1st Term

14 January 2026 – 27 March 2026

2nd Term

8 April 2026 – 26 June 2026

3rd Term

21 July 2026 – 23 September 2026.

4th Term

6 October 2026 – 9 December 2026.

1st Term: 14 January 2026 - 27 March 2026

2nd Term: 8 April 2026 - 26 June 2026

3rd Term: 21 July 2026 - 23 September 2026

4th Term: 6 October 2026 - 9 December 2026

About Us

Our Montessori

Ms Lutfiyah Essa’s Internationally Recognised credentials in Education are concise and she has over 15 years’ experience in Early Childhood Development including working with Grade RR and toddlers. She is a Foundation Phase Specialist Grade R Educator and has served her teaching practice in various Primary Schools in and around Durban.                                                   

Iqra Montessori Pre-school embraces the Montessori philosophy and follows the South African CAPS Curriculum throughout the graded groups. Educational activities are selected and prepared to develop and enhance each of the 8 Multiple Intelligences that all children possess a combination of. Incorporated 21st century Blended learning teaching strategy into the academic year through a temporary online enriching programme is a pilot project started in 2022.

Iqra Montessori Age Admission is between 3 years to 6 years with Quarterly Rubric Progress Reports which are handed to parents.

Principal Teacher: Ms Lutfiyah Essa , B.Ed. Foundation Phase, Montessori Dip, E.C.D Cert, Developmental Psych Cert.

Breakdown of School Fees 2026

  • R1900 Annual Registration fee (All stationery, art supplies and workbooks provided)

  • R3000 School fees per term

  • Free Unplugged Coding & Robotics for all groups

  • Free Islamic Lessons for all groups

Mission Statement

Our childcare environment is based on innovative leadership in early childhood education, preparing children for success at school and beyond. The school’s mission is to provide an Elite, School Readiness and On-going research-based learning environment to provide the most up-to-date pedagogies for child development and early childhood education. Incorporating the Montessori philosophy as well as other theories of learning in recognition of differentiation. Through engagement with local schools, we make the transition to school seamless which sets learners up for success.

Testimonials

What Do Our Parents Have To Say ?

Mrs S Mcnamara

"Ms. Essa is wonderful with the children"

Mrs R Hoosen

"My son has gained a vast general knowledge"

Mrs N Omar

"Ms. Lutfiyah Essa prepares artistic activities in her craft program"

Mrs N Hajari

"Iqra Montessori Pre-School has impacted positively in my child's development"

Mrs BD Maharaj (HOD)

Dearest Lutfiyah, I know what a dedicated, hardworking and respectful person you are. I admired your sincerity to the profession and the impeccable manner in which you carried yourself. As the management, I was so proud to have you at our school. Your personality, demeanour, perseverance, compassion, love and knowledge will certainly be an asset in the educational field.

Mrs Bibi. A Phili

Dear Lutfiyah Maám & Haneefa Maám, As we close out the second term, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all your hard work and dedication. This term was certainly a challenge, but it was also an eye opening experience for many of us parents. When we stepped into your shoes, even if just for a week, we gained a deeper appreciation for the effort and patience that goes into teaching our children, seeing our kids more sharper in thinking and more bright, it’s beautiful to see. The online blended learning approach has been truly transformative, and it’s amazing to see how it’s opened up new possibilities for our kids. We witnessed firsthand the creativity and passion you both bring to your work, and it did’nt go unnoticed…….”

Iqra Montessori Pre-school, where children self-invent.