A HOME OF HANDS-ON LEARNING, EMPOWERING CURIOSITY IN YOUNG MINDS
This time, we decided to cover the phenomenal journey of an educational institution that is synonymous with the principles of educating with purpose. The institution not only facilitates an environment where children learn to be confident, respectful, and culturally aware but they become lifelong learners.
Anthea Montessori has become a beacon of hope for a better future for children while evoking curiosity and creativity in their young minds. The institution has become a space to allow children to explore their potential and grow as learners to experience the beauty of the world.
Under a dynamic duo’s leadership, the school has become the buzz across the business world. Anupama Rao and Chitra Raghunathan are the Designated Partners of the institution and leading the charge. Together, the impact their institution has made in the world of education is worth many glances.
We draw your attention to how the Montessori system can make a difference in the life of a child. Based on a freewheeling conversation with our team, the two leaders shared how they both are ensuring the Montessori Edge changes the lives of their students at the ground level.
The genesis
story Anthea Montessori stemmed from a shared vision established by Chitra Raghunathan (Suchi). The story of the institution is all about how a molecular biologist turned into a Montessorian. The passion to change the world of education inspired Chitra to make waves in collaboration with Anupama Rao who is a former Indian Air Force pilot. Anupama turned into an educator in order to facilitate an experience of the transformative power of Montessori education.
The Montessori philosophy is about aligning with a mainstream education system with a passion for shaping the future of the coming generations. Suchi and Anupama were associated with many educational institutions before starting this phenomenal journey. Both the luminaries felt this gap in the education system where they yearned for the “true Montessori” experience. This realization inspired them to establish Anthea Montessori, an institution where children could learn in harmony with nature and develop into confident, independent individuals.
The beginnings were quite humble, but the vision and growth took a finer shape over the years. Today, it is a thriving community of learners who are the future of our nation. There is a major focus on quality over quantity where they refuse to compromise on their commitment to revamp each child’s experience and development.
What makes Anthea Montessori the best choice?
At the core, everything they are striving for is to emerge as a ‘true Montessori’ school. They have always advocated a thoughtful and balanced approach. The focus is not just on fostering independence and collaboration but on ensuring more opportunities for a better community experience.
“Our sports days, for instance, are uniquely designed to celebrate teamwork and collaboration, turning what is often seen as a competitive space into a joyful, shared experience. Similarly, our annual days are thoughtfully planned to help children conquer stage fear and develop confidence, transforming these events into milestones of personal growth,” quoted both leaders.
Celebrating cultural diversity helped them make meaningful connections. All the festivals they select offer the children an immersive experience to develop a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. For older children, engaging events like the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland allow them to broaden their horizons and connect them to the diversity of the world around them.
Fostering ‘life-long learners’
At Anthea Montessori, fostering lifelong learners is not just a vision—it is the foundation of everything we do. Our approach centers on cultivating curiosity, self-motivation, and a love for learning in every child. By creating a thoughtfully prepared environment rooted in authentic Montessori principles, we encourage children to explore and learn at their own pace, developing critical thinking and independence that will serve them for life.
What truly sets Anthea apart is the hands-on involvement of our founders in all aspects of the school. Their unwavering commitment to the continuous growth of every stakeholder ensures that the vision is not just an ideal but a lived reality. Regular professional development workshops are conducted for teachers, parents, grandparents, and even nannies, reflecting the belief that learning is a lifelong journey for everyone in the community.
Support staff at Anthea are given rigorous in-house training to uphold the highest standards of quality. For those who are eligible, the school sponsors AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Assistants’ Diploma courses, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the children’s learning experience. Additionally, experts from around the world are invited to conduct specialized training sessions, enriching the knowledge and skills of everyone involved.
The differentiating factor
Anthea always advocates education which is a joyful journey of discovery. Here, Montessori teachers don’t just teach but ignite curiosity and nurture independence. Learning is a dynamic process, with children setting their own pace and tying lessons to real-world experiences. The cosmic curriculum isn’t your typical classroom fare—it’s a hands-on adventure that blends subjects like math and geography into everyday activities, like whipping up a recipe in the kitchen. It’s not just learning; it’s life in action.
Anthea’s secret ingredient? Its rejection of rote memorization in favor of interactive, tactile tools that break down big ideas into small, exciting steps. And forget competition; at Anthea, collaboration is the name of the game. When challenges arise, children lean on each other, building a culture of teamwork and mutual support. Meanwhile, teachers act as quiet guides, gently encouraging exploration and making even the toughest lessons feel like an approachable quest.
But what really sets Anthea apart is its heart. The school doesn’t just focus on academics; it’s equally devoted to social-emotional growth. Peace corners serve as tiny sanctuaries for conflict resolution, empowering kids to handle disagreements with calm and independence. Teachers model empathy and guidance without overshadowing, giving children the tools to navigate relationships with kindness and respect.
For the older kids, lessons extend into emotional intelligence, emphasizing personal boundaries and mutual respect. This thoughtful approach fosters a community where understanding and care thrive.
At Anthea, learning is more than academic—it’s holistic. It’s where curious minds, compassionate hearts, and confident spirits are cultivated, preparing every child to grow not just into a student, but into a remarkable human being.
Inculcating a sense of respect in the children
Anthea Montessori always ensures to teach the children how to respect the environment. It extends far beyond the classroom and is deeply ingrained in the daily practices of their overall curriculum.
“Respect permeates every aspect of the school, encompassing people, pets, plants, and materials. Each adult in the community, whether a teacher or a member of the support staff, is addressed as Ms. or Mr., fostering a culture of dignity and equality,” enunciated the founders.
They think that respect is exhibited through acts, not just words. This philosophy is obvious in how materials are treated with care, pets are cared for, and plants are carefully catered to. Children at Anthea naturally adopt this respectful culture by watching it in action. From how individuals interact with one another to how they regard inanimate objects, the environment becomes a silent teacher. This is what gives the children the well-known ‘Montessori edge’
Making meaningful contributions
Anthea Montessori brings education to life through immersive, hands-on learning that empowers children to explore, create, and connect with the world around them. From practical activities like cooking and flower arranging for younger children to entrepreneurial projects and global advocacy initiatives for older students, every experience fosters independence, creativity, and responsibility.
As the only Indian school participating in the prestigious Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) conferences worldwide, Anthea’s students have proudly represented India on global stages, including the UN General Assembly in New York and the FAO headquarters in Rome. They’ve turned learning into action, rallying for causes, writing to leaders, and advocating for peace, bridging the classroom and the real world with purpose and passion.
Freedom that stems from discipline “At Anthea, freedom isn’t simply given—it’s earned through self-awareness, respect, and the ability to make mindful decisions,” said the leading ladies. Anthea Montessori believes that true freedom stems from discipline. By understanding the natural consequences of their actions, children develop the autonomy to make thoughtful choices.
To nurture this, the institution has labeled three guiding principles:
● Don’t hurt yourself
● Don’t hurt others
● Don’t hurt the environment
The founders explain, “Our guides play a subtle yet vital role. They observe rather than direct, stepping in only to introduce new materials or gently redirect focus when necessary. This approach allows children to take ownership of their learning while cultivating accountability. For example, if a child struggles with a task, the guide might model the activity or ask reflective questions, empowering the child to problemsolve independently.”
In this journey, parents play an integral role where they learn that without reinforcing punishments, they can help children learn the consequences of their actions. It is a unified approach to allow children to take hold of their responsibility and create a balance of guidance and independence.
Educators meeting the standards
Each educator at the school is mandated to undergo rigorous in-house training to align with the institution’s vision, mission, and culture. They are required to see teaching as not just a mere profession but a dynamic combo of art and science. Passion and dedication make an educator stand out in the world of education.
Diplomas from reputable institutions such as AMI, AMS, and IMTC ensure that the teachers are well-versed in Montessori philosophy, classroom management, and the use of Montessori materials. For skill development and professional growth, there are constant efforts like training programs to meet the institution’s standards. The educators are selected based on their emotional quotient as much as their intelligence quotient.
The forthcoming blueprint
When asked to share the future plan for the institution, the leading duo shared that they are aiming for a thoughtful expansion while preserving its core values. In an attempt to make their services available to all underprivileged children alongside enabling a grassroots-level change, they have prepared a roadmap for the coming years.
The plan involves enhanced environmental education programs and partnerships with global Montessori networks to enrich the learning experience. All of this hails from the commitment to authenticity and child-centered education at the heart of all plans.
Words from the helm
At last, Suchi and Anupama shared parting words before signing off from the conversation, “Education is the key to creating a better world. We believe that when children are exposed to progressive pedagogies like Montessori, it can be truly transformational. By nurturing respect, independence, and curiosity, we prepare children to thrive and lead with compassion and confidence.
We invite the global community to join us in making Montessori education accessible and recognized as a powerful tool for shaping capable, compassionate individuals and staying true to its tagline ‘Education Uncompromised’.
