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Waiheke Montessori Centre
Montessori education was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott. He established Waiheke Montessori Centre, to provide education based on Dr. Maria Montessori's method, to the local community.
The early childhood section operated as a licensed playgroup, and the elementary classes as a legal homeschooling group accountable to the NZ Ministry of Education for curriculum monitoring. The grassroots, home-based feel proved popular with a large number of families who wanted a less institutionalized education model for their children. Complementing the long established Wardolf - Steiner programme at Fossil Bay Farm, the Centre gave parents a second option based on an humanist, holistic approach to education.
The Centre existed in a number of locations, once occupying Hekerua Lodge, and needed to continually adapt to the needs of the enrolled body. With limited funding, the Centre relied heavily on parental contributions. The Centre eventually closing its doors by the end of 2006, the eventual opening of a second primary school on the island leading to a drop in enrollments. That coupled with poor funding, meant that the Centre was no longer sustainable.