How to Enrol:

Interested in Montessori Primary?

If you’re considering Montessori Primary for your child, we encourage you to contact TMET as early as possible. We’ll answer your questions, discuss availability, and guide you through the enrolment process.

📧 trustadmin@tmet.org.nz

The Montessori Difference

Montessori is more than a way of learning. It’s an approach that nurtures independent thinkers, confident learners, and capable young people.

We’d love to help you explore whether Montessori is the right fit for your child and your family.

Your Montessori Journey

1. Register your interest with TMET
Get in touch early so we can answer your questions and keep you informed about upcoming Parent Information Evenings and enrolment opportunities.

2. Attend a Parent Information Evening
Learn more about Montessori education and whether it’s the right fit for your family.

3. Observe a Montessori Classroom
See Montessori learning in action.

4. Meet with a TMET Representative
Discuss your child’s needs and ask any questions you may have.

5. Complete Your Enrolments

5a. Apply to TMET for a place in the Montessori programme.
5b. Enrol with your chosen school (Bellevue School or Arataki School).

6. Attend Transition Visits
Help your child become familiar with their new learning environment before they start Montessori Primary.

Two-part enrolment process

Montessori Primary is a partnership between TMET and your chosen school.

To enrol, you’ll need to complete:

A TMET application for the Montessori programme.
A school enrolment with either Arataki School or Bellevue School.

We’ll guide you through both parts of the process. Each application is managed separately. One by TMET and one by the school, completing one does not automatically confirm the other.

Ready to take the first Step?

We’d love to hear from you

If you’d like to learn more or register your interest, please contact us at trustadmin@tmet.org.nz

We look forward to meeting you and your family.

When should I register my interest?

We recommend contacting TMET when your child is around four years old. This gives us the opportunity to answer your questions, discuss availability, and keep you informed about upcoming Parent Information Evenings and enrolment opportunities.

Does my child need to attend a Montessori preschool?

We encourage children to attend a Montessori preschool before starting Montessori Primary, as this helps them become familiar with the Montessori approach and supports a smooth transition to school.

If your child hasn’t attended a Montessori preschool, please get in touch with TMET to talk about your options.

How often are Parent Information Evenings held?

Parent Information Evenings are usually held once each school term. Contact TMET to find out about the next available session.

Do I need to apply through both TMET and the school?

Yes. There are two separate enrolment processes:

Apply to TMET for a place in the Montessori programme.
Enrol with your chosen school (Bellevue School or Arataki School).

TMET and the schools work closely together, but each enrolment process is managed separately.

What if I live outside the school zone?

Arataki School and Bellevue School both operate enrolment zones. If you live outside your preferred school’s zone, we recommend applying for an out-of-zone place as early as possible.

A place in the Montessori programme does not automatically guarantee a place at the school, as TMET applications and school enrolments are managed separately.

When will my child start school?

Children are eligible to start Montessori Primary from 5½ years old, depending on readiness, available places and school enrolment requirements.

Many children remain at their Montessori preschool until closer to age six, completing their early childhood Montessori cycle before transitioning to primary. We value the important foundation our Montessori preschools provide and encourage families to talk with their preschool about the best transition timing for their child.

Families are welcome to start exploring Montessori Primary early, giving you plenty of time to attend an information evening, visit a classroom and learn about the enrolment process.

As places can be limited, we recommend getting in touch with TMET when your child is around four years old.

What happens before my child starts school?

Children are invited to attend transition visits before they begin Montessori Primary. These visits help them become familiar with the classroom, teachers, and daily routines.

“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”