Welcome to Benin Casa Montessori School

"I never had any worries about sending any of my five children to Maria McGrath in Benin Casa Montessori as I always knew they were in a very safe, caring and nurturing environment"
Mary Crowe, Parent

"Your school is unique in its building and in it's location; I have visited no other that would offer similar experiences of the natural world. It's unique in its atmosphere as you have stamped all with your loving interest in the child and created and maintained an environment in which he can be satisfyingly active. I have no doubt but that every child is enriched greatly by spending time in Benin Casa and every parent is affirmed in his/her rearing job by the way Maria shares in it"
Inspector from the AMI

The School

Benin Casa is a unique Montessori School with a large outside play area in Ballyvelly, Tralee. We aim to nurture the homely atmosphere so important to small children going to school for the first time. Maria McGrath, owner of Benin Casa, has over 30 years experience in Montessori teaching and is proprietor of the longest running Montessori School in Tralee

The school is licensed by the A.A.T.I. (Association of A.M.I. Montessori Teachers of Ireland), accredited by the I.M.E.B and follows the Montessori philosophy and teaching principles. The school age range is from 3 years to 6 years of age.

Come and visit

Parents are invited to come and view the facilities and experience the unique atmosphere that Benin Casa has to offer in abundance.

If you are interested in applying to our school drop in or click to download our application form.

Going for a Walk in the Park

Free Childcare

Benin Casa Montessori offers one years free childcare as part of the Free Pre-School Year in Early Chilhood ECCE Scheme. Additional childcare from 12:30pm to 1:30pm is optional for a small additional payment.

Click here to view the ECCE Scheme information leaflet.

Open Times

The school is open from 9am to 1:30pm Monday to Friday. We close for the month of August and two weeks at Christmas.

We run camps at Easter, Halloween and during the month of July.

What is Montessori?

Our Montessori Pre-School aims to assist in the entire development of your child. Montessori is much more than a method; it is a whole attitude of care and respect for young children. It is based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s observations of children. She developed a system of education whereby your child will develop their capabilities at their own pace and without being compared to others. It is based on the idea of freedom, within limits, so that your child will gain concentration, self-confidence and independence.