Our school

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What if a school could be a space where children discover that the world is as colorful as the people around them? At MBA, diversity isn’t just an idea—it’s a lived reality. Here, children build meaningful connections with nature, learn to care for the planet, and grow personally, intellectually and within in a community where families from all walks of life come together to share a journey of growth, discovery and joy.

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MBA at a glance

Campus

Our school is set in a beautiful traditional Portuguese building, blending heritage with modern education. Surrounded by nature, the school offers direct access to the forest, providing a unique learning environment where students can explore, discover, and grow in harmony with their surroundings.

Pedagogy

To be curious, self-directed, and engaged; to be compassionate, collaborative, and think critically; to be adaptable and problem solve—these so called “soft skills” are now seen as most necessary for our rapidly changing world. Montessori education focuses on and nurtures all of these with the same level of importance as academic skills.

After-school clubs

Children aged 3.5 and up have the opportunity to participate in a variety of after-school activities, structured in six-week cycles between each holiday break. These activities encourage children to explore new interests, develop skills, and push their boundaries in a supportive environment. Offerings include guitar lessons, woodworking, drama club, inventors’ workshops, and dance classes, among others, with options tailored to different age groups. Each activity is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire curiosity about the world around them.

Nutrition

Our talented Chef prepares every meal and snack fresh in our own professional kitchen, ensuring they are packed with flavor, nutrition, and care. We are committed to offering wholesome meals that are both nourishing and sustainable, using high-quality ingredients. Our Chef even creates home catering dishes, so you’ll never find yourself envying your child’s lunch! By prioritizing fresh, organic produce, we support optimal health and help children reconnect with the source of their food.

Languages

English is our primary language of instruction, meaning children first learn to speak, read, and write in English. At the same time, starting from age one, they receive consistent exposure to Portuguese. This approach enables them to develop strong English proficiency while building a solid foundation in Portuguese, fostering cultural awareness and language skills that support bilingual development.

Forest School Program

Our outdoor learning program fosters a deep connection with nature by giving children the freedom to explore, discover, and learn in a natural setting. Exploring ecosystems and wildlife nurtures curiosity and scientific thinking, while active play enhances coordination, strength, and emotional well-being. Group activities encourage teamwork and communication. Direct engagement with nature also instills a deep respect for the environment and a sense of responsibility for its care.

School calendar

"Children are the future, we are their nurturing present"

Fabienne Mikou, Founder of Montessori Bright Academy

Educational pillars

We offer an individualized education shaped by continuous observation. Our guides assess each child’s development and interests, tailoring lessons to their unique needs. This bespoke approach allows children to progress naturally, moving from foundational concepts to more complex ideas at their own pace. Whether exploring language, geography, art, science, or math, their journey is personalized and purposeful, fostering independence, self-motivation, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our structured curriculum, rooted in scientific pedagogy, provides a clear, progressive learning framework, moving from concrete to abstract, simple to complex, and whole to parts—ensuring each concept builds upon a solid foundation. Through continuous observation, our guides carefully determine when a child is ready to advance, introducing new materials and lessons at just the right moment to spark curiosity and mastery.
We provide extended, uninterrupted work times that give children the time and space to immerse themselves in their work, fostering concentration, independence, and a sense of accomplishment. Within this structure, children are free to choose activities that align with their interests while supported by our Guides carefully designed work plan. This balance of freedom and discipline ensures that learning is not rushed or fragmented but instead unfolds naturally, supporting cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and a true love for discovery.
Our intentional approach to learning is guided by our highly experienced Montessori (AMI) teachers, who are not just educators but experts in observation and child development. In Montessori, teaching is an art that goes far beyond simply presenting lessons—it requires a deep understanding of when to step in, when to step back, and how to carefully guide each child’s unique learning journey. Our teachers spend years refining their ability to observe children with precision, recognizing readiness for new challenges or the need for additional support.
We nurture the whole child, supporting intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Beyond academics, our approach fosters confidence, compassion, and independence, equipping children with skills to thrive in all areas of life.

From day one, children are empowered to make choices, take responsibility, and build independence in a carefully prepared environment. Collaborative interactions foster empathy and conflict resolution, while emotional resilience grows as children navigate challenges with guidance and support. This holistic foundation ensures children are not just academically capable but also emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and deeply connected to the world.
Our classrooms are intentionally designed as multi-age communities, creating a warm, family-like environment where deep relationships flourish between teachers and children, and friendships naturally form across age groups. Younger children look up to and learn from their older peers, while older students develop leadership, empathy, and confidenceby mentoring and guiding the younger ones. This dynamic fosters collaboration, respect, and a true sense of belonging, ensuring every child feels supported and valued within their learning community.
We view education as a partnership, recognizing parents as their child’s first teachers and greatest influence. As an extension of the family, we foster trust, transparency, and open communication, ensuring parents feel supported and involved in their child’s learning. Through meaningful collaboration, we provide families with the tools and resources to nurture growth at home and in school. By embracing a shared commitment to Montessori principles and the best interest of the child, we create a warm, connected community where children thrive.