Quick Summary for Parents:
Founded in 1986 by Nan Civel (Aunty Nan), The children’s house Montessori is the first and longest-established authentic Montessori preschool in Malaysia. Backed by UK-trained Montessori expertise and over 40 years of educational excellence, it has expanded from a single school in Jalan Batai Barat to 15 vibrant campuses across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. By combining internationally recognised Montessori principles with a warm, child-centred environment, The children’s house Montessori remains the definitive choice for holistic early childhood development in Malaysia.
The Legacy of Authentic Montessori Education in Malaysia
When choosing an early childhood education provider, heritage, expertise, and proven track record matter immensely. Long before Montessori became a widely recognised term in South East Asia, The children’s house Montessori laid the foundation for authentic child-centred learning in Malaysia.
Established in 1986, The children’s house Montessori introduced Dr Maria Montessori’s revolutionary pedagogical philosophy to Malaysian families. What began as a passionate vision in a quiet Kuala Lumpur neighbourhood has evolved into a premier network of 15 Montessori preschool campuses across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Key Milestones: 40 Years of Educational Leadership
Understanding the story behind Malaysia’s first Montessori school highlights why thousands of parents continue to entrust their children to The children’s house:
| Milestone Year | Historical Event | Educational Impact |
| 1983 | Founder Nan Civel (Aunty Nan) completes a 3-year Montessori Diploma in the UK. | Brings internationally accredited, UK-standard early childhood training to Malaysia. |
| 1986 | Opening of the first campus at 5 Jalan Batai Barat, Damansara Heights. | Establishes the first authentic Montessori preschool in Malaysia. |
| 1988 | Co-founder Nur Jirawati Aris (Ji Aris) joins leadership to oversee business operations. | Strengthens curriculum quality, facility standards, and long-term institutional growth. |
| Present | Expansion to 15 campuses across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. | Provides accessible, high-quality Montessori early childhood education across the Klang Valley. |
The Visionaries Behind Malaysia’s First Montessori School
Nan Civel (Aunty Nan): Bringing UK Montessori Standards to Malaysia
After a successful decade-long corporate career at Unilever Malaysia, Nan Civel pursued her passion for early childhood development in 1983. She traveled to England to undertake an intensive three-year study and work programme at the prestigious Maria Montessori Training Organisation (MMTO) in the United Kingdom.
Equipped with a formal Diploma in Montessori Education, Aunty Nan returned to Malaysia with direct European learning materials and an unyielding commitment to child-centred learning. In 1986, she welcomed the school’s very first international and local students, setting a new benchmark for preschool education in Malaysia.
Nur Jiwawati Aris (Ji Aris): Preserving Curriculum Quality and Relevance
Joining the leadership team in 1988, co-founder Nur Jiwawati Aris brought strong strategic vision and business acumen to the organisation. Holding an American Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management, Ji Aris worked closely with Aunty Nan to refine facility standards, operational efficiency, and curriculum enhancement.
Together, their shared mission ensures that the heritage Montessori framework remains dynamic, modern, and aligned with 21st-century developmental needs while staying true to Dr Maria Montessori’s core principles.
4 Reasons Why Parents Choose The children’s house Montessori
Why does The children’s house Montessori remain the premier choice for early childhood education in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor?
1. Authentic “Child-Sized” Learning Environments
At The children’s house Montessori , classrooms are meticulously designed to function as a “home away from home”. Every piece of furniture, learning apparatus, and facility is custom-scaled down to match a young child’s physical dimensions. This environment encourages self-reliance, order, and physical independence from a very young age.
2. Highly Experienced and Nurturing Educators
A school is only as strong as its teaching faculty. The educators at The children’s house Montessori are warm, highly trained, and deeply respectful of each child’s individual learning journey. Many teachers have grown with the school over decades, providing an unmatched level of stability, love, and professional guidance.
3. A Comprehensive 5-Area Curriculum Framework
To foster physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth, the preschool delivers a rich curriculum structured around five key learning areas:
- Practical Life: Developing independence, motor control, and daily life skills.
- Sensory Activities: Refining the senses to organise and understand world inputs.
- Number Work: Mastering concrete mathematical concepts before abstract application.
- Language: Building literacy, phonics, and communication fluency.
- Culture: Exploring geography, biology, science, music, and art.
4. Strong Parent-School Collaboration
Recognising that parental involvement is critical for a child’s holistic development, The children’s house fosters active parent-school partnerships. Through regular progress updates, cultural festivities, and community projects (such as organic vegetable planting), parents actively share in the joy of their child’s developmental journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where are The children’s house Montessori campuses located in Malaysia?
The children’s house Montessori operates 15 campuses across prime residential areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, including Ara Damansara, Bangsar, Ampang, Mont Kiara, Batai, and Cyberjaya.
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer tailored early childhood programmes starting from Infant Care (from 3 months old) up to Preschool & Kindergarten levels (up to 6 years old).
Is the Montessori curriculum aligned with Malaysian primary school entry requirements?
Yes. Children graduating from The children’s house Montessori possess high levels of independence, strong foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and excellent problem-solving abilities. They transition smoothly into local public schools, private institutions, and international schools across Malaysia.
Give Your Child a Lifetime Foundation for Success
Experience the warmth, heritage, and academic excellence that have shaped generations of confident learners since 1986. Schedule a visit to witness how our authentic Montessori environment nurtures young minds.
👉 Book a School Tour at The children’s house Montessori Campus Near You today to speak with our early childhood specialists and explore our classrooms.