Montessori Academy is opening a new purpose-built childcare and kindergarten centre at 551–553 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg West. Families can register now for priority enrolment updates, available days and opening information for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
Conveniently located at 551–553 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg West Montessori Academy will provide a calm, purpose-built childcare and kindergarten environment for families seeking high-quality Montessori education in Melbourne’s north-east. The centre will support families across Heidelberg West, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg, Bellfield, Ivanhoe, Rosanna, Eaglemont, Macleod, Bundoora, Preston, Reservoir and surrounding suburbs.
For children aged six weeks to six years, our Montessori program will build strong foundations for learning, independence, confidence and genuine school readiness through hands-on experiences tailored to every stage of development. Discover Heidelberg West Montessori Academy as part of our growing network of childcare centres in Melbourne.
- Fully Catered
- Montessori Educators
- CCS Approved
- Ages 0 to 6 years
Inside our Gillieston Heights Early Learning Campus
A Glimpse Inside Our Centre
Inside, calm, prepared classrooms invite children to explore Montessori materials at their own pace. Outside, a pirate ship climbing structure, bike track, sandpits, natural gardens, a cubby house and art areas encourage movement, imagination and confidence.
Centre Highlights
From secure, purpose-built classrooms to fresh daily meals, here's what you can expect at Gillieston Heights Montessori Academy.
Book a Tour
Tour Our Heidelberg West Childcare Centre
The best way to know if our Heidelberg West childcare centre is right for your family is to experience it in person. Meet our educators, explore the classrooms, and ask every question on your mind. Please bring your child along, we look forward to meeting you.
Heidelberg West Early Learning Programs Designed for Your Child's Exact Stage
Heidelberg West Montessori Academy will offer early learning programs built around a blended Montessori curriculum that combines Montessori Education with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), giving children the best of both approaches during these important early years.
Our Infant Program (0–2 years) is thoughtfully structured across key developmental stages. Our educators support your child’s early development through strong relationships, movement, sensory exploration, language development, and early practical life skills within a calm, nurturing environment.
KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
Toddlers are driven by a powerful urge to do things for themselves. Our Toddler program channels this energy through practical life activities, movement, language, sensorial and social skill-building, all within a prepared environment that says "yes" to hands-on exploration.
KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
Our Preschool and School Readiness Program is where the Montessori method truly shines. For families looking for school readiness programs in Alexandria, children work independently with manipulative materials across five curriculum areas, developing the focus, problem-solving skills and natural passion for learning that sets them apart when they transition to primary school.
KEY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
Heidelberg West Childcare Fees and Inclusions
We offer a 10.5-hour childcare day from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, with fees charged at a full daily rate. Eligible families may significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs through the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Every daily fee includes all meals, snacks, nappies, sunscreen, and Montessori materials, so you’ll never receive a surprise invoice for extras.
Why Families Choose Heidelberg West Montessori Academy
Gillieston Heights Families choose our early learning centre for their childcare and early education needs because they can feel the difference. Warm, genuinely engaged educators, calm and structured learning environments, and children who are deeply engaged and thriving.
- Engaged Educators
- Happy Children
- Calm Structured Classrooms
- Visible Learning Progress
- Strong Communication
- Holistic School Readiness
What Your Child's Day Will Look Like at Our Heidelberg West Childcare Centre
Every day at our Heidelberg West childcare centre will follow a calm, predictable rhythm that helps children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Routines will vary by age group, season, and individual needs.
Arrival & Welcome
Children arrive and settle into the prepared environment. Educators greet every child and family warmly, supporting a smooth, confident transition into the day.
Montessori Work Cycle
During the Montessori work cycle children choose their work and build focus, independence and capability through the Montessori materials. Progressive morning tea is served.
Outdoor Play
Following the work cycle, children transition outdoors to climb, run, explore nature, play, and develop fundamental movement skills through active, child-led play.
Group Time & Lunch
Children come together for guided group experiences that build communication, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Lunch follows and older children set the table and serve themselves.
Rest & Quiet Activities
After lunch, younger children sleep while quiet activities and school readiness experiences are offered for older children. Individual rhythms and rest needs are always respected.
Afternoon & Pick-Up
Communal afternoon tea happens after rest time, followed by outdoor play. Late snack is served at 5:00pm with indoor activities. Educators share the day's highlights at pick-up.
Child Safety Always Comes First At Heidelberg West Montessori Academy
Heidelberg West Montessori Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. Every policy, procedure, and physical environment at our Heidelberg West childcare centre is designed to ensure children are protected, respected, and empowered.
Find Our Heidelberg West Childcare Centre
Conveniently located on Waterdale Road, Heidelberg West Montessori Academy Childcare & Kindergarten will proudly support families across Heidelberg West, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg, Bellfield, Ivanhoe, Rosanna, Eaglemont, Macleod, Bundoora, Preston, Reservoir, and the wider Banyule City Council area. Positioned in Melbourne’s north-east, our centre will offer premium Montessori early education with easy access for busy local families.
551/553 Waterdale Rd, Heidelberg West VIC 3081, Australia
Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Open 51 weeks per year
Dedicated parent parking available on-site
Bus: Local bus services operate along Waterdale Road, with nearby routes including 250, 350, 548, 550 and 551. These services provide connections to Heidelberg Station, La Trobe University, Northland Shopping Centre, Bundoora, Kew and Melbourne CBD, as well as surrounding north-east Melbourne suburbs.
Train: Heidelberg Station is located a short drive from the centre and is serviced by the Hurstbridge Line, providing direct connections to Ivanhoe, Clifton Hill, Melbourne CBD, Rosanna, Macleod, Greensborough and Hurstbridge.
Phone: 1300 000 162
Find the perfect Montessori childcare centre near you and give your child the best start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to feel confident before getting started.
How is Montessori different to play-based childcare? +
Montessori is a structured, hands-on approach to early learning where children learn through purposeful activity, repetition, and real understanding. Using scientifically designed materials in carefully prepared environments, children choose their own work, follow their own interests, and build independence, concentration, coordination, and academic foundations at their own pace.
The result is children who become capable, confident learners through meaningful experiences in practical life, language, mathematics, sensorial learning, culture, and social development.
Our focus isn't on entertaining children. It's on activating their natural desire to learn.
Can I book a tour before joining the waitlist or enrolling? +
Absolutely. We will encourage every family to visit the centre before making a decision once tours become available.
A tour will be one of the best ways to understand the difference Montessori can make. It will give you the opportunity to explore our classrooms, meet our team, see how children will learn in a calm and engaging environment, and ask the questions that matter most to your family. If your child comes along too, we will warmly encourage it, as this can help you picture their experience more clearly.
Will Heidelberg West Montessori Academy help prepare children for school? +
Yes. School readiness will start from infancy and will be built every day through the skills children develop in the Montessori environment.
At Heidelberg West Montessori Academy, children will build the foundations for school and life through hands-on learning that supports early literacy, numeracy, concentration, independence, social skills, confidence, and responsibility. Rather than being treated as a short-term preschool add-on, school readiness will be embedded throughout your child's entire learning journey.
Can I join the waitlist before my baby is born? +
Yes. Many families begin their childcare search while they are still expecting, especially in high-demand communities like Heidelberg West and across north Canberra.
Joining the waitlist early can help you plan ahead and gives you the best chance of securing your preferred start date and care pattern. Our Family Care Team will guide you through every step, from what we need now to what can be updated once your baby arrives.
How do you help babies and new children settle into care? +
We know that starting childcare is a big transition for both children and parents. Our approach is warm, responsive, and individual to each child.
For infants and younger children especially, we work closely with families to understand home routines, comfort needs, sleep patterns, feeding preferences, and temperament. Our goal is to build trust first, because children thrive when they feel safe, known, and secure.
How will I know what my child is doing each day? +
Strong communication with families will be at the heart of the Heidelberg West Montessori Academy experience.
From morning and afternoon handover to daily updates via our parent app, monthly learning observations, and developmental milestone reports, we will make sure you are always close to your child's world.
What should I look for when comparing childcare centres in Heidelberg West? +
When comparing childcare centres in Heidelberg West, look beyond surface features and ask what your child will truly gain from the experience.
Consider how the program prepares children for school, how educators support each child's individual development, and whether the environment feels calm, safe, and purposeful.
At Heidelberg West Montessori Academy, families will value our authentic Montessori classrooms, experienced team, and thoughtfully designed learning environments that will give children meaningful opportunities to move, explore, discover, and build confidence.
Join a thriving community of families across Heidelberg West and the City of Banyule who trust Montessori Academy as their early education partner, backed by more than 25 years of experience, over 100 years of proven Montessori education, and the trust of more than 100,000 Australian families.