North Shore School Guide: Montessori, Democratic & Steiner Schools

If you’re looking for alternative learning environments beyond the mainstream school system, there is a range of independent primary and secondary Alternative Schools in Sydney. Take a look at the wonderful schools on the North Shore that use Montessori, Democratic and Steiner methods for teaching.

North Shore Alternative Schools: Montessori, Democratic & Steiner

Currambena Primary School and Preschool, Lane Cove
Forestville Montessori School, Forestville
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Middle Cove
Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School, Belrose
Kinma Preschool and Primary, Terrey Hills
Northside Montessori School, Pymble

What is a Montessori School?

An excerpt from Montessori Australia website:

Montessori is an approach to supporting the full development of the human being. The Montessori approach offers a broad vision of education as an ‘aid to life’. As an educational system, it is used in over 22,000 schools worldwide, and has a longer track record of success than any other educational approach in the world.

The Montessori approach to education, inspires children towards a lifelong love of learning, by following their natural developmental trajectory. Children become confident, responsible, independent learners, who trust in their own abilities. The inclusivity and positive social development facilitated by the Montessori program forms the basis for a persistent attachment to learning and knowledge.

Montessori classrooms provide a specially crafted learning environment where children are able to respond to their natural tendency to work. Children have an innate passion for learning, and the Montessori classroom encourages this by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the guidance of a trained adult. Through their work, the children develop concentration and joyful self-discipline. Within a framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities.

What is a Steiner School?

An excerpt from Steiner Education Australia website:

A Steiner education fosters the human spirit in children and young adults, allowing them to flourish in a holistic learning environment that is oriented towards moral growth, social consciousness and citizenship.

Typically located in beautiful surrounds, these schools seek to nurture each individual and connect them to the reverence and awe of the natural environment, one another, and the world around them. Schools are grounded in working artistically, spiritually, practically and intellectually. As well as being integrated, the curriculum is broadly based, interdisciplinary and culturally rich.

We cherish the right of children to childhood – and this is reflected in the staging of the Australian Steiner Curriculum which is recognised by ACARA.

In early learning, we nurture a child’s development by facilitating creative, self-directed play, as we believe that the initiative, imagination and flexibility awakened underpin later academic learning and are the basis for innovative thought in adult life.

In primary school, the core approach is through artistic presentation of material by the class teacher which promotes engagement, inspires deep learning and supports developing imaginations.

In secondary school, we develop students’ awakening capacity for discernment by fostering initiative and independent, flexible thinking.

What is a Democratic School?

A Democratic School is a school that operates on democratic principles and values, in which students have a say in the decision-making process. In these schools, the students are often involved in creating the rules and policies that govern their community, and they are given the opportunity to participate in their own education. The idea behind Democratic Schools is to empower students to become active and responsible members of society, by giving them a voice and fostering their sense of identity.

Democratic schools aim to create an environment in which students can learn through experience and exploration, rather than through traditional teaching methods. Teachers and students work together to create an educational program that meets the needs and interests of each student, and the curriculum is often designed to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the student body.

The democratic approach to education can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and engagement among students, and it can also help students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By giving students a sense of ownership over their own education, democratic schools aim to create a supportive and empowering learning environment that prepares students for success in the future.

North Shore Montessori Schools

Northside Montessori School, Pymble

About Northside Montessori School

Northside Montessori School is a vibrant community on the North Shore where children are nurtured and love learning. While many schools motivate children to learn through promises of various rewards, Montessori philosophy is based on the belief that if you develop an interest and take responsibility of your own learning, you learn better and more thoroughly. It is deeply tied to the natural developmental path of the child.

Northside Montessori School is a co-educational, non-denominational school for children aged 6 months-12 years. They have multiple programs to cater for the different age groups. Montessori education produces happy, social, disciplined, independent young people with a true love of learning.

Ages: Pre-school – Year 6
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Montessori
Boarding: No
Extracurricular activities offered: Choir, Concert Band, Orchestra, Gymnastics, Montessori Football, Art, Tae Kwon Do, Origami, Lego Robotics, Chess, Mandarin, French, Japanese, Yoga, Spanish, Tutoring in Piano, Brass, Guitar, Woodwind
Transport Options: School bus from Pennant Hills train station via Fox Valley Road, Kissing Point Road and Turramurra train station.
Fees: Preschool fees commence at $14,756 (CCS available). Primary fees commence at $15,260. High School fees commence at $16,500.

Northside Montessori School Open Days & Tours

Open Day: Saturday 7 May & Saturday 20 August, 10am-1pm
School Tours: Northside offer private enrolment tours to families. To book a private tour, contact Bec Talty, Enrolments Registrar on (02) 9144 2835

Contact Northside Montessori School

- Address: 42-44 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble NSW 2073
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (02) 9144 2835
- Northside Montessori website

: Northside Montessori School

: Northside Montessori School

: Northside Montessori School

Forestville Montessori School, Forestville

About Forestville Montessori

Forestville Montessori School is an Independent School for children aged 0-12 years.

Students at Forestville Montessori School benefit from a unique education combining Australian Government standards with holistic, child-centred learning. Their pre-school programs develop independence, creativity and curiosity. Children aged 3-6 learn practical life skills, problem-solving, literacy and social skills to prepare for school readiness.

In K-6 students at Forestville Montessori School expand these skills, exploring personal strengths and talents while working collaboratively with teachers and peers on academic, social and environmental education. They foster creativity, individuality, masterful academics and future thinking.

With 42 years of providing an exemplary Montessori education, NESA accreditation, highly trained, qualified, passionate teachers and environments that inspire wonder for learning, FMS is a school like no other.

Ages: Preschool – Year 6
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Montessori
Boarding: No
Extracurricular activities offered: Surfing, Chess, Soccer, Lego Building, Horse Riding / Equine Assisted Learning, Gardening and environment, Before & After school care + more
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, Forestville bus stops moments from their door.
Fees: View fee schedule.

Forestville Montessori Open Days & Tours

School Tours: Personal school tours are available daily and can be booked via their website. They also offer opportunities for class observations, parent education sessions and more.

Contact Forestville Montessori

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

Currambena Primary School and Preschool

About Currambena Primary School and Preschool

Currambena Primary School and Preschool is a democratic school based on Sydney’s Lower North Shore that offers truly child-centred, play-based education for both pre and primary school children.

Established in 1969, they have long been recognised as a leader in innovative educational thinking. At Currambena, they deliver a holistic approach to learning which focuses on developing a child’s skills for life as well as high academic standards.

Ages: Pre-school – Year 6
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Secular
Boarding: No
Extracurricular activities offered: Both preschool and primary school students have scheduled sessions with a specialty art teacher and Spanish language teacher. All primary students participate in swimming for two terms a year and are offered different sport options for the other two terms. The whole school participate in excursions, such as the local library, park and bushwalking tracks, amongst other more specific locations decided between the teachers and their class. Extracurricular activities include Hip hop dance, drama, piano and group guitar lessons.
Transport Options: The school is accessible by bus and is walking distance from the main Lane Cove bus terminals. St. Leonards and Artarmon Station are close by.
Fees: $2143 per term. More.

Currambena Primary School and Preschool School Open Days & Tours

School Tour: Contact the school to arrange a tour.

Contact Currambena Primary School and Preschool

Address: 205 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9427 0644
Currambena School website

: Currambena Primary and Preschool

: Currambena Primary and Preschool

: Currambena Primary and Preschool

Kinma Preschool and Primary

About Kinma Preschool and Primary

Kinma is a dynamic independent progressive school in Terrey Hills set on 5 acres of beautiful bushland, offering a unique child-centred education for both preschool and primary school. Established in 1972, Kinma has been leading the way in innovative teaching for over 50 years. Kinma’s education program is based on an understanding of child development and caters equally for all aspects of development – academic, social and emotional, while respecting and nurturing their individuality, based on the philosophy of progressive education with democratic principles.

Their aim is to foster the development of children to be independent, self-motivated learners, and socially responsible members of the community. Their balanced curriculum supports the development of creative and critical abilities in a cooperative, non-competitive environment, incorporating outdoor learning as part of their program. Parent involvement is welcome.

Kinma consistently receives engaging and extremely positive feedback from NESA inspectors (NSW Education Standards Authority). Kinma is recognised at university level as one of the few schools in Australia practicing learner-directed education.

Kinma Preschool: Kinma preschool provides a warm, relaxed and secure environment where children are safe to be themselves. They offer a play-based, child-centred curriculum in a fun, exciting and nurturing learning environment. Play and imagination are integral to their education approach. Children use a wide range of cognitive and life skills as they play, developing self-motivation and the ability to make their own choices from a wide range of activities available during the preschool day.

Kinma Primary: They believe that children learn best in an environment where play and discovery are central. They offer an education where each child is celebrated, and where learning is meaningful and holistic. The three R’s – respect, relationships and responsibility – are the building blocks of their educational philosophy. Classes are multi-aged and non-competitive with a high teacher-student ratio. They teach with a thematic approach whereby many areas of the curriculum are connected together and integrated within a theme based on the ideas and interests of the children. It is a place where children genuinely love to learn, and where they acquire values and skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives

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: After school care Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Transport Options: There is a bus service which is shared by a number of schools in Terrey Hills and is managed by CDC Buses. Check their website for more information.
Fees: $2600 per term. More.

Kinma Preschool and Primary Open Days & Tours

See details.

Contact Kinma Preschool and Primary

Address: 127 Coolowie Road, Terrey Hills
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9450 0738
Kinma website

: Kinma Preschool and Primary

: Kinma Preschool and Primary

: Kinma Preschool and Primary

North Shore Steiner Schools

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Middle Cove

Year 11 Lake Argyle Expedition with Glenaeon

About Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Australia’s first Steiner school, offers an academically challenging, emotionally fulfilling, and culturally enriching learning environment where teachers educate to the highest standard and support students on their journey to a successful future.

A proudly non-selective, co-educational school for students from Preschool through to Year 12, Glenaeon offers a holistic and student-centered approach to learning. Glenaeon’s curriculum and pedagogy is a rich, seamless blend of the local NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements with the educational insights of Austrian-born philosopher, scientist, artist and educator Rudolf Steiner. It inspires creativity, independent thinking, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. The unique teaching framework builds a thinking that is independent, heartfelt and practical and sees the school consistently rank in the top 100 schools in NSW.

Students are guided to become confident, well-rounded individuals who are able to think critically and engage with the world. Their unique bushland settings provides a stunning natural landscape from which students develop to full potential through an education that nurtures mind, body and spirit.

Ages: Preschool – Year 12
Gender: Co-ed
Education Style: Steiner Education
Boarding: No
Extracurricular activities offered: Drama Club, Sinfonia, Concert Band, Big Band, Jazz Combo, Chamber Choir, Art Space, Debating & Public Speaking, SPORT: Parkour, Basketball, Soccer, Yoga, Frisbee, Fencing, Athletics & Archery
Notable Alumni: Bliss N Eso Jonathan “Bliss” Notely and Max “Eso” MacKinnon (Australian Hip Hop band); Brenna Hobson (Executive Director at National Theatre of Scotland); Caitlin Fitzsimmons (Journalist, The Sydney Morning Herald); Cody Sheehan (Cystic Fibrosis Advocate & youngest ever Board Director for Cystic Fibrosis NSW); David Heimann (Company Director Interior + Fashion Design); 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 run from Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, Northern Beaches, Inner West and through Balmain/Lane Cove area to two of their three campuses in Castlecrag (K-Class 2) and Middle Cove (Class 3-Year 12).
- Bus: Sydney Buses originating in Manly, Northbridge, Castlecrag, Chatswood & Wynyard. Forest Coaches service the areas of Belrose, Castlecove, Davidson, Killarney Heights and Warringah Mall.
Scholarships: Glenaeon offers various scholarships for new and existing 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 Glenaeon Year 7, 2025 scholarship is 28 February 2024.
Fees: $19,276 (Kindergarten) – $32,047 (Year 12). View fee schedule.

Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Open Days & Tours

Open Day:Friday 15 March, 9am-11am. Click here to register to attend.
School Tours: Run across their Willoughby, Middle Cove and Castlecrag campuses throughout the year. Event details.

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

Alongside a very high standard of academic education, Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School’s curriculum places great importance on imagination and creativity and fully engages the child. It is designed to instill confidence in self and provide a sense of social and environmental responsibility.

Based on Steiner principles, Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School offers a nurturing environment to address the changing needs and capabilities of children at each stage of their development. Their curriculum and method of teaching enhances a deep and rounded learning.