Montessori education is based on a scientific pedagogy centered on the holistic development of the child, respecting individual rhythms and promoting autonomy within a carefully prepared environment.
Its value proposition lies in offering a personalized educational experience, where learning is built actively through exploration, critical thinking,
and self-regulation.

Through specific didactic materials and the guidance of trained professionals, students acquire not only academic competencies but also essential social-emotional skills to navigate a changing world with awareness and success. This approach fosters intrinsic motivation, personal responsibility, and respect for oneself, others, and the environment.
Montessori prepares individuals not only to face the challenges of the present but to lead with empathy, integrity, and commitment in the society of the future.

Core Principles of the Montessori Method

Child-Centered Education

In Montessori, we don’t ask children to fit into the system — we shape the system around each child. With curiosity as their guide and respect as their foundation, every learner follows their own path, supported and seen.

Autonomy and Active Learning

Children learn by doing. The freedom to choose within a carefully structured environment fosters independence, decision-making, and personal responsibility from an early age.

Prepared Environment

The Montessori classroom is thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, order, concentration, and free movement. Every element serves a clear educational purpose and is tailored to the child’s stage of development.

The Adult as Observer and Guide

In a Montessori classroom, the adult does not teach in the traditional sense. Instead, they present materials, observe attentively, identify needs, and accompany each child’s learning process. Their role is to create meaningful opportunities and allow the child to explore, discover, and learn independently—fostering confidence, autonomy, and critical thinking.

Montessori Learning Materials

Montessori materials are scientifically designed to support the natural development of the child. They are hands-on, sensorial, and self-correcting, allowing children to experiment, discover, and learn through action. These materials foster concentration, logical thinking, and deep understanding, guiding the child from concrete experience to abstract thinking.

Mixed-Age Classrooms

Montessori classrooms bring together children of different ages—typically in three-year cycles—fostering collaboration, empathy, and natural leadership. Younger students learn by observing older peers, while older ones reinforce their knowledge by mentoring others. This dynamic promotes a sense of community and encourages each child to grow at their own pace.

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Our Distinctive Approach

Project-Based Learning

It is an active methodology in which children deeply explore topics that spark their interest through observation, research, experimentation, and creation. Projects arise from their own questions and are developed either independently or in groups.

Family-like Environment

We offer a warm, welcoming, family-like environment where every child feels seen, heard, safe, and valued. This sense of belonging encourages emotional security and self-confidence, creating the perfect foundation for meaningful learning.

A Committed Educational Team

Our team combines strong academic backgrounds with training in the Montessori method and other innovative educational approaches. They are educators who go beyond the conventional—driven by a deep belief in the power of education to transform the world.

Bilingual Learning

At IMS, children are immersed daily in both English and Spanish through natural, meaningful interactions. Language learning happens organically as part of everyday life—during lessons, play, and routines—fostering fluency, cultural awareness, and confidence.

Guided with Dedication, Committed to Teaching

“What truly sets this school apart is the dedication and passion of the staff. Every team member is deeply committed to the development and well-being of the students. They create an atmosphere of support and encouragement, helping children reach their full potential both academically and personally”.

Ricardo Antunes

Father from IMS

A Lifelong Journey of Curiosity and Joy for Learning

“From the very beginning, our daughter felt very comfortable in the warm environment of the school, which has significantly increased her self-confidence and her ability to integrate into the group.
The school has awakened and nurtured her interest in various subjects, particularly languages, geography, nature, and the environment.
This curiosity and enthusiasm for learning will surely stay with her throughout her life and continue to positively influence her academic and personal growth.
We have seen her grow into a confident and socially capable young person”.

Bernward Röttgers

Father of Lea

Weekly updates on our child’s learning journey

“We love this school and we are so happy to have been able to get a space for our son. The staff are lovely and very attentive to his needs. He is always happy to be there and has a huge smile always. We get weekly photos and updates to see the activities and learning the week has brought. Fantastic location, environment, staff and students. We look forward to many years to come at IMS. Thanks to all”.

Isobel Hanning

Mother from IMS

Our Educational Program

Discover the foundations of Montessori education with our Head of Studies, Viviane Dumont, at International Montessori School in Sotogrande. In this video podcast hosted by our founder, Olimpia Tardá, we explore the essential principles that make this educational model transformative: respecting the child’s own pace, fostering autonomy, active learning, and prepared environments.

How do children learn in a Montessori school?
What role do the materials play?
What is the adult’s role in the classroom?

These and other key questions are clearly and thoughtfully addressed in this engaging introduction to the heart of our educational approach.

Guide of IMS Childen´s House Curriculum

Guide of IMS Elementary Curriculum

Our Specific Learning Classroom, the Rainbow Team:
A Nurturing Environment to Learn with Confidence

At International Montessori School, we believe that every child deserves an environment where they can grow at their own pace and reach their full potential. Our specialized classroom, known as the Rainbow Team, is designed to support students with special educational needs, offering an inclusive, respectful, and personalized learning space.

A multidisciplinary team—consisting of a special education teacher, an early intervention specialist, a psychopedagogical guide, and an occupational therapist—works collaboratively to guide each student’s development. We implement individualized intervention plans and specific programs focused on language, attention, memory, self-regulation, social skills, and executive functioning. Additionally, we provide a therapeutic space where students can self-regulate and prepare themselves emotionally for learning.

Because every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported with confidence and care along their educational journey.

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FAQ

Questions We’ve Been Asked Before

At International Montessori School, the Montessori curriculum currently extends through Upper Primary (Taller 2), covering students up to approximately 12 years of age. When students complete this stage, they are well prepared to transition into traditional secondary education systems—both national and international—thanks to their autonomy, critical thinking, and love for learning. Parents can feel confident that the Montessori education received at IMS not only meets official academic standards, but also equips children with the adaptability and confidence needed to thrive in any future educational environment. A systematic review published by the Campbell Collaboration analyzed 32 high-quality studies across eight countries and concluded that Montessori students showed significant advantages compared to their peers in traditional schools. These benefits included higher academic performance—particularly in areas such as language and mathematics—as well as more developed social and emotional skills.
Source: Psychology Today
Furthermore, a 2017 longitudinal study indicated that students randomly assigned to Montessori schools scored higher on academic tests than those in traditional public schools. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2021 found that adults who attended Montessori schools for at least two years reported greater psychological well-being compared to those who attended traditional schools.

Scientific evidence supports that Montessori-educated students are well prepared to transition into traditional education systems. Their holistic educational background equips them with the skills necessary to adapt, excel academically, and thrive in new learning environments. For parents concerned about this transition, it is reassuring to know that Montessori education not only prepares children for the present, but also provides a strong foundation to face future challenges successfully.
This conclusion is supported by several high-quality studies:
A 2023 comparative study published on ResearchGate found that Montessori students showed significantly higher cognitive development and academic achievement, especially in language and mathematics, compared to their peers in traditional schools.
A study in Frontiers in Psychology (2023) demonstrated that Montessori students had stronger self-regulation, creativity, and social-emotional skills, which are essential for adapting to structured environments. (Source)
Longitudinal research conducted by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) followed students transitioning from Montessori to public schools and found their academic performance remained equal or superior to peers educated entirely in traditional settings. (Source)

Yes, the curriculum at International Montessori School (IMS) is official and recognized by the relevant educational authorities. In Spain, IMS follows the curriculum established by the Ministry of Education, while integrating the principles and methods of Montessori pedagogy. This ensures that students receive an education that meets national standards, while also benefiting from a child-centered approach that fosters autonomy, exploration, and active learning.
Additionally, IMS may be affiliated with international organizations such as the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which oversee and certify the authentic implementation of the Montessori method in educational institutions.
This combination of official compliance and fidelity to the Montessori approach provides parents with the confidence that their children are receiving a comprehensive and recognized education—one that effectively prepares them for future academic and personal growth.

At International Montessori School, progress is not measured through frequent standardized tests or traditional grades. Instead, we use continuous and personalized assessment based on direct observation, student work, and detailed tracking.
Montessori guides closely monitor each child’s academic, emotional, and social development and adjust their guidance accordingly.
Families receive regular progress reports and participate in meetings to review achievements and set shared goals.
The aim is to foster meaningful evaluation that values the learning process as much as the outcome.

At International Montessori School, our guides hold university degrees in education, psychology, or related fields, and are certified by recognized Montessori training institutions such as AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) or equivalent.
Many have also pursued further training in active methodologies and educational innovation, and continue to engage in professional development.
Above all, they are dedicated individuals with a true passion for education, deeply respectful of each child’s pace and needs.

The focus remains on hands-on, sensory, and self-directed experiences, so screens never replace the use of concrete Montessori materials. Instead, they complement activities related to research, creativity, and communication.
At more advanced levels, digital tools are used to enhance critical thinking, inquiry, and real-world connection, always under the guidance of trained educators.

In a Montessori setting, discipline is approached through respect and self-regulation. Rather than relying on external punishments or rewards, children are guided to understand the natural consequences of their actions and to make responsible choices.
Guides observe, support, and model positive behavior, fostering an environment of mutual respect, clear boundaries, and freedom with responsibility.
This approach encourages autonomy, self-discipline, and the development of essential social and emotional skills.

At International Montessori School, we do not assign homework in the traditional sense. The Montessori philosophy emphasizes deep, active learning during the school day, where each child works at their own pace and follows their own interests.
We believe home time should be for rest, free play, and meaningful family connection—essential parts of a child’s overall development.
Each week, families receive a guide’s report detailing the child’s progress. If needed, the guide may suggest simple ways to support the learning process at home. These are not mandatory tasks, but rather gentle invitations to stay involved.
This approach is not unique to IMS; many Montessori schools worldwide follow the same philosophy, prioritizing autonomous and meaningful learning over mechanical repetition.