The Centro Montessori Cortina, located in the mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites, is an educational center founded in 1997. Run by a group of dedicated volunteer parents, it offers a bilingual (Italian-English) environment and combines traditional Montessori principles with more contemporary approaches, including those inspired by Rebecca Wild. Learning at the center is deeply connected to the surrounding nature, encouraging children to explore and engage with the mountain environment as part of their educational journey.
The school welcomes children from infancy through elementary age. It includes a Montessori nursery for ages 1 to 3, where bilingualism is introduced early on; a preschool program known as âCasa dei Bambiniâ for ages 3 to 6, with enhanced English language learning; and a bilingual elementary school for children from 6 to 11 years old. In 2019, the elementary school was officially recognized as a âparitariaâ (state-recognized private school) by the Veneto Region. In 2020, the bilingual program was extended to include the nursery and preschoolâmarking a first of its kind in Italy.
Despite this progress, the center has faced some serious challenges. Starting from the 2018â2019 school year, the local government suspended funding to the school due to issues surrounding mandatory vaccination policies. This led to financial strain and legal disputes with the Municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Still, the Centro Montessori Cortina remains a respected and resilient educational presence in the region. It continues to offer a child-centered approach rooted in respect, independence, and a strong connection to the natural world. For more information, visit their website
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English Mothertongue wanted at a Montessori School in the Dolomites, Italy
