International Montessori School Copenhagen

I was just on the International Montessori School Copenhagen’s website, and here’s what makes this school different from others. They describe themselves as “a community of growth,” emphasizing their commitment to following each child’s development. This school proudly claims to be “the very first International Montessori Elementary School in Denmark,” highlighting its pioneering role in applying Dr. Maria Montessori’s unique educational methodology. Their mission is clear: to guide students to become “thoughtful, respectful, and active participants in their community.” This aligns with their broader goal of developing students who are not only academically successful but also possess strong human values like cooperation, freedom, equality, and responsibility.

The school emphasizes that education goes beyond academics; they prioritize the child’s “long-term psychological health and well-being.” They strive to create “independent-thinking individuals who are creative and innovative,” fostering a safe learning environment where each child can develop their curiosity and intelligence at their own pace. The classrooms are described as “democratic communities,” where children learn to make choices and respect the rights and perspectives of others. The teachers play a crucial role as guides, providing support without pressure, which is fundamental to the Montessori philosophy of education.

The educational approach is tailored to different age groups, starting from preschool for children aged 2½ to 5 years. In this age group, they focus on creating an environment filled with “educational materials that can be manipulated by the children,” fostering spontaneous learning. The lower and upper elementary programs cater to ages 5½ to 12, where the curriculum encourages children to explore their intellectual interests deeply. They utilize “the Five Great Lessons,” which help children develop abstract thinking and imagination. The school follows a personalized curriculum, allowing for diverse learning paths instead of a fixed syllabus, which fosters a sense of autonomy in the students.

One particular aspect that stands out is their approach to language learning. While the main language of instruction is English, children also receive Danish classes to aid their integration into Danish society. This dual-language exposure is not just about learning a new language; it’s integrated into the children’s overall development. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers an extensive array of subjects like math, science, geography, and even peace studies. They emphasize a hands-on learning experience, allowing students to engage with the material in a meaningful way.

The school is particularly enthusiastic about aligning its Montessori approach with the Danish Common Goals (Fælles Mål). They acknowledge that both frameworks aim for holistic development, emphasizing social skills alongside academic learning. Montessori’s methodology fits well with the Danish system’s focus on “collaboration, communication, and responsibility.” However, one notable difference is their flexible framework, which allows children to progress at their own pace, unlike the more structured guidelines typical in traditional Danish schools. This flexibility is a strong point for Montessori education, as it often leads to children achieving a deeper understanding of the material.

Looking ahead, the school is planning to introduce an Adolescent Program that combines Montessori methods with the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2026, but they are currently focusing on elementary education. The website emphasizes the importance of fostering a lifelong love of learning, which is a core principle of Montessori education. They also provide continuous documentation of each child’s progress, utilizing the Montessori Compass system to keep track of individual development, ensuring that parents and teachers can monitor growth effectively.

Overall, the International Montessori School Copenhagen distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing both academic rigor and emotional development. They strive to create a nurturing environment where children can become independent, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. The combination of their democratic classroom approach, personalized learning paths, and integration of human values makes this school a unique choice in the Copenhagen Capital Region.