In 1928, some parents set up the 'Foundation for Senior and Preparatory High Montessori education '. On 11 September 1930 the school started its first day. On the second floor of a house at De Lairessestraat 157 fifteen students, two executives and eight teachers started the lessons. This was unique because
Maria Montessori (who first came to the school in 1932 to see how the school functioned) only focused on primary schools. The second year the number of students doubled, therefore the building across the street (De Lairessestraat 156) also had to be rented. Because the teaching method at the Montessori Lyceum was different from regular schools, it took quite some time before the school was officially recognized (and more important subsidized). ; Jewish Students Around 1940 the school established the Jewish Montessori Lyceum, The aim was to have this school run as parallel as possible to the Montessorilyceum. The Jewish Montessori Lyceum closed in 1942 because there were no more students and teachers left. It was striking that the school seemed to be more concerned to the occupier about the financial consequences of the removal of Jewish students than the measure itself. Presumably this is because there was hope for
subsidy and this seemed to be the best option. In 1941
the Ministry of Education announced that the Montessori Lyceum would be put on the list to be fully subsidized and on 9 October of that same year it was decided that the Montessori Lyceum was fully recognized.
After World War II After the war the school started a period of growth. In 1957 it was time for a move again, this time to the Anthonie van Dijckstraat. In the 1950s there was a lot of experimenting with new pedagogical ideas. Remains of this are the work weeks and the part-schools. At the end of the 60s it almost went wrong. The country became more democratic and people wanted to have more information and participation. Between September 1968 and January 1970, the conflicts played up in full force. It even came so far that a broad-based plan arose to allow external advisers to look at the problem. Ironically, the sudden death of the
rector caused the school to fall into a completely embittered state and all the problems seemed to be gone.
21st century In 2010–2019 the buildings proved insufficient to adapt to the requirements of modern times. It came down to the fact that the buildings from the early days, including the patershuis and chapel, were thoroughly renovated because of the protection of monuments. Two more modern wings were defeated, including a landmark building on the corner of Ruysdaelstraat and Hobbemakade. After renovation of the old buildings, the entrance was located on Nicolaas Maesstraat, after which the "modern buildings" were demolished. The complete refurbishment is expected to take place until 2025. The entrance was moved to Nicolaas Maesstraat 1. ==Notable (old-)students==