Frequently Asked Questions

We are very happy to answer all your questions. Here are some we get asked all the time, but if you need some information that doesn’t appear here please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Is Cameragal Montessori a real school?

Yes, Cameragal Montessori is a pre-school, kindergarten and primary school, accredited under NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Department of Education’s Early Childhood Education Directorate (ECED) . We were established in 1976 and hundreds of students have experienced the Cameragal Montessori difference.

Is Montessori an experimental approach?

No – the Montessori approach is founded on intense scientific observation of thousands of children over 100 years, perfected in over 22,000 schools worldwide, and thoughtfully updated to reflect the needs of Australian children and NSW education standards.

Does Cameragal Montessori follow the NSW State Government academic program?

Yes, we teach the exact same curriculum taught in state public and private schools, however we individualise the content for your child based on their academic level and learning styles.

Can my child start at Cameragal at any age?

Yes they can, although it’s ideal for children to start as early as possible. If your child is entering Montessori education for the first time we will complete an assessment to see which class would suit them best:

• 0-3 Playroom
• 3-6 Preschool
• 6-12 Primary School 

Why do pre-primary children attend?

Whether it’s movement and fine motor skills, language and communication, or practical skills in self-care, repetition is the key to learning – gradual improvement is key rather than overwhelming exertion at one time. Attending the classroom reinforces lessons and accelerates your child’s development, while preparing them for primary school. And don’t forget they’ll be having a lot of fun!

What is the difference between a Montessori approach and a traditional approach?

We’ve put together a full page on the differences and benefits here. You can also find interesting resources at:

• Why Choose Cameragal?
• Our Community
• Our Teachers
• Notable Montessorians

How can a child so young possibly choose what they want to learn?

All children have an innate passion for learning and naturally gravitate towards what they are interested in. We simply harness these qualities to support their learning. While our process embraces spontaneity, we intentionally provide guidance to make the most of every teaching opportunity across all subject areas.

Does the Montessori approach suit all children?

Montessori is based on the belief that children have an innate curiosity and passion for learning. It also tailors activities to suit the interests, development levels and learning goals of individual children. This helps ensure each child is fully engaged in their education and learning in the way that suits them best – which often leads to better results than traditional methods which provide blanket education regardless of the unique characteristics of students.

Why are the classrooms multi-aged?

Traditional schools generalise development by grouping children of the same age together, whether they are at the same level or not. We optimise development by tailoring guidance to each child based on their individual needs, no matter their age. Then, as each child masters activities and skills, we encourage them to teach others, further developing and expanding their skills in areas of patience, empathy, instruction and leadership. This process optimises each child’s learning experience without leaving anyone behind.

Does my child have to complete the three-year cycle?

In the Montessori approach, each three year cycle builds into the next, so it is important each stage is completed before the next is started. This is exactly the same way traditional education requires completion of each grade before beginning the next, although we use three year blocks rather than one year blocks. This helps each child master the skills required without being left behind by arbitrary graduation to new skills before they are ready.

Will Cameragal Montessori prepare my child for mainstream high school?

Yes, most definitely. In fact, our students graduate to mainstream high school with less ‘cultural shock’ than most other students, giving them a significant advantage. Not only are they equipped academically, they’ve had years developing skills, and forming positive habits:

• Socially – confidently making friends, working in teams, leading peers
• Motivation and responsibility – setting plans and achieving goals, completing daily tasks including following their unique individual interests at home
• Critical and creative thinking – solving problems, thinking outside the box, comparing options
• Independence and resilience – self-directed and focused, able to manage change and approach obstacles with a ‘can do’ attitude

Where do most Montessori graduates go to high school?

Cameragal Montessori prepares children to transition successfully to all types of high schools including independent, private, and public schools. Most graduates perform considerably better than average because their Montessori education equips them with a love for learning, and the habits and attitudes to reach their full potential. 

Does Montessori have a religious affiliation?

Montessori is a non-denominational educational philosophy.

How much does it cost?

Fees per term for 2023 are as follows:

0-3 Playroom Infant Program -$398 for one class per week (8 week term)

0-3 Playroom Toddler Program – $498 for one class per week (8 week term)

Preschool, Kindergarten and Primary – $3988 per term. Preschool children are eligible for the Start Strong Funding Rebates each term.

We invite you to come and meet our community.

It’s impossible to gain a feel for the welcoming and open community we’ve built without experiencing it for yourself.

You are very welcome to join one of our Campus Tours, where you can immerse yourself in our community, meet our teachers and students, see inside our classrooms and observe the methods that make our school so special.