For Admission Enquiries Call


044-33185266

Darwin

Welcome to Darwin

An International Montessori Environment in Anna Nagar

For Admission Enquiries Call 044-33185266

Toddler Program

Exclusively designed curriculum to foster cognitive, speech, language development, strengthen fine motor & gross motor skills and promote independence.

Primary Program

Activities for practical life, refinement of the senses, and life sciences presented through activities. Music and Art form a part of everyday activity.

Out of School

Build strong foundation working with Montessori Materials that allows children to learn in their own pace, making the learning their own.

Montessori

Why us ?

Best Montessori schools in Chennai

Why would you opt for a Montessori school such as ours for your little one, when there are so many schools around you to choose from?

The most important reason: your child will be happier in a school run on Montessori principles. And happiness in children is the one sure indicator that all their developmental needs are being met!

Dr. Montessori developed her system of education in accordance with the natural principles of child development. This ensures that in a Montessori classroom, your children get what they need, as much as they need and at the time they need it, in all the spheres – physical, emotional, intellectual and social.

Traditional School

  • Rote memorization
  • Does not take into consideration the need for the age to work with hands and senses to learn.

Montessori School

  • Education as an aid to life and not just purely academic.
  • A mini society where children florish holistically, emotionally , psychologically.
  • Advanced levels of learning achievement in language and mathematical concepts.

Traditional School

  • 1 age group
  • Teacher-directed work
  • Work is assigned arbitrarily to the entire group, regardless of individual needs
  • Silence is imposed in the classroom

Montessori School

  • Mixed-age group
  • Children choose activities on their own
  • Activities are presented to children individually or in small groups, in accordance with each child’s needs and learning style
  • Silence is a reflection of concentration, peace, and order. The environment is calm

Traditional School

  • Teachers are central, regardless of how well they have mastered the material

Montessori School

  • Guides facilitate, listen and consult.
  • Highly trained in child psychology.
  • Evaluation is comprehensive and spread over time. Students’ journals, individual and group projects, teacher’s observations and students’ self-reflection all contribute to the discussion of developmental milestones
  • Evaluation is not of academics alone; it also includes the emotional and social development of each student

Girl

Traditional School

  • Students receive lessons according to lesson plans following a predetermined syllabus
  • Subjects are compartmentalized
  • Days are broken up arbitrarily by subjects, regardless of need
  • Teacher decides what students do
  • All students work at the same pace

Montessori School

  • Students receive individualized, level-appropriate lessons
  • Subjects are intertwined
  • Uninterrupted blocks of time allow for the pursuit of work to the student’s satisfaction
  • Students choose individual and group work
  • Students work independently at their own level and pace

Kid

Traditional School

  • Rules imposed externally
  • Rewards and punishment used to regulate behavior and performance

Montessori School

  • Discipline emerges from student
  • Students help establish ground rules for behavior in class
  • Students learn to take responsibility for their own behavior

Kid

Traditional School

  • The adult is the judge
  • Recognition is gained by acceptance from the adult or the group
  • Further evaluation is based on short-term rote memorization and repetition of data

Montessori School

  • Self-correcting materials allow the students to get immediate feedback independently
  • Students reflect on their own process of learning and consult with the guides for support
  • The success and sense of accomplishment that the students experience enhance their self-confidence and pleasure in learning

Kid

Our Mission

WHAT'S OUR GOAL

The conventional educational system was designed during the industrial revolution, when the masses moved into urban areas to work in factories.

They created an effective method of training the following generations of factory workers. Children were instructed to memorize and regurgitate facts – to stop working when the bell rings – to sit in nice, neat rows of desks and ask for permission to move. It is no longer relevant in our modern culture.

Today, successful people work on projects not factory lines. They are rewarded for creating things rather than following orders. And, they are expected to adapt quickly to change within their profession, rather than working at the same job for 50 years. As we peek into the uncertain future of the 21st century, we offer a safe harbor for parents: a research-based method that has been proven to develop some of the brightest minds of our times and is well positioned to develop the movers and shakers of tomorrow.

Our mission is to provide a complete Montessori program which considers the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social development of the total child by addressing the uniqueness of each in a nurturing, emotionally secure and academically excellent environment. Our vision is for each and every child to be happy and be empowered with :

Independence: We will create a prepared environment where children can freely explore their natural sense of wonder and choose their own work with enthusiasm and interest.

Confidence: We will empower the children with opportunities to discover their own pace and method of learning which best suits their individual needs.

Respect: We will provide an environment and guidance which will encourage the children’s development of kindness, courtesy and self-discipline.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE

Program

THINGS TO DO
Kid

The Toddler Program is for children from 2 years onwards. The Curriculum understands the dynamic nature of these foundational years. It supports the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of each child.

Toddlers strengthen speech and language development, in addition to both fine and gross motor skills- all as they explore self, family and the world in which they live.

Teachers implement various Montessori lessons to develop skills, abilities and traits that the student shows a readiness for.

They work with Montessori materials designed to enhance student’s sensory recognition, concentration, coordination, language skills, responsibility and respect. These pillar elements will allow Toddlers to learn and progress with an extremely well grounded and diverse foundation. Students will develop both a strong social and academic base- upon which to grow and excel in their future years.

Dreaming

The Primary program is for children from 2 1/2 to 6 years. In this mixed-age environment children learn by doing. The concrete materials in the classroom allow the children to explore the world through their senses, through touch and motion, and by observing and engaging with others. The curriculum includes:

Practical Life: Independence, concentration, coordination and social skills are learned and refined through the exercises of Practical Life. Whether it is preparing snack or arranging flowers, children feel a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Sensorial: Primary age children are sensorial learners. Lessons in this area are designed to foster and support the refinement of the senses. Through exploration of the Sensorial materials, children categorize and organize the qualities of the world around them.

Language: The Language program focuses on spoken language, writing and reading. Starting with cursive sandpaper letters and phonetic sounds, children experience a wide range of lessons that prepare them for creative writing and reading phonetically and in some cases fluently.

Mathematics: The decimal bead material gives children a strong foundation and a deep understanding of the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They are then presented with lessons that help them to memorize simple math facts.

Cultural: The concepts of earth, water, continents and countries are explored in this area. Children learn an extensive vocabulary for botany, zoology and cultural concepts.

Girl

The OST program is for children from 2 1/2 to 6 years and for children attending LKG – UKG in traditional Schools : this Program is designed to strengthen the Foundation in English and Arithmetic.

A Majority of Children who go to traditional schools where learning is not individually designed but predestinated by a strict curriculum might develop a Psychic Barrier towards Language( reading, writing ) or Mathematics. If not corrected at an early stage the Fear of Mathematics or language can be carried by the child all his life.

Based on the principal that any learning between the age group of 0 – 6 years happens through Hands and senses, Children get individual presentation on how to work with a Language or Arithmetic material and are set free to work , repeat, make mistakes, correct mistakes thereby making the learning their own and building self confidence in these areas..

Frequently asked questions

Know More
  • Are Montessori children successful later in life?
    Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.

  • Isn’t Montessori just a preschool?
    Montessori schools may be best known for their programs with young children, but the underlying educational method describes programs for students up through high school.

  • Do children have fun at a Montessori Environment?
    Yes! Maria Montessori recognized the fundamental truth that play is a child’s work. As such, her method is designed to appeal to children as a form of fun play while simultaneously bestowing upon them important educational precepts.

    Dr. Montessori’s studies taught her that — unlike adults — young children must learn abstract concepts through concrete, physical examples and objects. For instance, a three-year-old child cannot grasp the mathematical concept of addition simply through verbal explanation. Rather, the child must touch and see physical examples of adding objects to a group. Montessori children “play/work” with specially developed materials designed to both fascinate and entertain them through visual and tactile stimulation.
    Naturally, we also set aside plenty of time to run, climb, slide, socialize and play outside.

  • Why does Montessori have multi age classrooms?
    Multi age classrooms afford us the luxury of adapting the curriculum to the individual child. Each child can work at his or her own pace, while remaining in community with his or her peers. In addition, the multi age format allows all older children to be the leaders of the classroom community-even those children who may be shy or quiet.

  • Montessori classrooms don’t look like regular classrooms. Where are the rows of desks? Where does the teacher stand?
    The different arrangement of a Montessori classroom mirrors the Montessori methods differences from traditional education. Rather than putting the teacher at the focal point of the class, with children dependent on her for information and activity, the classroom shows a literally child-centered approach. Children work at tables or on floor mats where they can spread out their materials, and the teacher circulates about the room, giving lessons or resolving issues as they arise.

  • If children are free to choose their own work, how do you ensure that they receive a well-rounded education?
    Montessori children are free to choose within limits, and have only as much freedom as they can handle with appropriate responsibility. The classroom teacher and assistant ensure that children do not interfere with each other, and that each child is progressing at her appropriate pace in all subjects.

  • Are Montessori schools as academically rigorous as traditional schools?
    Yes; Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than rote practice of abstract techniques. Since the Montessori Method acknowledges that children are hungry to learn , we take our role to facilitate this learning very seriously. Having understood child psychology, we respect every childs pace and never force the child to do anything his body and mind are not ready for. We wait, aid and set free the child to do his learning and compete with himself.

  • Since Montessori classrooms emphasize non-competitiveness, how are students adequately prepared for real-life competition later on?
    Montessori classrooms emphasize competition with oneself: self-monitoring, self-correction, and a variety of other executive skills aimed at continuous improvement. Students typically become comfortable with their strengths and learn how to address their weaknesses. In older classes, students commonly participate in competitive activities with clear winners? (auditions for limited opera roles, the annual spelling bee, etc.) in which students give their best performances while simultaneously encouraging peers to do the same. It is a healthy competition in which all contenders are content that they did their best in an environment with clear and consistent rules.

  • Since most children will eventually have to go to the formal schools, wouldn’t it be better for them to go to Traditional Schools
    It has been observed that children passed out of Montessori school have an excellent start as compared to students from other schools. Montessori children are self confident, independent and enthusiastic and generally adapt to all sorts of new situations. In addition to this, the curriculum also includes enriched lesson in Maths, reading, languages, science, geography and other cultural areas.The Montessori school children are way ahead of their peers studying in Traditional Schools.

  • Isn’t Montessori method of education expensive?

    Tuition fees in Montessori preschools throughout the country is sometimes higher than other preschools because of

    1. Premium Montessori Materials

    2. Highly trained Staff.

    3. Specially Prepared environment

    4. A wide curriculum for Holistic Learning

    5. Longer Work Hours to reap Maximum Benefits

    It becomes a matter of what you value most. To give your child the finest possible experience in his most sensitive years is to give him a strong foundation throughout his life and probably ward off investment later to correct or remedy that, which was missed.

    The child who enjoys learning and becomes self-directed at the critical preschool age will benefit through all his years of learning.

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Admission Process

How to Apply
Kid

Orientation Program

The admission process begins by attending an open house and orientation to the Montessori Philosophy of education. The Orientation Program will help parents gain an appreciation of Maria Montessori’s philosophy of early childhood education, understand the services of Darwin Montessori and tour the campus.

Interview

Parents who are seeking admission for their child to attend Darwin Montessori will be interviewed by the Head of School. The child also will be present during this interview. Admission will be granted to families who show evidence of their careful study and appreciation of the Montessori Philosophy, intention to actively participate in the educational program and extra-curricular activities of the school, and commitment for the child to finish the three-year program.

Call +044 3318 5266 to Schedule a Meeting or Send us an EMAIL (Contact Us)

Meet our Staff

WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP YOU

Our philosophy is to foster independence, love of learning, and positive sense of self in a prepared environment. Every child is respected and encouraged to function independently at his or her own developmental rate. By making the most of our close-knit community, children are given the best care and attention throughout the entire day that allows us to develop positive, long-lasting relationships with the children and their families.  Our faculty is caring, highly trained professionals with knowledge about child psychology who passionately aid in developing confidence and self-esteem at every stage of a child’s development.

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Shantha N

Head Directress

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Gouthami Raja

Directress

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Soujanya

Directress

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Are you?!

Directress

Testimonials

WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT MONTESSORI
My first visit to Darwin (during my school hunting days for my toddler) gave me a warm cosy feeling that was welcoming and truly felt – “a home for children”.
I doubted my own positive feeling and asked if I can come back again to take a second look with my child and without hesitation the staff member welcomed me.
I had no second thoughts for my toddler. The gradual transition (a.k.a. settling period) for a child is carefully planned and each child is allowed his/her own pace to get comfortable with the environment and team Darwin leaves no stone unturned in this regard. The primary caregivers are constantly fed with information about their child and his/her daily routine at Darwin, through a mobile application.
The Directress Ms.Shantha and her team conduct workshops for parents to help them understand the Montessori philosophy and aid the child’s independence at the home front as well. Take my word, these sessions aren’t worth a miss!
Team Darwin – You’ll have etched a beautiful beginning in my child’s schooling memories and I’m proud of that! 
Ekta kannal

Darwin is a wonderful, loving and creative place. I sincerely thank you and acknowledge with a deep sense of appreciation your concern and dedication in providing a quality education and atmosphere. By following the true Montessori system you have made the educational system more interesting and fun for children. I would really want to thank each of you @ Darwin for being fantastic teachers and lovely friends. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Darwin as the Best Montessori school.Shanofer Jahangeer

My first impression with Darwin was its neatness and disciplined environment. Next best thing was the genuineity of its Directress that impressed me and I was sure to put my kis at Darwin. Unusual to the pre-schools that I had a looked before, Darwin was unique in many arenas that really made my child enjoy going there. I hope carry forward the best qualities and constantly improve to delight the parents.
Sharadha Devi

The very first place where i left my daughter with people who were not family. But now they are “extended family” because that is how well they took care of her and comforted her everytime she wanted me. She has learnt quite a number of things at her own pace, without getting into the rat race. Her very first school and my first benchmark for a school as a parent. Highly satisfied, very impressed and am definitely recommending this school to others!Sindhuja Prabhu

This is long but they deserve much more than this. Darwin is the best decision we ever made for our son. This school has totally raised the bars for a montessori environment. We love how everybody in there has made their contribution in raising an individual. The kids are given utmost care and they build a huge trust in them. Every emotion of the child is respected and acknowledged. Shantha totally understands the mixed emotions of the parents too and give them their own space to make them feel comfortable. 
The staffs are no less, they are compassionate and gentle. They celebrate every festival with so much fun and the kids totally enjoy all the activities around it too. We are more connected like a family now. 
Every activity is child led and there is absolutely no pressure, for kids and the parents too. The kids learn their own way. 
As a parent, at the end of the day, all we look for is a safe, trust worthy environment for our kid. An environment which lets them grow and learn naturally. And Darwin just meets every requirment. 
You guys have played a huge role in Aryan’s life and we are so grateful. Thanks to alll of you. 
I would recommend darwin hands down to anyone looking for a nice environment for their kid.
Wishing shantha and the whole team the very best and may you grow and create many many more houses of children and make a difference in their lives. 
If not for moving cities, we would have stuck with Darwin as long as we could. Miss you guys!!!
Rajee Ravishankar

Darwin, is not just any other school with a ‘Montessori’ tag. Without an iota of compromise, Darwin has been following the Montessori system of education.
The teachers are gentle yet firm, well trained on how to handle the children. I love the fact that the emotions and the temperament of the children are validated and utmost care is taken to treat them as individuals (than as kids). My son has been with Darwin for more than a year now. And I can say for certain that I couldn’t have found a better school for him. 
Thanks to Shantha and the team for coming up with such wonderful & creative activities for the children. These activities not just educates the little ones, but also empowers them, instilling creativity and a sense of independence.
Daily feedback about my son through the ‘Preschool App’, face-to-face interactions, celebrating various festivals, frequent workshops: all these gives a feel that we are constantly connected with the school. True to its name, “Darwin, Montessori House of Children” has now become more of a family than school. Thank you Darwin and team for providing such a lovely second home to my child.
Keethy Rekha Hari

I believe there is a big difference between “thriving” in a school environment and simply learning what you need to know to move on to the next grade… and have seen first-hand the impact that a program like Montessori has had on my child both academically and socially… I know my child is nurtured both academically and socially, and that the foundation she is building at the Montessori Schoolhouse is setting her up for guaranteed success as she grows up.Montessori Parent

The very first place where i left my daughter with people who were not family. But now they are “extended family” because that is how well they took care of her and comforted her everytime she wanted me.

She has learnt quite a number of things at her own pace, without getting into the rat race. Her very first school and my first benchmark for a school as a parent.

Highly satisfied, very impressed and am definitely recommending this school to others!
Sindhuja Prabhu

Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. It requires lot of patience for teachers to be a true Montissorian. Shantha and her team are doing a wonderful job. They are polite and loving, yet firm while talking to the child. My little girl took longer time to settle down in the school as she has a strong separation anxiety. They acknowledged her feelings and were compassionate towards her and helped her through the entire process. She loves her school and so do us. It’s a child safe environment and I know she will always be cared for. All the activities they do at the school are purely child led and there is no pressure at any point of time. And all the festivals are celebrated in a homely and informative way so that the child acquires a new skill out of it.Thank you Shantha and team for all that you are doing.Geetha Nayanar

What I observed from the Montessori system is that the child utilizes his personal interest to explore the world and the world of knowledge. Montessori allows the child to develop at his pace, without holding back those who excel in any given area, or leaving behind those that grasp the concepts more slowly. Montessori teaches the child to be responsible for his own work, success and actions — teaching the children respect and appreciation for their own abilities as well as those of others A Montessori Parent

As a Montessori parent and advocate, I can honestly say that I fell in love with Montessori at first sight. Over the years, I’ve watched my son benefit in so many ways because of his educational experiences. His love for learning, academic abilities, compassion and self-motivation are all qualities he’s attained from this superb form of learning.A Montessori Parent

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For Admission Enquiries Call 044-33185266