Parents looking at the international schools in Phuket for a very young child often want a nurturing early years setting rather than a large institution, and the Montessori approach is a common starting point. Little Lighthouse Montessori sits within the Lighthouse Phuket schools, a small independent group in the south of the island around Chalong and Rawai whose early years provision draws on Montessori practice.
The Lighthouse approach is described by the school as a creative, Montessori inspired model rather than a strict single method, blending Montessori principles with Waldorf Steiner ideas and the English Early Years Foundation Stage. For families who want that mixed, child led philosophy in the early years, it is one of the island's recognisable boutique options. You can also explore the wider Montessori schools in Phuket to compare settings.
Little Lighthouse at a glance
| Approach | Montessori inspired early years, blended with Waldorf Steiner and the EYFS |
|---|---|
| Part of | The Lighthouse Phuket schools (Chalong kindergarten and the wider Lighthouse group) |
| Stages | Early years and kindergarten; the wider Lighthouse group continues to primary and secondary |
| Method note | Montessori inspired rather than a strictly accredited single method; confirm details with the school |
| Language of instruction | English immersion, with Thai language basics |
| Fee band | Affordable, boutique end of the Phuket market |
| Campus area | Chalong and Rawai, southern Phuket |
Curriculum and academics
In the early years the Lighthouse approach centres on the child, using Montessori ideas of prepared environments, practical life activities and self directed learning, alongside Waldorf Steiner influences and the structure of the English Montessori and Early Years Foundation Stage frameworks. Early literacy is supported through phonics, with arithmetic, science, art, music and outdoor play woven through the day, and Thai language introduced alongside the English immersion.
It is worth being precise about what the school is and is not. Lighthouse describes its model as Montessori inspired and creative rather than a strictly accredited single method programme, so families who specifically want a fully accredited Montessori setting should confirm the exact approach, teacher training and materials directly with the school. Within the wider Lighthouse group, the primary and secondary years move onto a Canadian framework, so the Montessori character is strongest in the early years.
Find the right Phuket school for your child
Answer a few questions and we shortlist three island schools matched to your stage, budget and area.
Little Lighthouse Montessori fees
Little Lighthouse Montessori sits at the affordable, boutique end of the Phuket market. Our guide to international school fees in Phuket places the island's smaller boutique schools well below the large international schools, and early years and kindergarten fees are typically the lowest band of all, which makes a setting like this one of the more accessible ways into international style early education on the island.
As with most Phuket early years settings, expect a registration fee, optional lunch and materials charges and, where offered, transport on top of tuition. Boutique schools rarely run the large capital levies of the big international schools, which keeps the all in figure modest. Use our fee calculator to estimate the annual cost and confirm the current published fees directly with the school, since boutique fee schedules change and we quote bands from market tracking rather than an invented price list.
Admissions
Early years admission at a boutique setting like this is generally straightforward and runs through the year, with places offered subject to availability in the relevant age group. The process is usually an enquiry, a visit and a conversation about the child rather than a formal assessment, which suits the youngest children.
Because boutique early years classes are small, popular age groups can fill, so families relocating to the south of the island should contact the school early. Passports and visa paperwork and any nursery records are the documents to have ready, and a visit in person is the best way to judge whether the approach suits your child.
Location and who goes there
The Lighthouse early years provision is based in the Chalong and Rawai area in the south of Phuket, a part of the island popular with expatriate families and within reach of the southern beaches. The southern location suits families living around Chalong, Rawai and Nai Harn, and is a longer drive for those based in the north around Bangtao and Laguna.
The setting serves a mixed community of expatriate and Thai families drawn to the Montessori inspired philosophy, and its small scale is part of the appeal for parents who want their young child known by name. The Phuket city hub explains how the southern belt compares with the rest of the island, and the Phuket Montessori hub sets out the other Montessori and Montessori inspired settings to consider.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once we can confirm the reviewer is part of the school community. If you have experience of Little Lighthouse Montessori, please share it through our school reviews hub to help other families.
Frequently asked questions
Is Little Lighthouse Montessori a true Montessori school?
Lighthouse describes its early years as Montessori inspired and creative, blending Montessori principles with Waldorf Steiner and the EYFS, rather than a strictly accredited single method programme. Families wanting a fully accredited Montessori setting should confirm the exact approach with the school.
What ages does it take?
It is an early years and kindergarten setting for young children. The wider Lighthouse Phuket group continues to primary and secondary on a Canadian framework, but the Montessori character is strongest in the early years.
How much does Little Lighthouse Montessori cost?
It sits at the affordable, boutique end of the Phuket market, and early years fees are typically the lowest band on the island. Expect a registration fee and optional extras on top of tuition, and confirm current figures with the school.
Where is it?
The Lighthouse early years provision is based in the Chalong and Rawai area in the south of Phuket, convenient for families around the southern beaches.
How do I apply?
Early years admission runs through the year, usually via an enquiry, a visit and a conversation about your child. Contact the school early, as small boutique classes can fill.
