Delivering blended learning at scale: The Montessori approach with Totara and BuildEmpire

Montessori Global Education, a global leader in Montessori learning, aimed to create a truly holistic online learning experience for a diverse international audience.

Their previous platform constrained their innovation, learner engagement, and peer collaboration. Through their partnership with BuildEmpire, they transformed online learning into a dynamic, learner-centred, blended environment that reflects the Montessori philosophy at every stage.

The Challenge

Before BuildEmpire, Montessori Global Education operated in a college-style format, combining face-to-face sessions with some online learning.

The existing LMS largely mirrored classroom-based teacher training: it connected learners and provided access to digital content, but its limited functionality no longer supported the organisation’s vision.

Learners experienced a largely passive, linear journey with minimal opportunities for reflection, collaboration, or personalised learning.

The platform also lacked the flexibility to deliver blended learning at scale, with limited support for synchronous and asynchronous integration, multi-tenancy, and centralised quality assurance.

With a global learner base spanning multiple continents, there was a critical need for a system that could adapt to different cultural contexts, learning styles, and levels of engagement, while maintaining a consistent, high-quality Montessori experience.

The Solution

Montessori Global Education partnered with BuildEmpire to create a platform that could deliver a truly transformative blended learning experience.

The solution centred on four pillars:

1. Seamless integration of asynchronous and synchronous learning

• Learners access self-paced theoretical modules that allow them to digest content at their own speed.
• Live interactive seminars and workshops provide opportunities to apply theory in practice, engage in reflection, and discuss ideas with peers and tutors globally.
• This “flipped classroom” approach ensures that learning is active, participatory, and aligned with Montessori pedagogy.

2. Empowered peer-to-peer collaboration

• Learners upload work, provide assessments, and participate in forums for global peer feedback.
• Forums create a safe, inclusive space where learners can share challenges and insights without fear of judgment, fostering connection and confidence.
• This approach transforms learners from passive recipients to active contributors, strengthening engagement and knowledge retention.

3. Learner-centric flexibility

• Personalised learning paths allow learners to choose the resources, pace, and focus areas that suit their individual journey.
• Interactive multimedia resources provide multiple avenues for engagement, catering to different learning styles and making the experience inclusive for a global audience.

4. Holistic online montessori environment

• The platform supports multi-tenancy and centralised oversight, enabling quality assurance while allowing local contextualization for cultural relevance.
• Learners describe the environment as feeling like “home”, with all necessary resources at their fingertips and the ability to connect meaningfully with peers worldwide.
• The platform integrates reflection, collaboration, and active participation, creating a holistic experience that mirrors the Montessori philosophy.

The Results

Transformative learner experience: Learners are actively engaged, reflective, and empowered throughout their journey.

Global collaboration: Learners connect meaningfully across continents, sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices.

Scalable and sustainable growth: The platform supports expansion of courses, qualifications, and programs globally, without compromising quality or learner-centeredness.

Recognition and engagement: Feedback confirms learners feel supported, included, and inspired, resulting in high engagement and satisfaction.

Additional stats:

Holistic blended learning at scale

Supporting learners worldwide through a reflective, interactive approach with nearly 4000 users.

Global delivery with local relevance

Secure, scalable access across countries, centres, and regions with over 22 countries.

Learner-centred experiences

Flexible, reflective journeys aligned with Montessori philosophy. 1000s of course enrolments and seminars sign-ups.