Nelson Montessori was founded by a community of parents who were passionate about the Montessori philosophy over thirty years ago.
In 1998, Nelson Montessori was bought by Nissa Mowjood. Nissa is an AMI qualified Montessori teacher who trained in Sri Lanka and has called Nelson home since 1991. She taught at Nelson Montessori since 1991 as well.
In April 2003, Nissa established Stoke Montessori with the aim of offering Montessori education to the wider Nelson community.
By 2012, interest in Montessori education in Nelson continued to grow. To serve this need, Nissa established a third school called Kauri Montessori on Tukuka Street.
In 2015, Nelson, Stoke and Kauri Montessoris were collectively grouped under the umbrella name “The Bays Montessori Schools” to convey that the schools are run by the same management and guided by the same vision.
The Bays Montessori Schools adhere to the Te Whāriki Framework (New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum) as well as being a member of the Montessori Association of New Zealand.