Casa Mia Montessori Community School

Bassendean is a friendly, riverside suburb about 12 km north-east of Perth, sitting right on the Swan River. It has a community-focused, family-friendly feel, with heritage spots like the Bassendean Masonic Lodge and the Western Australian Rail Transport Museum adding local character. The area has seen a big jump in median house values over the past five years, pointing to a growing, family-oriented market. You’ll find a mix of established homes and newer families settling in, drawn by the leafy streets and easy access to the water. It’s the kind of place where neighbours nod hello and weekend walks along the river are a regular habit. The suburb feels safe and welcoming, with a relaxed pace that’s still close enough to the city for work or play.

Casa Mia Montessori Community School runs on a Montessori multi-age classroom model, where children learn at their own pace in a non-competitive, self-directed way. The school brings in named specialist subjects to enrich the day: Sport includes formal movement lessons, fitness sessions, cooperative games, and yoga three mornings a week with a specialist teacher. Digital Technologies is taught as its own subject, alongside Visual Art and Music. Each term ends with assembly performances that blend drama, music, dance, and theatre, giving kids a chance to shine on stage. The approach is about building confidence and curiosity rather than comparing grades, which many parents find refreshing. Class sizes stay small, and the mixed-age groups let older children mentor younger ones naturally.

The school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, with gates opening at 8:00 am and the office staffed from 8 am to 4 pm. This means you’ll want to call the school directly at (08) 9279 2209 to ask about current arrangements—they may have options or point you to local providers. Many working parents in the area coordinate with neighbours or use nearby services, so it’s worth asking around once you’re settled. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements.

Weeknight dinners in Bassendean are easy and tasty. 8 Napkins Burger on Old Perth Road serves stacked burgers, wings, and loaded sides in a casual, unpretentious room—perfect for a quick bite or takeaway. Raani Palace, also on Old Perth Road, is a well-reviewed Indian takeaway and restaurant known for its curries and garlic naan, ideal for a flavourful night in. Bassendean Oriental Restaurant at 27 Old Perth Road offers a wide variety of Asian dishes for dine-in or takeaway, doubling as a handy option when you don’t feel like cooking. These three spots cover the basics—burgers, Indian, and Asian—so you’ll never be stuck for dinner ideas. For groceries, the Town of Bassendean’s business listings include local food options, though you may need to head a bit further for a full supermarket shop.

Getting around is straightforward. Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. Several bus routes also serve the suburb, connecting you to the broader Transperth network. For extra academic support, Success Tutoring runs a dedicated centre right in Bassendean, offering English and other subjects with positive parent reviews. Ezy Math and English Tutoring lists 76 English tutors in the 6054 area, providing in-home or online options. Whether you need a quick train ride to work or a tutor for your child, the basics are covered locally.

Start by calling the school office at (08) 9279 2209 to arrange a tour and ask about before- and after-school care. While you’re there, chat with the teachers about how the Montessori approach might suit your child’s personality. Take a weekend drive through Bassendean to get a feel for the neighbourhood—stop by the river, check out the local eateries, and maybe grab a burger at 8 Napkins. If you’re commuting, test the train ride from Bassendean station to Perth to see how it feels. And if tutoring might be needed down the track, you know where to look. Welcome to a warm, welcoming community.