Our History

Our Montessori story began in 1962.

The Montessori School Kingsley was founded in 1962 by Mrs Willemien Duyker-de Vries, who trained with Dr Maria Montessori and her son, Mario Montessori, in Amsterdam between 1939 and 1941.

After teaching in Montessori schools in the Netherlands and England, Mrs Duyker, as she liked to be called, brought her experience and commitment to Montessori education to Western Australia.

What began as a small Montessori class for eight children in Mrs Duyker’s family home in Scarborough has grown into the School community we know today.

For more than 60 years, we have remained committed to pure Montessori education, grounded in the principles and practices established by Dr Maria Montessori.

A Commitment That Has Endured

Much has changed since 1962. Our school has grown, our environments have evolved, and the world our students are preparing to enter is very different.

What has remained constant is our belief in the potential of every child and our commitment to Montessori education.

From prepared environments and mixed-age communities to developing independence, responsibility and a lifelong love of learning, Montessori continues to shape our approach from age 3 through to Year 12.

Extending Montessori into Adolescence

In 1993, the School became the first school in the world to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

This milestone reflected our belief that Montessori education can continue into adolescence, supporting young people to develop independence, critical thinking, responsibility and a sense of their place in the wider world.

Today, students can continue their education through either the IBDP or the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP).

A Community Built Over Generations

Our history has been shaped by generations of students, families and staff who have contributed to the life of The School.

While our school and community have grown, our commitment to Montessori and to the development of capable, confident and compassionate young people remains at the heart of who we are.

Explore Our History

Our Historical Timeline traces the people, milestones and moments that have shaped our school from 1962 to today.

Explore our Historical Timeline

Celebrating 60 Years of Montessori

In 2022, the School celebrated 60 years of Montessori education in Western Australia.

Our 60th Anniversary video reflects on the people, places and moments that have shaped our School and celebrates the Montessori community that continues to grow today.

“The history of the movement shows that the same kind of education, though with some adaptations, is applicable to all grades of society and to all nations of the world, and it may be used with children from happy homes as well as those who have been terrified by an earthquake or similar disaster. In our day the child has been revealed as the driving force that can bring new hope to people engulfed in darkness.”

– Dr Maria Montessori