Montessori education is not confined to the classroom – it is a way of experiencing the world. In London, and especially here in Islington, the city itself becomes an extension of the Montessori environment, offering endless opportunities for real-world learning.
One of Montessori’s core ideas is Cosmic Education: helping children understand how everything is connected and giving them real experiences that spark curiosity and wonder. What better place to do this than in a vibrant city like ours?
A trip to a local market, for example, becomes a sensory feast. Children can touch fresh produce, smell spices, count coins, enjoy their favourite food and engage in conversations with stallholders – building maths, language, sensory and social skills in a natural setting. A bus or tube journey turns into a lesson in geography and practical life: reading maps, following routes, practicing patience and observing the diversity of people coming and going.
“London’s museums and galleries provide a living classroom.”
The Natural History Museum invites awe at the natural world; the British Museum opens doors to history and culture; while smaller local gems, like the Estorick Collection or the Islington Museum, encourage children to see art and history as part of their daily lives.
Even seasonal festivals, from Chinese New Year in Chinatown to Diwali in Trafalgar Square, offer Montessori moments of cultural understanding and respect. By participating, children gain a sense of belonging to a global community.
At St Andrew’s Montessori, we believe that every walk through Islington, every journey, every visit to a museum can be as meaningful as classroom work. The city is full of discoveries waiting to be made, and when seen through Montessori eyes, London itself becomes the ultimate prepared environment.