Aligning Our Program Names with Montessori Practice

As part of our ongoing work to strengthen alignment with international Montessori standards, we have been reviewing the naming conventions of our programs. This process began with thoughtful conversations about the Adolescent Program, where there was a strong consensus that, as we continue striving to be a world-class, internationally recognised Montessori school, our program names should reflect Montessori principles as clearly as possible.

Guided by this Montessori lens, we plan to update the names of our programs as follows:

• Adolescent Program

  • 12-15 Adolescent Program (current Middle School)

  • 15-18 Adolescent Program (new)

• Elementary Program

  • Lower Elementary (6–9)

  • Upper Elementary (9–12)

• Early Childhood Program

  • Children’s House (formerly Sunshine)

  • Infant Community (formerly Little People)

These updated names bring MST in line with global Montessori terminology, providing greater clarity, consistency, and recognizability for our community, both locally and internationally.

Why Children’s House?

Do you know why many 3-6 Montessori environments around the world are called Children’s House?

Children’s House is the English translation of Casa dei Bambini, the name of the very first school founded by Maria Montessori in the San Lorenzo district of Rome, in 1907.

The name was intentional. Even though the Montessori approach was only just emerging, and many of its foundational principles would evolve through years of observation and refinement, one idea was clear from the beginning: this school would be a place designed for the children, not the adults. It would be, in every way, their space.

A place where the furniture fit their bodies, the environment was cared for by their hands, and the work originated from their own interests and inner drive. A home for the children. A Children’s House.

And What About Infant Community?

This term reflects the essence of what we aim to create for younger children: a small, nurturing community––their first community outside the home––where they can grow, explore, and learn alongside one another.

By adopting these names, MST is aligning with internationally recognised Montessori terminology while honouring the history and intention behind these environments.

We will begin integrating these names across our communications and materials over the coming months, with a full transition to be expected at the beginning of the 2026-2027 Academic Year.

Thank you for your continued support as we evolve and strengthen our program in service of our children and families.

MST Administration