Testimonials
Smart Start is THE BEST childcare and Montessori we could have hoped for — we highly recommend it.Our daughter spent over two years (age 3-5) here and graduated last week, and saying goodbye was emotional for all the right reasons. Smart Start has truly been the best place outside our home that she could have been looked after. One of the best decisions we’ve made for our child!The teachers genuinely honour the Montessori philosophy, nurturing each child as an individual and encouraging independence, confidence, and a love of learning at their own pace. The environment is calm, respectful, and thoughtfully prepared, allowing children to feel safe, capable, and curious every day.Our daughter grew so much during her time here — socially, emotionally, and academically — and she leaves with beautiful memories and strong foundations. We will always be deeply thankful for the role this Montessori played in her early years
My daughter Kayla is now 4 years old and has been at Smart Start for almost 2 years. I had personal experience at Montessori growing up and was ideally looking for a Montessori style center when looking for places to start her education journey because I loved Montessori so much myself - I visited a few centers in Central Auckland and Smart Start was the stand out by far.Rebecca and the teachers (Ms Jenny, Mrs Anulani and Ms Shayal!) were incredibly warm and welcoming, and the classrooms are well set up, well run and always calm. Kayla starting at 2.5years old was a big transition, and the teachers really handle that early transition with so much care. Kayla settled in so well, and I'm very grateful that she's had such a wonderful start to life in "school", she loves the environment, made lovely friends, and her development has been excellently supported by Smart Start. There's lots of play, learning, structure/routines, a gradual progression towards writing and reading, and truly a lot of joy in the classroom which is exactly what I was hoping for as we get closer to "big school" age.The teachers are consistent, thoughtful, kind and warm and manage their rooms well, there's very low turnover - thank you all again so much for everything you've done for Kayla, I really couldn't recommend Smart Start enough and we would have loved to stay on if we hadn't moved out of the area!
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Smart Start. The teachers are truly incredible, they make learning fun, engaging, and meaningful. What stands out most is how they take the time to really understand each child, not only in terms of their learning style but also their social relationships and emotional needs. There’s a wonderful balance between structured learning and outdoor play, and it’s clear that every part of the day is designed to nurture curiosity and growth.We’ve seen such a remarkable transformation in our daughter- physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. We are beyond proud of the confident, kind, and capable little girl she’s become, and we know that Smart Start has played a huge part in shaping this foundation during such a pivotal stage in her life.A very special mention to Jenny, Shayal, Anulani, and Anne — you’ve been instrumental in Kaira's academic and personal growth. Your encouragement, patience, and positivity have helped her believe in herself and embrace challenges with confidence.And a heartfelt shoutout to Rebecca, the wonderful director of the centre. She goes above and beyond to connect with every child and family. No question is ever too small, she’s always approachable, warm, and genuinely invested in every child’s journey. It’s been such an honour to be part of your Smart Start family, Rebecca.Thank you to the entire team for everything you’ve done. We miss you all so much, but we’ll be back very soon with our twins! 💛
I have two children and have experienced four different ECE centres. Smart Start Montessori is by far the best - I am so impressed!We’re so glad we made the move and enrolled our daughter Jianna here. She’s so happy, and we’re absoloutely thrilled with her progress!The teachers are incredibly kind and dedicated, and it’s clear they’re well looked after - many of them have been at the centre for years. I’m especially impressed by the one-on-one reading sessions, and how they incorporate English, maths, science, and other school-readiness skills into their teaching. They are also big on celebrating the different cultures within the centre, which is great!Enrolling Jianna at Smart Start Montessori has truly been one of the best decisions we’ve made!
My daughter had the best time with Smart Start. Teachers are amazing and took care of my daughter so nicely. The whole staff gave her extra attention due to her medical requirements. The perfect balance of academic and extra curriculum made it perfect for her to be ready for school.
An excellent Montessori Preschool. It’s a beautiful space, and the teachers are truly exceptional. They are very experienced, incredibly kind, and genuinely care for each child. They take the time to help children understand concepts, complete activities, and also support them in learning to read and write. There is also a nice balance of group activities and outdoor play.The manager, Rebecca, is fantastic—so friendly, approachable, and quick to respond. She really takes the time to get to know each child and their family, which makes the whole experience feel very personal.While it’s never easy to leave your child in someone else’s care, it’s been such a comfort knowing our daughter has been in the best hands possible. We’ve absolutely loved Smart Start Montessori Preschool and would highly recommend it.
Our daughter has absolutely loved this special Montessori school. From the moment we enrolled our family was welcomed so warmly. The teachers and owners really go the extra mile to ensure a really excellent educational and social experience for the children. The teachers are very attentive, patient and knowledgeable and they produce multiple stories and parent communications each week to make sure parents really feel involved. There are lots of social activities throughout the year and the school makes a particular effort to recognise and acknowledge important cultural events. We are very sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful teachers and Rebecca, the owner, as our daughter now starts primary. Thank you for a wonderful experience. 😊
My daughter loves Smart Start! The teacher put lots of effort into providing high quality teaching and learning environment. I can see the learning happening every day. She is now well prepared for school. I don't think I can find such a good teaching team anywhere else🥰. we will definitely send our second child to Smart Start and recommend it to our friends.
Absolutely incredible place for children to learn, grow and flourish. Our two daughters went there as part of their transition to school after growing up in a non-english speaking environment. The whole process of integrating into a new environment was absolutely seamless for our children, they enjoyed every moment of their time at the Smart Staart. Teachers are kind, they provide heaps of entertainment and activities for kids.The foundation given at smart start is amazing for school, giving kids advantage academically when they start their primary school studies.Thank you very much for taking care of our girls 👧 👧
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional care and attention you have provided to my daughter at Smart Start. My daughter has learnt so much from day one. If you are looking for a good preschool “SMART START” is definitely one of the best preschools in central Auckland. Thank you again for all the support, love, and guidance. Merry Xmas and have a wonderful holiday.
A preschool cannot be missed!My daughter started at Smart Start since she was three. We absolutely loved here.A huge thank you to the lovely teachers Sarah, Sophie, Anne and Jenny, for all the effort over the past two years. The amount of attention, care and love they’ve given Fay is massive and unforgettable❤️One of the good things I love about Montessori is everyday children get the chance to sit down properly and focus on their little task, which is great for developing their attention sense. Having time to free play, to focus and to do circle time, this gives them a great habit of getting ready for school.We love this center and will highly recommend Smart Start to friends around us. Book a visit with lovely principal Rebecca, you will be impressed too!
best daycare/choice for my son! the team really nurtured & his abilities. he was able to really excel in his numeracy and literacy and is very well prepared for school. thankyou for everything!!!
I wanted to send a big THANK YOU to Smart Start for all the hard work their amazing team have been doing. During the 1.5 years my child went to Smart Start, we’ve seen his social skills develop tremendously. But also his reading, writing and counting too. Thank you so much for all the attention and support you give to all the children.I know my son is ready and confident for Primary School and a big part of that is thanks to his time at Smart Start 🙂
We make decisions for our children’s future everyday, some good, some bad and some life changing and so amazing.This is one of those decisions.We decided to move our kids from what felt like an institutional day care to a loving structured environment. At first, we were skeptical about Montessori style of learning but quickly found after research and proof of our children’s happiness that this was a good decision; actually, a life changing amazing decisions.We’ve been apart of this loving family for 5 years through our two children who have both come out so ready for school and are now thriving in their new place called “school”.If you’re sitting on the fence or don’t know anything about Montessori we suggest learning - it’s a game changer.As for the facility and teachers here - they are warm, loving and exceptional. They were our children’s extended family.To date, (our kids now 6 and 5) this has been the best parenting decisions we’ve made.Thank you so much to the beautiful (long tenured) teachers, management and the other beautiful children who have played a massive role in our children’s future.Niran and Niriksha Iswar
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have my son in Smart Start Montessori. The teachers exhibit remarkable professionalism and warmth, fostering an environment where my son thrives. He has formed a deep attachment to his teacher and peers, and under their guidance, he has cultivated essential values such as respect, politeness, appreciative, friendly and caring towards others. He also has wonderful literacy and numeracy skills through the guidelines by his teachers.Without hesitation, I express Smart Start Montessori as the epitome of preschool excellence. Reflecting on my experience, I have no doubt that if given the chance to rewind time, I would choose to entrust all my other boys to this preschool. As my son recently celebrated his graduation, I am certain that he will cherish the memories and relationships forged during his time here.Highly recommend to parents with younger children to join this lovely team!
Sending our child to Smart Start Montessori was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Our child went to Smart Start for about a year and graduated with excellent learning skills particularly in reading and maths, plus some practical life skills.Our girl has become a confident, independent, and respectful little lady who loves to learn, and has now started school with confidence . Smart Start has given her a good foundation for school and the gift of the love of learning.The entire staff is kind and loving, Montessori qualified and trained, encouraging each child to tackle new tasks & learning experiences they may not be familiar with.The Kowhai room structure provides a calm & relaxed, supportive & nurturing ambience and our child just thrives in this learning environment. The close relationships our child has formed with other children are a model of the respect and caring that surrounds them.We love the stability and continuity of the staff, the warm, inviting & involved owner Rebecca and the amazing programs at Smart Start . There has been little to no staff turnover. Good job Smart Start.Special thanks & appreciation to Ms Shayal & Ms Anulani for their care & dedication, who have sparked a love of reading & learning in our child. Ms Ann is a fantastic teacher too.Highly recommend this little gem to anyone who like good structured learning programs for their kids.
This is the best Montessori preschool we have experienced, both the teachers and the teaching quality are very good. My son has been well taken care during the school years and he just graduated last week. I would like to say big thank to all the teachers there, especially the Pohutukawa class! I am strongly recommending SmartStart Montessori to all parents who are looking for a preschool.
I wholeheartedly recommend Smart Start Montessori! Our daughter attended for a year aged 4 and has just graduated. She has flourished under the care of this caring, passionate and professional team. The teachers understand the children very well and help kids to navigate challenges as well as encourage their strengths in a nurturing and supportive environment. It is a smaller centre with a loving and involved principal who knows her pupils and their families. I remember my first visit there and being blown away by kids with beautiful manners and engaged in their chosen tasks. I feel that our daughter is a confident, caring and happy learner who is well prepared for starting school thanks to the team here.
My daughter has been graduate from smart start, we think Rebecca as a successful owner who ownd a high quality educator group for children and very well organized.Sarah as the room teacher has very high standard for children and also for herself, without her experienced teaching skill, the elaborative designing of teaching scheme and motived attitude，Chamilia won't get this much progress especially on math and reading!Sophie is a vivacious, happy and full of spirit teacher. She is always full of energy to playing and caring Chamilia.Ann is definitely an sophisticated and informed teacher which can answer all the questions that Chamilia asked her.Yaping obviously is a friendly and heartwarming teacher who always be patient and passion all the time to Chamilia.My daughter is so lucky can have all of them in her life
I want to say thank you to all the wonderful staff in Smart Start for providing Great learning experience for my son Ian.He was well cared and happily educated during his time there.
Smart start was definitely the best fit for both of our girls. Thank you for creating such a practical, calm, nurturing, positive space for them to develop in their life & education skills! They both started school with confidence and are continuing to go from strength to strength 😊
Yayy!!! My little boy just graduated today, Thanks to all teachers for taking care of my son, he has learnt lots from smart start and had a lot of fun here. All teachers are very patient and responsible. We are very grateful to all the teachers.
My girl was in Smart Start Montessori for two years, she enjoyed everyday she spent in there and we have seen her progressed so much!All the teachers are supportive , friendly and caring. We are very thankful to have Sarah, Summer, Yaping and Sophine, they prepared my girl well to start her primary school. Rebecca is also welcoming, loving and easy to communicate.Smart Start Montessori is definately the right place to start kids’ learning journey.
My son attended for about 1.5 years. We were really pleased to see the progress he made while here- especially with his numeracy, but also in his social interactions and empathy.I love that staff turnover is low, so the kids really get to form a relationship with their teachers. They genuinely care about the kids and seeing them learn and grow.Smartstart was great preparation for our son starting school, he has had absolutely no issues settling in. I would definitely recommend this daycare to others.
