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Waiheke Montessori Centre
The [[1]Montessori Method] was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott. He established Waiheke Montessori Centre, to provide an education based on Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy, for his own children, and the local community.
The Early Childhood section operated as a licensed Playgroup, and the Elementary classes as a legal Homeschooling Group - accountable to the Ministry of Education for curriculum monitoring. The grassroots, home-based feel proved popular with a number of island personalities who wanted a less institutionalized education model for their children. Complimenting 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.
Existing in a number of locations, once occupying Hekerua Lodge, the organization needed to continually cater to the needs, and size, of the enrolled body. With limited funding, the Centre, relying heavily on parental contributions, continually evolved and adapted.
The school closed 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.