In the early 1970s, a group of 40 families gathered in Brighton with a bold vision for their children’s future. Driven by the promise of a transformative educational approach, these pioneers spent countless weekends selling raffle tickets to raise the funds necessary to launch Victoria’s first Montessori Prep classroom.
In 1974, they had raised enough to purchase three blocks of land for $140,000, turning their dream into a reality. This humble beginning laid the groundwork for what would evolve into Melbourne Montessori School, a thriving campus that has grown and adapted over the decades.
What started as a small classroom has now expanded into the newly rebranded Melbourne Montessori College, celebrating 50 years of innovation and commitment to providing a world-class education.
Below, The Educator speaks to Daniel Thomas, Principal of Melbourne Montessori College, about the significant changes the College is undergoing, the secrets to the school’s expansion, and the philosophy that underpins his approach to school leadership.
TE: You said the change of Melbourne Montessori School to Melbourne Montessori College better reflects the school’s continued growth and expansion. What does it mean for the College's branding and culture, and in your view, what does it mean to be a college as opposed to a school?
The transition from Melbourne Montessori School to Melbourne Montessori College reflects our development and broadened educational scope. The term "college" aligns closely with our growth and aspiration to offer our students a comprehensive educational experience. The shift from school to college reflects a sense of community and continuity and the potential for our students to seamlessly progress from early childhood through to secondary education, and possibly beyond. We want to provide a more comprehensive, enriched, and future-oriented educational experience for every student and keep delivering on a more dynamic and holistic learning environment that aligns with the Montessori philosophy.
TE: I understand the College now has more than 400 students. What are the key factors driving the College’s continued growth and expansion?
Our growth is due to several factors. The Montessori educational approach is well-regarded for its focus on individualized learning, fostering independence, and encouraging a love for learning. This appeals to many parents who want their children to be part of a nurturing, student-centered environment. At MMC, we emphasize academic achievement and personal development, and this appeals to families who value a balanced education. Our very strong sense of community attracts families looking for a supportive, collaborative college, and word-of-mouth and a positive reputation within our community have been the key drivers of enrollments. We’re also fortunate to have involved parents who strengthen our community, and this builds student success and makes Melbourne Montessori College even more attractive.
TE: What do you see as the greatest significance of the College becoming an International Baccalaureate World School, and what does this mean both for both the College's culture and its learning programs?
Becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School is a major step forward in our commitment to providing a high-quality, globally-recognized education. The IB program is not only known for rigorous academic standards but also for emphasizing academic excellence and the development of personal, emotional, and social skills. Inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving perfectly align with our Montessori philosophy. The IB also promotes understanding of global issues and cultures and encourages students and staff to think beyond local perspectives. IB teachers learn the latest educational practices, and this has obvious benefits for our students. Being both an IB World School and a Montessori school allows MMC to deliver international best practices in education and helps prepare our students to thrive in a globalized world.
TE: In 2023, you were nationally recognised for your vision and leadership as a finalist in the Australian Education Awards. Can you tell us about the philosophy that underpins your approach to leadership, and what qualities do you believe are important for a leader to possess in 2024?
I think a number of factors are important for leadership in education. Perhaps first and foremost, I prioritize the needs and development of my team and students because when you support others to achieve their goals, the whole community benefits. Setting a clear, compelling future vision that is embraced by everyone is also crucial for providing direction and motivation. Understanding and connecting with others emotionally builds trust and collaboration, and embracing change and innovative thinking helps everyone navigate the evolving educational landscape. As a leader, it’s important to persevere through challenges and to inspire confidence and stability in difficult times. Effective communication is key, and that includes actively listening to ensure all voices are heard. Finally, I think a leader must be committed to lifelong learning and personal growth.
TE: How is the College equipping its teachers to navigate the rapid advancements in AI while focusing on the all-important human connection, and what do you think this means for professional learning at the College moving forward?
We’re proactive in ensuring our teachers are equipped to navigate rapid advancements in AI while remaining focused on the all-important human connection—a critical component of a Montessori education. This dual focus is crucial in preparing our educators to integrate technology into teaching while preserving empathy, communication, and personal interaction. As well as workshops on AI and its applications in education, we’re establishing communities of practice where our teachers share resources and strategies for how best to use AI in the classroom. By equipping our teachers with skills to harness AI effectively and ethically, while still emphasizing human connection, we’re ensuring a balanced approach that prepares our educators to navigate the digital age while nurturing a supportive and engaging learning environment for each student at MMC.