About us
About Arcadia Montessori
Arcadia is a Montessori environment in Corbeanca, Ilfov County, North of Bucharest, built around two essential things: safety and autonomy.
Our mission
We prepare the environment. The child does the rest.
At Arcadia Montessori, our mission is to offer every child an environment prepared for their development – in the classroom and outdoors – where they can explore, experiment and become, step by step, independent.
Our vision
Children who are independent, confident and attentive to others
We want to help shape children who are independent, confident and able to make decisions for themselves, without losing sight of the needs and rights of those around them.
- A child who takes initiative, starts, perseveres and sees things through.
- A child who can cooperate, but can also say "no".
- A child who recognises their own limits and respects those of others.
- A child who can respond to inappropriate behaviour without giving up their own voice.
What we believe
Six principles you can see every day
Kindness and gentleness
We look at the child with respect for who they are now, not only for the adult they will become. They still depend on the adult and, at the same time, have a remarkable will to become independent.
Emotional safety
When things are hard, the adult remains available. We do not deny the child's emotion or try to make it disappear. We stay with them and give them the security of knowing they are not alone.
Freedom in a safe environment
We prepare the environment so the child can explore freely, within clear limits that protect them, others and the environment around them.
Movement
For a child, movement is not separate from learning. The Arcadia environment constantly offers opportunities to move, indoors and outdoors.
Individuality
There is no single path that suits every child. We observe each child and respect their pace, interests and way of discovering the world.
Community and respect for differences
We learn to be together without being identical. Children can have different opinions, choices and needs and still respect each other and cooperate.
WHY ARCADIA CAME TO LIFE
It started with a simple question
What would a place look like where the child does not have to constantly conform to the activity proposed by the adult?
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During a visit to a traditional kindergarten, I saw children involved in activities set for them, whether or not they were ready for or interested in them. The environment felt intrusive to me, and the children seemed reserved.
Then, for the first time, I walked into a Montessori environment. The children chose their own materials. They worked independently. They were focused and engaged in what they were doing. The adult was subtly present, but did not occupy the centre of the child's experience.
The difference stayed with me.
I realised how much I myself would have loved, as a child, a place where I could choose what I wanted to explore, try at my own pace and discover on my own – without someone immediately stepping in to tell me "that's not how it's done" or "you're good at this".
From this idea Arcadia Montessori was born: an environment where the child has space to try, to make mistakes, to repeat and, gradually, to say with confidence: “I can do it myself.”
Alina Umbreș, founder of Arcadia Montessori
Meet the teamWhat the child finds at Arcadia
Safety and autonomy, in the classroom and outside
Prepared Montessori classrooms
Montessori materials and Montessori-trained teachers, who observe the child and guide them without taking the experience away from them.
A 1,000 m² garden and a gym
Three outdoor climbing areas and an indoor gym. Movement is part of every day, not just a single hour.
English and workshops
English is present in the environment, and the children's experiences are complemented by dance, art and financial education through play.
A team that keeps learning
The team constantly develops its practice through Montessori education and training.
The “Arcadia Montessori” Extended Day Kindergarten holds a provisional operating authorisation under Order of the Minister of Education no. 5147 of 24 July 2023, for the preschool level, the Montessori educational alternative, Romanian as the language of instruction and an extended day, starting with the 2023–2024 school year.
See the galleryAnd when things are hard
The quality of a kindergarten is revealed in the hard moments
Missing mum, fear, anger or protest are not states we need to distract the child from. We do not ask them to forget what they feel by anchoring them in an activity, and we do not try to diminish their emotion with an “it will be fine”. We stay beside them.
“I can see this is hard for you and that you miss your mum. It is natural to want to go to her when you feel scared. I am here with you. You are not alone.”
A child does not need to be happy every moment to be safe. They need to discover that they can get through a difficult moment with an adult who sees their emotion and stays present. This is how, at Arcadia, the child develops the capacity for self-regulation, through co-regulation with an adult.
What parents say
Arcadia families say:
“Wonderful, warm educators who get deeply involved in the children's activities. For my child it was the best choice. Empathy and confidence in one's own abilities were the most precious qualities nurtured during the three years spent at this kindergarten. I gladly recommend it to everyone looking for a Montessori-style kindergarten!”
“An extraordinary team, made up of wonderful people, who give children a great deal of care, attention and involvement in every activity. My little boy settled in very easily and was welcomed into this community with great warmth. We are grateful for all the support and dedication we received. I recommend it with complete confidence!”
The best way to understand Arcadia is to see it
Book a visit and come see the environment, meet the team and get a feel for the rhythm of a day with us.
or call 0724 557 667