About Us
Our Story
ELF Montessori began as a journey of love and discovery. What started in a home setting — with the simple intention to homeschool my own child — soon blossomed into a community of families drawn to the Montessori way of life. Parents and children from the neighborhood saw the peace, joy, and independence it nurtured, and they encouraged me to open a preschool. What began as a small, homely environment has grown into a thriving school that now serves children from ages 3–9 in Islamabad.
Our Mission
At ELF Montessori, our mission is to inspire a lifelong love for learning in every child. We strive to create an environment where children grow as curious thinkers, independent doers, and compassionate human beings. Our vision is to nurture individuals who are spiritually grounded and modern in their thoughts — capable of living with balance, wisdom, and confidence in today’s world.
Our Philosophy
We follow the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori with integrity and depth, guided by the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) framework. Our work is inspired by the highest global standards of Montessori education, as represented by associations such as AMI and AMS.
We believe that education is not just about academics — it is about shaping the whole child. At ELF, children learn through hands-on exploration, develop concentration and independence, and practice collaboration and respect. Montessori, much like Islam, is not merely a method but a way of living — one that places harmony, responsibility, and dignity at its heart.
Our Environment
Every classroom at ELF is a prepared environment — carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of children. From the Roots Room for ages 3–4, to Sprout Space for ages 4–6, to the Learning Loft for ages 6–9, each stage offers continuity of growth, building on the last. Our spaces are intentionally simple, beautiful, and filled with Montessori materials that invite exploration and discovery.
Though we have grown beyond our homely beginnings, the warmth of a family environment remains. ELF is more than a school — it is a community where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to become their best selves.
Founder’s Note
ELF Montessori began not as a plan, but as a journey of love and discovery. My inspiration was simple: I wanted to homeschool my own child. In that search, I discovered the Montessori philosophy — and it resonated deeply. Montessori, like Islam, is more than just a system; it is a way of living. Both place value on respect, independence, responsibility, and harmony with the world around us.
I began to practice Montessori at home, preparing the environment for my child and witnessing the joy of natural learning. Soon, other children and parents from the community were drawn to this way of learning. They saw the change, the peace, and the joy it brought. It was they who encouraged me — in fact, insisted — that I open a preschool. I had never imagined it, but the idea took on a life of its own.
What started as a small home environment has now grown into ELF Montessori: a community where children and families come together in the spirit of curiosity, independence, and lifelong love for learning. At ELF, our vision is not only to nurture independent learners but to raise individuals who are spiritually grounded and modern in their thoughts — capable of living with compassion, confidence, and wisdom in today’s world.
— Maham Rehmani & Family