Inner Sydney Montessori School

Established in 1981 Inner Sydney Montessori School (ISMS) is a leading co-educational non-denominational Sydney Primary and Preschool, and is one of Australia’s largest and most dynamic Montessori schools.

ISMS provides authentic, high-quality Montessori education for children from birth to 12 years old in Sydney’s inner west. The School follows the Montessori methodology and also meets the expectations of the NSW Education Standards Authority (K – 6), and the new national curriculum for Primary children. Together, the Montessori curriculum combined with the conventional Australian national curriculum provide an attractive and immensely thorough education for inner Sydney boys and girls.

Drawing on the educational theories of Dr Maria Montessori, ISMS helps children achieve their maximum potential by working with parents to harness their natural need and desire to learn. The Montessori approach nurtures a love for learning and helps children become happy, confident and self-motivated.

The sheer dedication and passion of the ISMS staff to the Montessori philosophy are astounding. The wealth of Montessori expertise and knowledge within these walls is phenomenal! As all good educators should, the ISMS staff have a constant hunger to evolve and develop, a thirst to share and reflect, whilst firmly rooted in the School’s unwavering commitment to deliver an authentic Montessori education. In our ever changing world, our dedicated team is working hard to prepare our children for life.

The vision to achieve a more peaceful, stable world through education is as relevant today as it was when Maria Montessori led her education revolution. By observing our children’s grace and courtesy with each other and the wider community, we have the luxury of a glimpse into the future – our children are future ambassadors of the world, advocates of equality, promoters of mediation, activists for free speech.

The Inner Sydney Montessori School has up to 300 students enrolled in our 3 – 12 year age groups and approximately 100 families enrolled each term in our 0 – 3 program spread over two campuses, closely connected, in Balmain and Lilyfield. ISMS is a leading Sydney Primary and Preschool, and is one of Australia’s largest and most dynamic Montessori schools.

Lilyfield campus hosts two Stage 1 classes and Balmain campus offers all programs from birth to 12 years of age. ISMS also hosts a busy Infant Community (birth to three years) at a campus in Rozelle.