"Your" longest-standing, certified Montessori School in Portugal (est. 1995)
Boa Ventura Montessori Nursery School, is run by Adélia Lopes, who is a fully qualified Montessori teacher and trained in First Aid. Officially recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Education and the local Council, since 1995, welcomes children of all nationalities, from 2 to 6 years old.
The school is situated on the ground floor of a detached house with a garden all around. No more than 6 children per qualified teacher. With specially designed equipment which develops the senses, teaches reading, writing, maths and introduces children to a variety of activities.
The Portuguese name "Boa Ventura" means Good Venture — it is to give the child a solid foundation for future learning in a happy, loving and inspiring environment.
Full or Part-Time. Children aged between 2 and 6 years may be admitted, and we welcome children from all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. It is an English speaking school, and every effort will be made to teach English to non-English speaking children.
There are two groups: Ladybirds & Rainbows each comfortable small classes, with limited spaces. This allows the children the necessary individual attention, with its own class teacher, the use of an assistant. An English Music and Movement teacher, with Kindermusik lessons, also included. A mid morning snack and drink are provided.
The essence of Montessori education is that every child is treated with respect, given freedom within the limits of a carefully structured environment, and allowed to develop naturally at his or her own pace. The Montessori education approach looks for more than retention of knowledge, it aims also to generate security, trust and independence in the child.
A wide based curriculum of activity helps the child to become more aware of theirself and their environment. When the child first start with us they are shown how to share with one another and to participate as part of a group. They are also learning dexterity in the basic physical movements by means of practical life exercises and are taught a basic knowledge of colour, shape and pencil control.
At the appropriate stage for each individual child, the children are introduced to phonetic reading, writing and number work. Again the material is geared to individual work, and once introduced the child is able to work without the constant aid of the teacher.
For this purpose 'Boa Ventura Montessori Nursery School' is well equipped with a large variety of carefully designed Montessori materials, which aims to develop the senses, teaches reading, writing, mathematics and also geographical skills.
There are many other Nursery School activities, which are carried out during a school week, these include: garden play, painting, art appreciation, craftwork, nature study, care of school pets, Seasonal projects, the concept of time, music and movement, dance, drama, singing, books and stories, cooking, computer, jigsaws and free play. Regular and varied outings are also arranged throughout the year. After school activities, Easter and Summer School is also provided.
Our objective is to aid each child's emotional, physical, social and intellectual development by encouraging the child's natural thirst for knowledge and the desire to explore. "The first duty of education is to stir up life but leave it free to develop". — Maria Montessori
The experience gained in the exciting, colorful environment of Boa Ventura Montessori Nursery School gives the child a firm foundation for further education and for life!
Testimonials
“Thank you Boa Ventura. Zaya, our 4 year old daughter, will associate school with positivity, creativity and a great place to go to. She felt incredible welcome and loved the fact that most of the activities and learning is done outside! we highly recommend Boa Ventura.”
— Esther Roling
“Our daughter was so happy at your school. It is such a welcoming environment for children to start their academic life. Very well organized incredibly kind teachers, very safe and always fun.
We will always be grateful. The best!!”