Hatfield Montessori Preschool

Why choose Hatfield montessori preschool?! Shan (founder & current owner) opened her doors in 1986 with a love to nurture and grow each child to their individual potential that attended Hatfield montessori preschool. I can attest to this practice being a staff member at HMP. I am a mum to my daughter aged 5, Montessori has definitely helped me become a better parent along working under Shan has taught me life long skills to enrich my daughter’s full potential. If you are not sure, pop in for a school tour at Hatfield Montessori Preschool. Facebook@ Hatfield montessori preschool

Hatfield Montessori is a place of joy, laughter and so much more!!! My kids went there when they were 3 and 5 years old (daughter and son)…and they still love Shan (headmistress and owner) to bits and pieces. (They are now 20 and 22 years of age.) I think that is a testimony on its own.

So happy to see these awesome reviews. My daughter was here in 2008 I think and we had such an awesome experience. Excellent teachers and support staff what an awesome little pre-school. My only regret was that it did not continue into a primary school.

Great preschool and community, our daughter loves it here and we appreciate the care that is given to each child.

Great school. We joined around the Covid period so we couldn't look around much, but the friendly faces and vibe was reassuring enough for us. It's been a wonderful 3 years and our little one will be leaving for grade 1 soon. As expats, HMP has been the most stable thing in our move to the RSA. It's a home away from home for the kids and the HMP culture is so well engraved in the children that they make any new child feel right at home and loved. Academics are fantastic as well. Ps: it's located right next to University of Pretoria sports campus and the kids love to spend some time there with the ducks and it's convenient for extra mural activities at the campus.

Being part of the HMP family has been amazing. One fears a lot when leaving their child in the hands of strangers. I am honestly appreciative of our the staff at HMP continues to ease our fears, talking us through the Montessori approach for at home too when we've been brought up traditionally, how they keep us in the loop with the ongoings of our much eager Little Human. She too honestly beams everytime we wake her up for school. This for me is a reflection that she enjoys being around her teachers and more so her many friends.

We were new to parenting, and new to Pretoria. A dear friend recommended Hatfield Montessori to us as she had attended there many decades ago! However, I didn’t take her word for it, and proceeded to do my own research and visit 7 preschools in the area, many of which were also aligned with Montessori principles. I was like a Goldilocks mom – nothing was quite right – the schools were too noisy, too quiet, not diverse enough, relied on technology too much, or just didn’t feel right. I saved Hatfield Montessori Preschool till last. Silly me! Hatfield felt right. And they are so open and transparent – they let parents and potential parents observe the school in operation. I spent many hours there observing before we enrolled our child. So I saw firsthand how the teachers are kind and gentle, yet firm when necessary. How they have lovely routines which include inside work – Montessori style with kids choosing what they would like to do, and not having activities imposed on them, as well as lots of outside free play, songs, music, exercise, gardening. Healthy food is served. The children are warm and engaging and kind, with older children caring for littler ones. The playground is lovely, but unpretentious. The mulberry tree was bearing fruit when I visited and the children enjoyed harvesting the mulberries and jam was going to be made. One of the other wonderful things about the school is how diverse it is. There are children from many countries, and it retains a strong (South) African feel representation. While there are currently no other queer families, we felt welcome and continue to do so. Also to add – it has been quite serendipitous that Shan Ellis, who taught our friend many decades ago, has returned in her role as principal. She has a wealth of experience, and is so passionate and caring. The staff are all fantastic – accolades to Adiam, Anki and Malebo who are with the children in the mornings. I would highly recommend HMP to any children and families that align with the school and community’s values. I’m also happy to be contacted to answer any further questions.

Highly recommended preschool

We noticed incredible developmental changes on our little one the moment He stepped into the school... I am a happy Mom with a healthy growing toddler, who is excited about exploring his environment....!

Amazing school, my daughter quite happy and she always go so excited to school, teachers are amazing.