Who We Are

The Danish Montessori Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Montessori principles accessible to people of all ages - from early childhood to adulthood and later life.

Our members include parents, educators, students, professionals, and seniors who value self-directed, respectful learning.

Founded on the legacy of the first Danish Montessori Society in 1917, we continue the work of pioneering educators who introduced and championed Montessori in Denmark. Today, we build on that rich history by connecting people, sharing knowledge, and supporting authentic Montessori practice in communities across the country.

A Brief History of Montessori in Denmark

The Early Days
Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini in Rome on 6 January 1907. Just four years later, in 1911, the first Danish article about Montessori was published by Marie Helm, likely one of two cousins running a Montessori school in Korsør.

Expansion Across Denmark
By the mid-20th century, Montessori education was widespread in Denmark — in schools, colleges, children’s homes, and institutions for children with disabilities. Advertisements in the Danish translation of The Secret of Childhood in the late 1930s listed at least nine Montessori schools for 3–6 year olds.

Publications and Training
The Danish Montessori Society published many articles, and several of Dr. Montessori’s books were translated into Danish. Danish authors also wrote about the method, including Sigurd Næsgaard’s 1924 book on Egelunds School — an Erdkinder-style environment for children aged 3–15.

Founding of the First Danish Montessori Society
The first Danish Montessori Society was founded in 1917, ten years after the first Casa.

Pioneers of Montessori in Denmark

  • Thora Constantin Hansen (1867–1954) – Founder of the first Danish Montessori Society, translator of Montessori books, lifelong advocate for children at risk.

  • Johannes Rosback – Founded Egelundshuset in 1943, a home and school for children at risk.

  • George Julius Arvin (1880–1962) – Co-founder of a Montessori school in Frederiksberg; later founded Bernadotteskolen.

  • Sigurd Næsgaard (1883–1956) – Organizer of the first Danish Montessori Course in 1928; author on education and psychoanalysis.

  • Sofie Rifbjerg (1886–1981) – First Danish woman to earn a Master’s in Psychology; director of Montessori training courses until 1949.

  • Ranghild Hoff (1909–1993) – Montessori teacher, school founder, and humanitarian.

Dr. Montessori’s Visits to Denmark
Dr. Montessori visited Denmark twice:

  1. During the 5th World Congress of the New Education Fellowship in Helsingør, where delegates met in Kronborg Castle’s Knights Hall.

  2. At the 6th International Montessori Congress in Copenhagen (1937) on Education and Peace.

Famous Montessori Alumni in Denmark

  • Falke Bang – Artist and illustrator.

  • Leif Panduro – Writer and playwright.