Children's House at Surabaya European School
Preschool Program (Ages 3 to 6)
Our Children's House welcomes students aged three to six in a vibrant, mixed-age setting. This multi-age grouping is the cornerstone of the Montessori method: it allows students to learn at their own developmental pace while creating a supportive community. Older students solidify their knowledge by mentoring younger peers, while younger children are inspired by the activities of their older role models.
The classroom is a "prepared environment"—carefully designed to invite interaction and purposeful activity. Here, students possess the freedom to choose their work, whether independently or in small groups. Guided by their natural interests and individual abilities, children engage in active, concrete learning experiences that build a strong foundation for abstract thinking.
This individualized approach not only fosters academic growth but nurtures essential life skills: deep concentration, intrinsic motivation, and a positive self-image.
At Surabaya European School, we are committed to the authentic essence of the Montessori philosophy. Our environment is fully equipped with premium Nienhuis materials, ensuring a high-quality tactile learning experience. By blending ages three through six, we cultivate a dynamic micro-society where collaboration and kindness flourish. This nurturing atmosphere supports independence, builds confidence, and ignites a lifelong passion for discovery.
The Areas of Learning
Our curriculum is designed to build independence, refine sensory perception, develop foundational academic skills, and inspire curiosity about the world.
PRACTICAL LIFE
Activities that build on the child's natural desire to participate in daily life. These exercises develop concentration, fine motor coordination, independence, and good work habits.
MATHEMATICS
Hands-on materials that translate abstract concepts into concrete understanding. Students journey from recognizing quantities and symbols to mastering the decimal system and arithmetic operations.
CULTURE
An exploration of the world beyond the classroom. Through geography, history, botany, and science, students discover their place in the universe through experiments and discussion.
SENSORIAL
Materials designed to refine the senses. Students explore and classify the physical properties of the world—size, shape, texture, weight, and color—strengthening perception and cognitive classification.
LANGUAGE
A phonetic approach that seamlessly leads to reading and writing. Through rich oral language experiences and tactile materials, students develop vocabulary, sound awareness, and literacy skills.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Beyond the core curriculum, we support creativity, movement, and cultural awareness through specialist classes.
Our Montessori Guides
In a Montessori environment, the teacher is a 'Guide'. They do not stand at the front to lecture, but rather move among the children, observing closely and connecting them with the materials they need. Our class is led by three certified Montessori guides whose primary role is to direct the child's natural energy toward purposeful activity.
Because Montessori education relies on the child's inner motivation, our guides are trained to nurture this spark. They maintain an atmosphere of calm, order, warmth, and joy, ensuring every student feels safe to explore and learn.
We are proud that our teachers hold certifications from prestigious institutions, including the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the North American Montessori Centre (NAMC). For more resources on our educational approach, please click here.