Our Program

About OBX Montessori Collective

Here at Outer Banks Montessori Collective, we provide an alternative to traditional schooling to families on the Outer Banks. We classify ourselves as somewhere between a microschool and a homeschool co-op, deeply rooted in the Montessori philosophy of education. In addition to academics, we focus on community and relationships. Our students enjoy project-based learning, hands-on materials, and real life application, with kind experienced educators in a beautiful Montessori classroom environment.

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We started OBX Montessori Collective in 2019 with seven students operating out of our living rooms. Today we have two multi-age classrooms, two additional staff members, and a sister school (Wilbur Gardens) that we join forces with in the afternoons. We currently serve almost twenty families of children ages 6-14.  Our two component program features a traditional Montessori work cycle followed by lunch, a break with plenty of outdoor time, then an afternoon enrichment program in collaboration with Wilbur Gardens. This unique homeschool model allows our families the flexibility to attend part time and even travel during the school year.

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Montessori Philosophy

Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, this method of education takes a child-centered approach to teaching and learning. Dr. Montessori’s vision for education is rooted in her scientific observations of children. She noted an innate desire to learn, and that children move through specific periods of development she called “sensitive periods.” She believed that a carefully prepared environment facilitates a child’s natural tendency to thrive. As a central component of the prepared environment, the meticulously designed Montessori materials guide the curriculum, particularly in the early childhood and elementary years. 

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Montessori environments are multi-age, and promote peace, collaboration, independence, and intrinsic motivation.