History

The Hills Montessori School began as a Preschool in 1978, with its first children beginning their learning for life in a private home. Larger premises were soon needed and the Old Police Station at Nairne was selected to satisfy the school’s growth. It was here, in 1981, that tuition was extended to Junior Primary. A new campus was established at Aldgate in 1985, offering both preschool and primary tuition. Continued growth in enrolments created the need for a permanent school site. In 1987, a 2 hectare block of land on Anderson Road, Aldgate, was purchased from the Field Naturalists Society. Great care and thought went into designing and siting the buildings in sympathy with the bush environment.

Continuing Growth

On May 1st 1989 we proudly opened the first three primary classrooms and the Preschool at Anderson Road. The school continued to grow with vigour, and within 12 months building work had commenced on another preschool building, which opened in August 1990. In December 1990 construction of a new double classroom commenced. The completion of our Science and Technology Centre (now known as the Common Room) and sports courts in 1994 complemented the school’s wide range of facilities. A purpose designed double classroom was constructed in 1998 to cater for the increasing enrolments of 9-12 year old students. A newly-built Resource Centre was opened in 1999 and playground facilities were extended. A Multipurpose Hall and Administration Centre was constructed and completed in December 2010.

The Middle School – ‘Wairoa Campus’ in Stirling was purchased in 2010 and refurbished ready to accommodate the Adolescent Program (12-16 year olds) beginning at the start of the 2011 school year. Adolescent students work in a purpose-built, well-resourced middle school building equipped with kitchen and science facilities and large learning areas. They use their own games courts and gardens, and have access to the oval and native bushland at Wairoa. In 2013 a new studio building was built to provide an additional learning space and a place for students to work on art and/or tech projects.

Today’s Environment

Today the school offers a secure, happy and resource-filled environment on two campuses for your child’s education beginning in the 0-3 Infant Community through to Year 9 at the Middle School.