Our Principal
Janis Coffey
Welcome to Melbourne Montessori College!
We are proud to deliver the Montessori method of education, a pedagogical approach shown to better prepare students with academically rich learning opportunities.
Alongside strong academic outcomes, Montessori students experience higher levels of engagement in learning, develop advanced executive functioning skills and an increased enjoyment of school. This is what happens when learning environments are intentionally prepared to reflect the developmental needs of our young people.
Curriculum at MMC is taught through interdisciplinary teaching and project-based learning, within connected, multi-age classrooms. Our students are guided to make meaningful connections in their learning, and understand concepts through concrete, real-world experiences.
In short, Montessori is learning by doing.
In Montessori education, the preparation of the environment and the preparation of the adult are key to a successful learning program for students. Our environments are equipped with hands-on learning materials that invite exploration, trial and error and independent problem solving. Our teachers are expertly trained to understand how to engage, motivate, and respond to the developmental needs of all our students, from 18 months to 18 years of age.
The Montessori curriculum not only meets the requirements of the Australian National Curriculum, but exceeds it. Our approach encourages students to go further, giving them the opportunity to follow their interests and excel in areas that they want to pursue and are passionate about. When students are supported to develop their autonomy, self-regulation, self-management, and cooperation skills, they grow into self-motivated learners, who are prepared for life.
As the Principal of Melbourne Montessori College, I am committed to supporting a genuine Montessori program and cultivating a school culture that is nurturing, supportive and respectful. We place great importance on the social, moral, and intellectual development of our young people, ensuring they feel safe, valued and known as individuals.
Choosing a school is an important and considered decision, and we value the trust families place in us.
I invite you to explore our website and learn more about our College and the Montessori approach. Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome to join us for a tour and experience our environments firsthand.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing how we are preparing young people for life.
Janis Coffey, Principal
About Janis
Janis is the Chair of Montessori Schools & Centres Australia, the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) affiliate organisation in Australia. She has held numerous leadership roles in curriculum and pastoral care and has experience in both the government and independent school sectors. With teaching experience from early childhood through to senior secondary, she understands the needs of students across the age span. With a strong commitment to child and adolescent wellbeing, Janis has travelled nationally and internationally speaking about psychological safety in schools and positive school cultures that support learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Grad. Dip. Education, AMI Leadership Certificate, 12-18 AMI Orientation Certificate, and a Masters in Indigenous Education.
