Welcome - Inštitut montessori

Vision of Montessori Institute

Montessori Institute aims to build a community of lifelong learners.

Therefore it takes care of a prepared environment, where the children could develop their potential,

and where adults would internalize authentic Montessori principles.

It was established with the intention that children and adults would get a chance to experience the Montessori approach.

Therefore we have a Montessori preschool, elementary and adolescent program as a model, and educational opportunities for adults: guest speakers, workshops, courses, and training.

Connected

Institute Montessori is collaborating with schools and training centers in Europe and USA. Several times per year we are hosting Montessori professionals from abroad who have workshops, and lectures and observe/supervise our classrooms. In this way, we are connected with new knowledge, and experience, and get inspired also from the rest of the world.

Rich experience

Institute Montessori is the largest Montessori institution in Slovenia. We have 300 children every day (100 in preschool, 140 in elementary, and 60 in adolescent program) and 50 staff members. During the year we have over 200 adult learners in different courses. Because of (international) courses we experience daily creative intertwinement of Montessori praxis and theory.

Private and non-profit

Institute is private institution the founders and owners are Melita and Pavel Demšar. Preschool and school programs are co-financed by the state or municipality, parents, participants of courses, and donations. Fundraising projects support the programs. Specific projects (Erasmus +, EAFRD) are co-financed with European funds and from the Slovenian government.

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About Montessori Institute

Child development is at the heart of all we do. To develop their potential to the fullest, children need two things: a prepared environment and the best adults possible. That is why we strive to support parents, educators, and teachers through training, helping them to gain insights, personal growth, and good Montessori philosophy and practice. To ensure that children have the best possible environment, we have a model environment for children from birth to 15 years. On the other hand, the environment is designed for adults to get ideas either to prepare the environment for professional work with children and adolescents or for the child’s environment at home.

History of Montessori Institute

The Montessori Institute was founded on 13 September 2006 by Melita Kordeš Demšar.
The first unit of the Institute, the Dravlje Children’s House, was opened in 2008 at 9 Sojerjeva Street in Ljubljana.
In the same year, 2008, the first Paraprofessional Course in Montessori Pedagogy was held.
In 2010, Pavel Demšar took over the organizational aspect of the management of the institution.
On 1 September 2010, the first generation of Montessori children in Slovenia started attending the Montessori Elementary School.
In 2012, the third unit, the Orange Children’s House, opens.
In September 2016 first Adolescent program started with teacher Igor Blažič.
On 31 January 2018, new-built Montessori Centre was opened, blessed by Archbishop Zore and inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor.
In January 2018, the Montessori Centre was relocated from rented premises to the Podutik.
in February 2018 the Green Children’s House in Podutik was opened.
In September 2025 new elementary program in Breznica in registered and started with 16 children ages 6-9.

Key components of Montessori

Montessori is a person-centered approach. A deep respect for children as individuals is at the core.
Independence is fostered from the start, instilling motivation, determination, and confidence in children’s abilities.
Freedom of choice is an everyday reality. Children are able to choose how long, where, with whom, and what they will work on. Through choice, they are getting to know themselves, developing their own will and reality-based self-confidence.
Age-mixed groups of children allow learning from peers and teachers to have deep connections through long-term relationships with children. At the same time, they encourage older children to become role models, mentors, and leaders for younger children.
The curriculum is a carefully planned whole that gives the children the experience of the interdependence of everything that exists.
Through experiences and interactions in the environment, the child co-creates the adult he or she is becoming. Personality building is one of the central focuses of the Montessori curriculum.
Children practice daily conflict resolution, learning the skills needed to build a warm, respectful and peaceful community.

From our guest observers

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for graciously welcoming us to observe at your esteemed Montessori school. The location of your school is truly remarkable, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and forests.

We were deeply impressed by how Montessori pedagogy is consistently applied across all levels, from the infant community through to the adolescence program. Our time observing the elementary level was particularly enlightening, and we gained invaluable insights into the Montessori approach.
It was a pleasure to witness how the children exhibit such independence in their work, making full use of the materials available in their environment.

Furthermore, the kindness and warmth shown to us by the other children and teachers across various classes were greatly appreciated.
Once again, thank you sincerely for your hospitality in the weeks of our observations.”

Nicole, student of 64th Course 6-12, Bergamo

Contact

Phone number:

Secretary: + 386 (0) 590 767 00,

E-mail (secretary):

info@montessori-institut.si ; tajnistvo@os-montessori.si

Bank account:

34000-1004329925

VAT number: 22779108

Directors:

mag. Pavel Demšar,
mag. Melita Kordeš Demšar

Organisational units

Address:

INŠTITUT MONTESSORI
Ul. F. Kozaka 49, 1000 Ljubljana

Montessori Institute has 5 units in 4 locations:

Yellow Children’s House Dravlje
Sojerjeva 9, 1000 Ljubljana

Orange Children’s House Dravlje
Bravničarjeva 8, 1000 Ljubljana

Green Children’s House Podutik
Ul. F. Kozaka 49, 1000 Ljubljana

Montessori Elementary and Adolescent School
Ul. F. Kozaka 49, 1000 Ljubljana

Montessori Elementary School (6-9 class)
Breznica 6, Žirovnica