Welcome to Valdres Montessori

Valdres Montessori is a private school offering a unique approach to learning based on the Montessori philosophy. The school is located in Ulnes, about 10 km west of Fagernes along the E16 road. Attendance is free of charge, except for a small monthly fee that covers food expenses.

The Montessori method is an educational approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and the development of real-world skills.

Discover the Montessori approach

About our school

Valdres Montessori is located in Ulnes and was founded in 2010.

We currently have 41 students from 1st to 10th grade and a staff of 13 dedicated employees.

Most of our students come from the municipalities of Nord-Aurdal and Vestre Slidre. Our primary school is divided into two age groups: one for children aged 6–9 and another for those aged 9–12. The learning environment is carefully designed and adapted to meet the developmental needs of children aged 6–12, supporting collaboration, curiosity, and an understanding of the universe and how everything is connected.

The middle school includes students aged 12–16. Here, both the pedagogy and physical environment are tailored to meet the adolescents’ needs for practical work, academic exploration, creative expression, and a strong sense of social community.

Observation

If you are curious about the Montessori pedagogy, you are warmly welcome to visit and observe our students at work. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to see how the children engage with the specialized learning materials in our carefully prepared environment.

We encourage you to spend some time observing and to jot down any comments or questions you may have, which we can discuss together after your classroom visit.

Please get in touch with us by email or phone, and we will be happy to arrange a suitable time for your visit.

How to apply

We are delighted that you are considering applying for a place for your child at Valdres Montessori. Please download the application form, fill it out, and send it by email to the principal.

You will receive a written response within three weeks.

Feel free to contact us at any time — before, during, or after the application process — if you have any questions or would like more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Montessori schools teach the same fundamental skills as traditional schools and follow a rigorous academic curriculum approved by the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training.

Most subject areas are familiar — such as mathematics, science, history, geography, and language — but they are presented through an integrated approach that connects and interweaves the different strands of learning.

The main difference is that Montessori schools allow each child to learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs, within a carefully prepared environment.

In a Montessori classroom, the teacher’s role is to guide and support rather than to instruct. Each student is encouraged to create their own learning pathway by choosing activities from a structured range of options, fostering independence, curiosity, and self-motivation.