~ Ken Robinson
Who We Are
As mothers, we found ourselves increasingly disillusioned with the traditional education system. Our incredible children—bright, curious, and full of potential—were becoming anxious, self-critical, and losing confidence. Even at the pre-primary level, the pressure to achieve felt disproportionate. We saw our children being pushed to conform to one way of being, rather than being celebrated for who they are.
We knew there had to be a better way.
The Beginning
With few progressive schooling options in the Cape Town City Bowl, we decided to create the kind of school we wished existed. In 2016, we began exploring what this could look like. We immersed ourselves in research, attending international conferences, engaging with educators and professors, and studying the most progressive and innovative educational models around the world.
Through this journey, we came to believe that the risk of leaving our children in the traditional system was far greater than the risk of starting something new.
The Birth of Maara House
In January 2017, Maara House opened its doors with Grades 1–3. By 2018, we welcomed Grade R, and have continued to grow each year with the vision of becoming a full primary school through Grade 6/7.
From the start, our hope has been that every child who walks through our doors:
Develops a lifelong love of learning
Builds confidence and self-awareness
Learns to value both themselves and others
Feels free to pursue their passions with curiosity and courage
Our Journey Continues
In 2020, Lauren and her family relocated to the Eastern Cape to pursue their dream of farm life and explore unschoolingwith their child. Taryn continues to uphold the ethos of Maara House, leading and nurturing the school community with unwavering dedication. She works closely with Cheryl, our Principal, who manages the school onsite with remarkable heart and commitment, ensuring that every day at Maara House reflects our values and vision.
With warmth and gratitude,
Taryn, Lauren & Cheryl
Maara means conscious and aware in Igbo. It’s a word that gets to the heart of our approach.
Listen to each other
Care for ourselves and each other
Be patient with ourselves and each other
We help each other
Everyone matters
We are all different and that is ok
We work together
The 3 way partnership – child, adult and environment
Taking responsibility for myself and my things
Mistakes are allowed – own up so we can make a plan and learn from it
What was my contribution?
Speak up when unhappy
Ask for help
Always wanting to be interested and to learn
Consider other views / ways of seeing things (what am I not seeing? How could I see this differently)
Be thankful for what we have
Look for opportunities to appreciate at all times
