Maria Montessori began her pioneering work with many children who had additional learning needs. And today, the Montessori method continues to be extremely effective in supporting learners who may face additional challenges when learning in mainstream classrooms.

The St. Nicholas Montessori College is well known for training teachers with a speciality in additional learning needs, indeed this is recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland such that graduates of the College are recognised by the Teaching Council for the purposes of working in national schools as learning support teachers.

St. Nicholas Montessori schools are co-educational. All pupils participate fully in all learning activities in a totally inclusive approach, regardless of gender.

St. Nicholas Montessori Society and School does not adhere to a specific religious doctrine and as such can be described as Multi-denominational. Maria Montessori wrote of a child’s religious development as follows:

“We know therefore that a sense of God exists in the heart of the child, it is not conscious but it is there and it cannot be lost, though it may be obstructed and distorted. It is something that has to grow, and it grows slowly, the important thing is not to interfere, for the plant will not flower if the buds are broken by clumsy, impatient handling.”

The Montessori method includes the spiritual development of the child and this is encouraged throughout a child’s time in a St. Nicholas school. However, this spiritual development is not developed through the lens of a particular religious doctrine. All religions are respected and valued equally. Different belief systems are explored in an educational manner and the main religious festivals of a range of religions are celebrated in an age appropriate manner.

Doctrinal instruction, for example Roman Catholic preparation for the sacraments, does not take place during school hours but is available in an after-school setting to those parents who desire it. Instruction in other religious doctrines can also be facilitated in the same way. There is never any question of any child, teacher or parent being forced to attend religious instruction of any kind or of being made feel inadequate by being required to sit out while other children are so instructed.