Enrolment
We take the time to listen, understand your child’s needs, and ensure that Southern Skies Montessori is a safe and appropriate next step.
Who Is This School For?
Our school is designed for students in Years 4–9 who are disengaged from mainstream education or at risk of exclusion. Many of our students experience anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, or complex life circumstances that have made traditional schooling difficult.
We are best suited to young people who still want to learn, who want to engage, and who are interested in growing and developing — but may have faced barriers that have disrupted their connection to school.
We provide a small, structured, relationship-based environment where young people can rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning.
May not be suitable for… Southern Skies Montessori may not be the right fit for young people who are not yet ready to engage in a learning environment, or who require a level of intensive or specialised support beyond what a school setting can provide. Our model relies on a willingness to participate, with support, in a safe and collaborative community.
Referral Pathways
Referrals may come from families, current schools, guidance officers, allied health professionals, youth workers, or community agencies. We welcome early conversations to explore whether our model is the right fit.
Enrolment Process
Our enrolment process follows four supportive steps:
Expression of Interest – A family or professional makes initial contact.
Intake Conversation – We meet to understand your child’s needs, strengths, and readiness.
Orientation Period – A gentle, supported introduction to the school environment.
Individual Planning – Development of a personalised learning and wellbeing plan.
Enrolment is not simply a placement — it is the beginning of a new relationship with learning.
Starting the Journey
Expressions of Interest
Southern Skies Montessori is currently welcoming expressions of interest for future enrolments.
Our enrolment process is intentionally thoughtful and paced. We prioritise strong relationships and a positive transition into the school environment, recognising that each young person’s pathway back into education is unique.
By registering your interest, you will receive updates about enrolment timelines and next steps, and we will be in touch to begin an initial conversation.
If you are considering Southern Skies Montessori, we encourage you to reach out or submit your details below.
What Happens Next
After your initial enquiry, we will arrange a conversation to understand your child’s needs, strengths, and current experience of school. This helps us determine whether our model is the right fit.
If appropriate, we will invite your child to take part in a supported orientation period, allowing them to experience the environment gradually and at their own pace.
Following this, we work with families (and relevant professionals, where appropriate) to develop an individual learning and wellbeing plan to support a successful start.
What to Expect
Our enrolment process is intentionally thoughtful and paced. We prioritise strong relationships and a positive transition into the school environment.
Students are supported to build trust, establish routines, and begin engaging with learning over time. Progress looks different for each young person and is built gradually through trust, consistency, and supported challenge.
With clear expectations and strong relationships, students develop confidence, take responsibility, and contribute positively to their community. We work closely with families to ensure clarity, consistency, and ongoing communication.
Our goal is not just enrolment, but a sustainable and meaningful re-engagement with education.
Limited Places / Careful Intake
Southern Skies Montessori is a small school by design. We maintain low student numbers to ensure strong relationships, personalised support, and a calm, structured environment.
For this reason, places are limited and enrolment is carefully considered. We take the time to ensure each placement is the right fit — for the young person, the family, and the school community.
We encourage early conversations, as availability may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Southern Skies Montessori is a Special Assistance School for students in Years 4–9 who have become disengaged from mainstream education or are at risk of exclusion. Many of our students experience anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, or complex learning needs. We provide a small, relationship-based environment where young people can reconnect with learning at their own pace.
Our school combines Montessori principles with trauma-informed practice. We offer small class sizes, flexible learning pathways, and strong wellbeing support. Students are given meaningful responsibility, hands-on work, and real-world learning experiences — all within clear, consistent boundaries that promote safety and independence.
As a Special Assistance School, Southern Skies Montessori provides free, full-time education. We aim to remove financial barriers so that families can access the support their young person needs.
The process begins with an expression of interest, followed by an intake conversation to ensure the school is a good fit. Students then participate in a gentle orientation period before beginning full enrolment. We work closely with families and relevant professionals to develop an individual learning and wellbeing plan from the start.