on 18 February, 27 February, 6 May, 12 June, 5 August, 11 September, 28 October, and 20 November. Visitors can explore the campus, outdoor play spaces, and classrooms, and see learning in action.