Jayakarta Montessori School

The first Montessori school established in Jakarta began in 1981 as a play group under the name of Srikandi Montessori School and was formed under the guidance of Gloria Kalff. Due to the ever-increasing appeal for Montessori education, the school evolved into a complete primary program, providing education for children from 2 years old through elementary Grade 6. The school changed its name to Jayakarta Montessori School in 1995.

The buildings are architecturally designed and equipped with facilities to meet the Montessori philosophy. The specially prescribed Montessori equipment is imported exclusively from the official worldwide manufacturer, Neinhuis Montessori, Holland.

A Montessori teacher and a classroom assistant staff each classroom. The teachers receive training from an approved Montessori training center. Classroom assistants are selected on the basis of their understanding of the principles of child development and their ability to observe the child. The remainder of the staff include part-time specialist instructors, assistants and administrative staff. Jayakarta Montessori School is a corresponding member of the American Montessori Society, NYC, New York.

Montessori children are adaptable. Since they have been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make choices and manage their time well. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others.

Toddlers can begin their journey at Jayakarta Montessori from 18 months of age, with a 3 day/week schedule available to those under the age of 2. By the age of 2, they will spend 5 full days at school, from Monday – Friday, 8am – 12pm. During this introduction to the school environment, the teacher will build trust with the toddlers and provide individual attention and conversation, as they familiarize themself with the classroom and materials.

The Preschool children, starting from age 3-4 years, will continue with the themes learned in the Toddler group, namely recognition of letter sounds and numbers, and becoming familiar with these as they gain fluency in reading readiness and counting. They will also have more opportunities to interact with each other in group activities such as singing, art, and some games and relays.

The Prep-1 level is a significant stage in children’s transition to the intellectual and responsible demands of the Elementary level. For the 5-6 year old children, this is the time to internalize and reinforce their knowledge gained at the preschool level. This includes increasing their sight reading vocabulary, working on writing consonant-vowel-consonant words, and gaining confidence with 2 digit numbers in comparing, adding and subtracting. This is also a time where as their personalities begin to take shape with their expression, their confidence is encouraged with many opportunities to address the classroom group and share or respond to stories, knowledge and experiences with the rest of the class.

For the 6 year old child, entering into Elementary school poses new challenges and developments. Jayakarta Montessori strives to make this leap a smooth and exciting one which creates a special kind of child – one who loves to learn, who tackles new subjects with enthusiasm, and above all, who is flexible and adaptable. A big question in many parents’ minds is “how well will my child transition into a larger/more mainstream school after JMS?” and this is one we address as best as we can.