The first six years of life are critical to shaping an individual’s personality. Recognizing this, the foundation of Da Vinci Montessori was laid by Ashani Hirway in 2010 to deliver a high-quality, world-class Montessori curriculum. The school’s approach is centered around the unique needs of each child, empowering them to grow, explore, and thrive in a supportive environment. Its ultimate objective is to make the education process natural and joyful, where love for learning and curiosity flourish.
Notable Programs for Educating Children
Da Vinci Montessori offers a range of programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of young learners. Da Vinci Montessori offers programs for children from 15 months to 12 years. The preschool (15 months–6 years) and Elementary center (6–12 years) are rooted in the Montessori philosophy of “Follow the child.” The preschool curriculum covers Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural Studies, along with music, art, movement and outdoor visits. The Infant Community (under 3s) focuses on Practical Life, Language Development, Art, Food Preparation, and motor skills, with a daycare that feels like home.
The Elementary program includes English, Hindi, Marathi, Spanish, math, science, geography, history, and civics, with integrated, handson learning. Art, music, athletics, and outings enrich the curriculum. Da Vinci Montessori believes in respectful communication and supporting each child’s unique learning path.
The Genesis of Da Vinci Montessori
Ashani Hirway’s journey as a first-time mother led her to find Maria Montessori’s ‘Absorbent Mind,’ which impacted her approach to childhood education. Driven by a desire to provide an optimal preschool environment for her daughter, Ashani completed the Montessori training program at Ratan Tata Institute, Mumbai, in 2010. This marked the beginning of her journey as an educator, and Da Vinci Montessori was founded in December 2010.
In an environment where the term Montessori is used loosely to run a variety of preschools with or without a well-thought-out ideology, where local education laws do not insist on checks and balances and where parents do not necessarily understand the nuances of pedagogy, there was and is a definite need for quality institutions with a conscience—a school that truly understands the immense task of shaping young minds. Da Vinci Montessori stands out as an institution committed to authentic Montessori education, nurturing each child’s unique potential.
Transforming Education: Da Vinci Montessori’s Future Outlook Da Vinci Montessori aims to make a meaningful impact by delivering an authentic Montessori education to as many young children as possible. With centers near Chowpatty (2014), Marine Drive (2014), and Worli (2018), the school has expanded its reach while maintaining high standards. Its Elementary program caters to 6–12-year-olds, equivalent to grades 1 through 6, providing an enriching educational environment.
Additionally, Da Vinci also run Montessori preschool for underprivileged children. As a leader in Montessori education, Da Vinci Montessori is influencing education by promoting awareness and inspiring educators and parents to embrace this transformative method. Da Vinci Montessori envisions growing into a full-fledged Montessori school, offering a seamless, holistic learning journey for children from infancy through adolescence, preparing them to be confident, capable, and compassionate adults.
Effective Teaching Methods of Da Vinci Montessori Da Vinci Montessori employs the Montessori pedagogy, a century-old approach that uses experiential learning and scientifically designed material to make abstract concepts tangible. The prepared environment and guides support each child’s natural development, allowing them to progress at their own pace. Mixed-age classrooms foster collaboration and peer learning, while outdoor exploration, connects education to real world.
Leading a Montessori Preschool: Overcoming the Challenges
Leading a Montessori preschool comes with unique challenges. Da Vinci Montessori prioritizes authentic practices through ongoing teacher training and parent education. Managing costs while maintaining quality remains the biggest challenge. Without external grants, the team works creatively to keep fees in check. As the school grows, it remains committed to Montessori principles and high-quality education.
Evolution of Education
Since 2010, education has shifted towards more child-centered, handson learning, with growing recognition of Montessori approaches. However, challenges persist, including increased academic pressure, excessive screen use, and helicopter parenting. Da Vinci Montessori champions authentic Montessori education emphasizing the importance of a balance between structure and exploration.
Innovation and Technologies at Da Vinci Montessori
Da Vinci Montessori integrates technology thoughtfully, using it to enhance teacher knowledge and bring best practices into the classroom. Children engage in hands-on learning with minimal screen time, instead using books, charts, and paper-based activities to foster critical thinking and creativity. Parents play an important role as tech partners, helping their children research specific topics when needed. This approach maintains a balance, ensuring children develop critical thinking and creativity without over-reliance on screens.
The Key Differentiating Factors
Da Vinci Montessori prioritizes substance over fluff, focusing on what’s best for children. The school’s dynamic culture encourages new and better ideas and invests in ongoing learning through workshops, conferences, and research. Da Vinci believes in a respectful and democratic system where every team member is valued and given opportunities to grow. Additionally, the school understands that staying connected with parents is vital to the progress of children. The management takes every effort to ensure that parents have access to the teachers and the head of school is only a phone call away.
Da Vinci Montessori Team and Area of Expansion
The Da Vinci Montessori team includes highly dedicated AMI (Association Montessori Internationale – an international organization started by Dr. Maria Montessori)-trained educators who bring expertise, passion, and a deep understanding of child development. They are motivated, self-driven, and passionate about giving the best to the children in the classroom.
As the school expands, its plans include building a full-fledged Montessori school that supports children through all stages of development from childhood to adolescence.
Nurturing a Thriving and Motivating Culture
Da Vinci Montessori creates a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. Regular training sessions, mentorship, and open communication ensure that teachers continue to grow and bring fresh ideas into the classroom. A democratic culture without unnecessary hierarchies encourages ownership and respect for diverse perspectives. Celebrating achievements, recognizing contributions, and fostering a strong sense of community help maintain a joyful, thriving community for both teachers and children.
Aligning Montessori with National Standards
Da Vinci Montessori’s curriculum is robust and often ahead of state, national, and international standards, enabling children to surpass their peers when transitioning to conventional schools. To ensure alignment, the school uses textbooks from IB, IGCSE, and ICSE boards as reference while maintaining the depth and breadth of Montessori learning. This approach supports a smooth transition and academic excellence.
A Shift Towards Child-centric Education
The future of learning lies in childcentric methods that nurture emotional, physical, and intellectual development. The Head of School, Ashani, recommends moving away from traditional disciplinedriven approaches, exams, grades, and stars that stifle the joy of learning. Instead, curricula should foster curiosity and give children the freedom to lead their learning journey.
Advice for Educators
Ashani emphasizes understanding child development and embracing a childled approach. Patience, observation, and respect for natural curiosity are key. Investing in Montessori or similar training is essential for effective educators, who guide, inspire, and nurture.
Add Business Connect magazine to your Google News feed
