SAC Links with Montessori Stand the Test of Time
At first glance, Catherine McAuley and Maria Montessori may not seem like they have much in common—one was an Irish founder of a religious order, the other an Italian doctor and educator. But dig a little deeper, and a shared vision shines through. Both believed in nurturing the potential of every child, especially those on the margins, and both saw the power of education to transform lives.
Today, that same spirit lives on in a truly special partnership between SA Montessori and St Aloysius College (SAC)—a long-standing connection that gently guides little learners from their first day of early childhood education through to their formative school years.
At its heart, the partnership between SA Montessori and St Aloysius College is about more than education. It’s about nurturing whole children—their hearts, minds, and futures.
For many families, SA Montessori learning is where the journey begins—and Mercy-based learning at SAC is a natural next step.
That sense of continuity is no accident. Tucked into the north-eastern corner of SAC’s historic city campus, Chancery Lane Montessori has been part of the College community for over 15 years. In fact, SAC’s connection to Montessori education dates back to the 1940s, when our Heritage buildings housed one of Adelaide’s first Montessori learning centres.
St Aloysius College Montessori, 1940s
Chancery Lane Montessori, 2024/25
Rebeka, mother of Zara, now in Year 4 at SAC, says, “we wanted Zara’s first learning experience to feel like an extension of home—safe, nurturing and aligned with our family values. Finding a Montessori environment that flowed so beautifully into a primary school like SAC gave us the confidence we were doing what was best for her future.”
From the very start, children at Chancery Lane Montessori are immersed in the wider SAC community. They join in events like Book Week, Science Week, and Mercy Day, and enjoy regular visits to the Catherine McAuley Library. Whether it’s building sculptures out of canned goods for the annual Can Drive, or setting up cookie stalls to celebrate community, these little learners are already growing into curious, compassionate citizens.
When it’s time to transition into Reception, those first steps into “big school” feel familiar and exciting, rather than daunting.
“The transition from Chancery Lane to SAC is seamless,” says Rebeka. “Zara walked in a little nervous, but left on day one with a beaming smile.”
Montessori and Reception students at SAC transitioning; Year 4 student Zara, pictured in the middle with her peers.
Discovery Days at SAC help with that, too. Held twice a year for girls from early learning centres across Adelaide, these hands-on experiences allow them to explore real classrooms, meet specialist teachers, and be welcomed by older students. Families are invited to join in the fun, offering a unique window into what school life at SAC is really like.
“We create an environment that’s multi-modal, nurturing and engaging,” explains Primary Coordinator Abby Matte. “Our older girls also step in to support, building those beautiful cross-age connections we’re so proud of.”
SAC Transition and Careers Week with Montessori students
From the warm relationships to the aligned educational philosophies, it’s clear why so many families see SAC as the perfect next step after Montessori.
“We love the SAC community—there’s a real sense of care and belonging here,” Rebeka reflects. “From the leadership team to teachers and fellow families, it’s a place where we feel seen and supported.”
While Catherine McAuley and Maria Montessori never met, their shared legacy continues to flourish—right here, where little hands reach for bright dreams.
