Find Schools
Compare Schools
School Reviews
Advice Guide
School Expos
Head Start Montessori School logo

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Head Start Montessori School

Grades Nursery/Toddler TO Gr. 3 — North York, ON (MAP)
Visit school website

Head Start Montessori School:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    Nursery/Toddler — Gr. 3
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    Varies
  • Tuition
    $14,500 to 18,500/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    AMI, CCMA
  • Enrolment
    84 day students
  • Curriculum
    Montessori
  • EBROCHURE
    N/A
  • Next open house
    N/A
  • Application Deadline
    N/A

School address

  • 105-2235 Sheppard Ave East , North York, Ontario, M2J 5B5 (MAP)
  • Busing not available

Our Perspective

How we see Head Start Montessori School

Unique to Head Start Montessori is the deep involvement of its founder and director, Naureen Shah, along with director Sara Alvi, who both maintain a hands-on approach and an open-door policy, further strengthening the school’s welcoming environment. Head Start Montessori offers one of Toronto’s only infant Montessori programs, extending up to Grade 3. The school adheres to the AMI Philosophy, is CCMA Accredited, and CCYEA Licensed, reflecting its commitment to high-quality Montessori education. The school’s non-competitive atmosphere and lack of traditional testing contribute to self-driven academic achievements among students. With a focus on individual needs and collaboration with families, Head Start Montessori nurtures well-rounded development, preparing students for lifelong success. Additionally, the school’s curriculum is individualized, encompassing infant, toddler, casa environments, and lower elementary grades, along with extracurriculars like music, yoga, and gymnastics. The school provides summer and March camps, catered hot lunches, and places a strong emphasis on creating a warm, personalized community.

School's Perspective

Compare with:  

How Head Start Montessori School sees itself

The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"Head Start Montessori School was founded by Naureen Shah in 2002, because of her firm belief in Maria Montessori's vision, that the child, if provided with the right environment, will reach their full potential. Growing in the North York community, Naureen was joined by Sara Alvi in 2013, and they have now achieved their goal of nurturing children from the age of 9 months-9 years old. HSM is one of the only infant Montessori programs in Toronto, now going up to Grade 3. Both Naureen and Sara are Montessori trained teacher"

  • Follow the AMI Philosophy
  • CCMA Accredited
  • CCYEA Licenced
  • Infant/Nido Program Age 9-18 months
  • Young Children's Community (Toddler) Age 18 months -3 years old
  • 2 Casa Environments Age 2.5-6 years old
  • Lower Elementary Grade 1, 2 and 3
  • Extra Curricular Programs - Music, Yoga, Gymnastics
  • Summer and March Camps
  • Catered Hot Lunches

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"Each child at Head Start Montessori has an individualized Montessori curriculum. With both owners, Naureen and Sara, being Montessori trained teachers, parents can be rest assured that their child(ren) are being provided with an authentic Montessori education. We believe that the parents and the school have to collaborate in the best interest of the child. Keeping this in mind, HSM holds many parent workshops throughout the year, as learning never stops!"

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"HSM provides a warm, loving, personalized community of like-minded parents, staff and owners who believe in the importance of the foundational years of a child's life. The collaboration of Families-School is very important to Head Start Montessori and we have an open-door policy where parents are always welcome. HSM prides itself on good communication and transparency. We also have a Parent Council, ensuring that we are all working in the best interest of the children."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"Starting with our youngest in the infant room, families don't realize the time, energy, effort and unconditional love each member of the school provides, in order to make Head Start Montessori a home away from home.
Our bond with families doesn't end when they leave. Our students come back to volunteer and visit throughout the year. Through numerous siblings, our school stays connected to many families for more than a decade, forming strong relationships and becoming like family."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"Both owners, Sara Alvi and Naureen Shah, are Montessori trained teachers, and are always present at the school. They are both passionate about their work, and love to talk about Montessori, life and the children. Their office is always open for quick chat and a cup of tea!"

No additional photos or videos

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see Head Start Montessori School

Video reviews of Head Start Montessori School

Parent, Christine Lam (2023)

Nursery/Toddler to SK (current), Nursery/Toddler to SK, Nursery/Toddler to SK — Watch our parent interview with Christine Lam to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Head Start Montessori School.

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone

Message from school leadership

Mrs. Naureen Shah & Ms. Sara Alvi, Directors/Co-Owners
A.M.I. Dilpoma and M. Ed

Dear Parents, 

We welcome you to Head Start Montessori School.  For over 20 years we have been an important part of the community, promoting Montessori Education and overall well-being for our children.  Please call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to come and visit the school.  We look forward to meeting.

Next: Reviews  

THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Head Start Montessori School

Next steps to continue your research:

Visit school website
 Add to shortlist
Head Start Montessori School logo
Head Start Montessori School:
The Our Kids Report
  Report contents
Visit school website

TOP

Continue researching Head Start Montessori School with OurKids.net, or visit school website.

Thank you for using Our Kids. The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.  
x



              

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All right reserved.