Knysna's Montessori School has been in existence since 1997. During this time, Head Directress, Taddy Beyleveld, in keeping with Montessori tradition, has created a place where young people are treated with respect and have the opportunity to learn the skills they need for a successful life. Montessori is an educational system that nurtures young people, giving them attitudes and abilities to help them become happy, contributing members of society, and striving to develop the "whole" child. It is also important however, to realize that the system is completely in line with the Education Department's plan, and therefore any child moving from Montessori to mainstream will easily adapt.
Having recently completed a successful research trip in the United States, where Montessori is particularly widespread, Ms. Beyleveld and the Trustees of the BMS Trust have decided to expand the existing Knysna "junior " Montessori school to a High School in 2004, beginning with the 12- 15 year old group. Based on her research in America, this school will ideally be in a farming environment, where the students 'will be exposed to personal experiences in dealing with the realities which bring the theory to life'. The students will, in fact, be "living" the Montessori curriculum for Grades 7 to 9. Teachers and pupils alike will help one another to create inspiration for life and learning.