Looking for a Montessori school in Whitby? Consider Hatch House Montessori School, Durham Region's first and only private school offering multilingual programs.
On this page, we cover private Montessori schools in Ontario. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga.
For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of philosophy and classroom practices, start with our introductory guide.
My daughter does not want to come home in the afternoon ... she smiles all day and every day I get a great report."
1 | List of Montessori schools in Ontario |
There are lots of Montessori schools in Ontario, including in Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, program offerings, and special needs support. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features.
School Name | Type | Approach | Cost | |
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Toronto French Montessori (est. 2000)
Toronto French Montessori offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in North York. Its average class size is 15 students. [View profile] |
| $7,470 to $15,396 User reviews (1) | ||
Richmond Hill Montessori & Elementary Private School (est. 1986)
Richmond Hill Montessori & Elementary Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students. [View profile] |
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Royal Cachet Montessori School (est. 2006)
Royal Cachet Montessori School is a Montessori school that offers programs from nursery to grade three in Markham. Its average class size is five to 15 students. [View profile] |
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The Thinnox Academy (est. 2014)
The Thinnox Academy is a Mississauga private high school with a focus on technology, engineering and design. Graduates stand out from their peers when applying into University or College. [View profile] |
| $10,017 to $12,320 | ||
Momentum Montessori (est. 2016)
Children absorb multiple languages, music & develop sports skills VERY easily. Momentum Montessori is a multilingual school exposing kids (1.5 - 6 yrs) to multiple languages, sports & music like no other program. [View profile] |
| $10,800 to $20,400 | ||
Alive Montessori & Private School (est. 2014)
Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! [View profile] |
| $7,500 to $14,500 | ||
Forest Hill Montessori School (est. 1996)
Conveniently located in Midtown Toronto, our Junior and Elementary campuses are a popular choice for families seeking exceptional childcare and the very best Montessori education for their children. [View profile] |
| $16,514 to $19,124 | ||
The Element High School (est. 2003)
The Element nurtures focused, engaged and internally motivated students who strive to do their best. The Element High School provides conditions that will put youth ‘in their element,’ in school and beyond. [View profile] |
| $17,448 | ||
Clanmore Montessori School (est. 1997)
Clanmore Montessori School in southeast Oakville offers a full spectrum, co-ed Montessori program from Toddler to Middle School. Tuition starts at $8,250. CCMA accredited. Member Oakville Independent Schools. Licenced. [View profile] |
| $7,750 to $16,500 User reviews (2) | ||
York Montessori School (est. 2007)
York Montessori School in Richmond Hill offers children from 16 months to 6 years old a wholesome Montessori education. Teacher to student ratios of 1:5 - 1:8. [View profile] |
| $11,800 to $12,500 User reviews (1) | ||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School (est. 2000)
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School offers programs for various grades in Mississauga. Its average class size is ten to 15 students. [View profile] |
| $6,500 to $11,000 | ||
Pine Lake Montessori School pursues teaching with a one on one method that respects and nurtures children and allows them to achieve their fullest potential. [View profile] |
| $12,700 to $14,500 | ||
TMS (est. 1961)
Internationally recognized since 1961, TMS is a not-for-profit independent university preparatory school located in Richmond Hill where students, faculty and staff regularly Go Beyond. [View profile] |
| $14,075 to $25,440 | ||
OMS Montessori (est. 1966)
OMS Montessori (formerly Ottawa Montessori School) is an alternative private school that offers programs from 18 months to High School. [View profile] |
| $13,776 to $20,388 | ||
Westside Montessori School (est. 2008)
An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children. [View profile] |
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Central Montessori Schools - York Mills (est. 1995)
Central Montessori Schools in Toronto offers instruction from nursery to grade six, with enrolment of 900 day students and tuition starting at $5,900. [View profile] |
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Guiding Light Academy (est. 2007)
Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station. [View profile] |
| $9,500 | ||
Peel Montessori Private School (est. 1992)
Peel Montessori School offers an enriched, personalized program. Emphasis is on strong academics, and the development of personal excellence (leadership skills, creativity) in a supportive, family-like environment. [View profile] |
| $7,500 to $15,000 | ||
Ellington Montessori School (est. 1990)
Ellington Montessori School offers small class sizes and individualized programs from pre-school to grade eight. Our holistic approach to education helps prepare students for success in today's rapidly changing world. [View profile] |
| $7,900 to $14,000 | ||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) (est. 1969)
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) is an award-winning progressive private school, a GOLD member of OFIS (Ontario Federation of Independent Schools) and voted the BEST private school by the residents of Brampton. [View profile] |
| $4,300 to $11,700 | ||
Tall Pines School (est. 1987)
Tall Pines School in Brampton provides enhanced Montessori and traditional classes from Infant to Grade Eight, is the longest accredited CCMA Montessori school in Canada, and is a leader in 21st Century education. [View profile] |
| $8,720 to $19,748 | ||
Century Private School (est. 1994)
Century Montessori Schools in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with class sizes as low as 12 students. [View profile] |
| $8,400 to $26,800 | ||
Montessori House of Children (est. 1974)
Located in Brantford, Ontario, Montessori House of Children (MHC) provides excellent programs for grades Nursery to 3 and helps young children reach their learning potential with both independent and self-directed learning. MHC also offers support for students with learning differences. [View profile] |
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Lakeview Montessori School (est. 1978)
Lakeview Montessori offers small class sizes starting with 1:5 teacher to student ratios. Programs from toddlers (18 months) to grade 8. [View profile] |
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Sunrise Montessori School (est. 1988)
Sunrise Montessori School offers English and French Immersion program from Infant to Grade 8 in Markham. [View profile] |
| $11,500 to $19,800 | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School (est. 1983)
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight. [View profile] |
| $9,045 to $15,855 User reviews (5) | ||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering (est. 1984)
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program. [View profile] |
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Wheatley School (est. 1986)
Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students. [View profile] |
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Fun to Learn Montessori School (est. 2004)
Fun To Learn Montessori School offers genuine Montessori curriculum for toddlers and Casa. Serving Mississauga and surrounding areas for more than 12 years. [View profile] |
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Blaisdale Montessori School - Oshawa (est. 1969)
Blaisdale Montessori School in Oshawa-Whitby offers nursery to grade eight in a small, newer school, with tuition ranging from $4,550 to $8,650. [View profile] |
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Humberside Montessori School (est. 1987)
Humberside Montessori Schools a montessori private school in Toronto. It offers programs from nursery to grade eight. [View profile] |
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Downtown Montessori is a non-profit private day school for infants, toddlers and pre-school children in Toronto.Learning is focused on academic skills like reading, math and creative arts and combined with the social skills of compassion, courtesy and respect for others. [View profile] |
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Trillium School (est. 1991)
Trillium School is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Markham. [View profile] |
| $9,400 to $33,000 | ||
Beyond Montessori School (est. 2008)
Conveniently located near downtown St. Catharines, BMS offers core-French Montessori. Toddler to Grade 8 with class sizes of 5 to 20 students. Tuition from $4,000 to $9,500. Extended Care. New facility and acreage. [View profile] |
| $8,500 | ||
Rotherglen School - Oakville (est. 1979)
Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students. [View profile] |
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Meadow Green Academy (est. 1995)
Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students. [View profile] |
| $14,990 | ||
Hatch House Montessori School (est. 2005)
The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for his/her uniqueness and is taught accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program. [View profile] |
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Central Montessori Schools - Sheppard Campus (est. 1995)
The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one - the period from birth to the age of six. Choose Central Montessori Schools. [View profile] |
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Odyssey Montessori School (est. 2006)
Odyssey Montessori School is a private Montessori day school with two campuses. The Christie and Sorauren locations provide programs for students 18 months to 6 years old. [View profile] |
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Montessori School of Wellington (est. 1996)
Montessori School of Wellington in Guelph is the only CCMA accredited school in Guelph and the number one choice for children's education and life skill [View profile] |
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The Montessori Country School - Nobleton Campus (est. 1988)
For over 25 years, the Montessori Country School provides a first-class accredited curriculum for students 12 months through grade 6. The sprawling 10 acre campus offers a unique indoor and outdoor learning experience. [View profile] |
| $16,550 to $17,465 | ||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. (est. 1984)
Our schools offer a maximum class size of 16 students for ages 4 & up. Tours are offered daily and new students are welcome to visit for a day. [View profile] |
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Avalon Children's Montessori School (est. 2000)
Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach. [View profile] |
| $6,400 to $20,400 | ||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School (est. 1990)
Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's four campuses are located in Markham, Unionville and Thornhill. [View profile] |
| $6,750 to $11,200 | ||
Odyssey Heights School for Girls (est. 2017)
Odyssey Heights School: starts at 9:55am with dance, yoga, or outdoor fitness; 25-35 Overnight OE3 trips are included in tuition, there's a "No Homework Ever!" policy; Equestrian curriculum, small group French, 1:1 iPads [View profile] |
| $26,450 to $28,375 | ||
ABC Montessori (est. 1995)
ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. The school offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5. [View profile] |
| $9,200 to $9,800 | ||
The Montessori Country School - Milton Campus (est. 2007)
Montessori Country School has provided a first-class academic experience to students in an environment that is distinguished by its compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to the individual child.
[View profile] |
| $13,230 | ||
Bannockburn (est. 1993)
Bannockburn, a Montessori school in Toronto, Ontario offers grades nursery to six, average class sizes of 22 students and tuition from $10,350 to $20,700. [View profile] |
| $13,900 to $24,500 | ||
Liberty Prep offers programs from Toddler - Gr. 6 in downtown Toronto. Our environment combines a beautifully renovated building with well-trained and passionate teachers. Reach out to discover what we do differently. [View profile] |
| User reviews (1) | ||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools (est. 1987)
Unionville Montessori School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 to 22 students. [View profile] |
| $7,450 to $13,550 | ||
Wishing Well Schools (est. 1978)
Wishing Well Schools offers enriched programs from 18 months to Grade 8 in Markham. Montessori program from 18 months to 6 years old, advanced academic program from Grade 1 to 8. [View profile] |
| $12,370 to $12,620 | ||
Montessori For Children (est. 1995)
Curriculum designed for kids aged 2 1/2 to 6 covers Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and French. Located near Yonge /St Clair subway station. Please call or email to book a tour. [View profile] |
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Blaisdale Montessori School - Scarborough (est. 1969)
Blaisdale Montessori School in Scarborough offers nursery to grade three, with 120 students enrolled. Tuition ranges from $4,550 to $8,650. [View profile] |
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Country Garden Montessori Academy (est. 1995)
Situated on seven acres of rolling parkland and gardens, Country Garden Montessori Academy in Newmarket is a co-ed private day school for students in grades PS-12. The school provides a family atmosphere and is committed the intellectual growth and emotional well-being of students. [View profile] |
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School (est. 1990)
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School is a Toronto Christian Montessori school with grades from nursery to 12. Tuition begins at $13,500. [View profile] |
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Rotherglen School - Mississauga (est. 1979)
Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students. [View profile] |
| User reviews (1) | ||
Blaisdale Montessori School - Ajax (est. 1969)
Blaisdale Montessori School in Ajax runs from toddlers to grade eight. Tuition starts at $4,550. It features two rubberized play areas for younger children. [View profile] |
| User reviews (1) | ||
Star Academy (est. 1997)
Star Academy offers programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Eight in Mississauga. Small class sizes, daily physical education and French for all grades, and academic excellence set us apart. [View profile] |
| $13,700 to $17,700 | ||
Trinity Montessori School (est. 1999)
Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students. [View profile] |
| $10,000 to $11,000 | ||
Shining Light Montessori School (est. 2011)
Shining Light Montessori is the community you've searched for -- where children feel comfortable, with teachers who care. Our children learn, build their confidence, reach their potential, & let their lights shine! [View profile] |
| $9,900 to $10,950 | ||
Blooming Lives Montessori (est. 2017)
Blooming Lives Montessori celebrates and nurtures the sense of curiosity of each child, supports them in exploring their expanding capabilities and guides them into their thriving potentials. [View profile] |
| $12,390 to $17,928 | ||
Emerson Academy (est. 2015)
Emerson Academy is the Bilingual Montessori & French Imm. school where your child’s bright future is created by design today. Here, character is cultivated, leadership skills are instilled & achievement becomes innate. [View profile] |
| $12,500 | ||
La Villa Montessori School (est. 2012)
La Villa Montessori School is dedicated to following the Montessori philosophy and to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that fulfills a child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. [View profile] |
| $7,365 to $14,725 User reviews (2) | ||
Blaisdale Montessori School - Pickering (est. 1969)
Blaisdale Montessori School in Pickering offers nursery to grade eight. Tuition starts at $4,550. Curriculum includes a strong arts focus. [View profile] |
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Dearcroft Montessori School (est. 1968)
Offering Montessori programs from Preschool to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by great teachers. Tuition starts at $5,900. [View profile] |
| $8,500 to $20,500 | ||
Blaisdale Montessori School - Bowmanville (est. 1969)
Blaisdale Montessori School in Bowmanville, Ontario is an English speaking school offering nursery to grade 3 programs. Tuition costs $4,550 to $8,650 and students are required to wear uniforms. [View profile] |
| User reviews (1) | ||
Aurora Montessori School (est. 1989)
Aurora Montessori School offers a comprehensive, nurturing and enriched program for Toddler to Grade 8. Our enrolment of 375 day students has an average class size of 15 to 24. [View profile] |
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Kaban Montessori School (est. 2002)
Kaban Montessori School in west Mississauga/Erin Mills is a CCMA accredited school for children aged 6 months to 12 years. Come for a tour, you'll love it! [View profile] |
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Prince Edward Montessori School (est. 1995)
Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students. [View profile] |
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Braemar House School (est. 1996)
Braemar House School is a not-for-profit elementary school that proves each day that children thrive in a nurturing environment that offers personalized attention. [View profile] |
| $12,167 | ||
Fairview Glen Montessori (est. 2007)
Fairview Glen offers authentic Montessori education for children 18 mo.-12 yrs. The academically driven, collaborative and supportive community, also specializes in French, Music, Visual Arts and Phys-Ed programs. [View profile] |
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Northstar Montessori Private School (est. 1996)
Northstar Montessori offers authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Mississauga. We pride ourselves on strong character development and supporting life long learners! [View profile] |
| $8,500 to $13,300 |
Some schools aren't Montessori schools, but use a Montessori approach for their preschool or daycare program. This approach gives young learners plenty of freedom to choose tasks and activities that interest them, which promotes their independence and confidence. It also strongly emphasizes concrete learning, where children work with lots of hands-on materials, and do practical life activities. Children usually work independently or in small groups in these programs.
School Name | Type | Approach | Cost | |
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Bond Academy (est. 1978)
This traditional private school in Toronto offers preschool to grade 12 with average class sizes of 15 students. Facilities include a double gym and more. [View profile] |
| $12,500 to $24,500 | ||
Mississauga Christian French School (MCFS) (est. 2008)
Mississauga Christian French School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 15 students. Offering an Olympic-sized Gym. [View profile] |
| $9,000 | ||
Town Centre Private Schools (est. 1986)
Town Centre Montessori Private Schools offers programs from pre-school to grade 12/University Prep and is located in Markham. [View profile] |
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Somerset Academy (est. 1990)
Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school that provides education to students in Grades 1 to 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 10 to 18 students. [View profile] |
| $13,200 | ||
J. Addison School (est. 2002)
Since 2002, J. Addison has provided a stimulating education for students. Located at the corner of Woodbine and Valleywood Drive in Markham, ON, Canada, you will find our state-of-the-art 58,000 sq. ft. facility. [View profile] |
| $9,444 to $39,550 |
2 | Choosing a school |
Our Montessori choosing guide has specific advice for choosing Montessori schools. For advice on how to choose and assess private schools in general, check out our choosing a school guide. If your child isn't school age yet, check out our preschool choosing guide.
Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school. In Ontario, we have private school expos in Toronto, Ottawa, and Oakvile. These expos allow you to speak with lots of private schools, including some Montessori schools—all in one place. Find a Montessori school near you.
Another useful resource in your school search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is an ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori education. Our community of parents, educational experts, school officials, and alumni can help answer your questions and lay out your options.
Open houses are another great way to learn more about schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits. For specific questions to ask Montessori schools, see our Montessori education guide.
School name | Date | Location |
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Clanmore Montessori School | April 21, 2018 10:00 am | Clanmore Montessori School 2463 Lakeshore Road East Oakville Ontario L6J 1M7 |
Bannockburn | April 21, 2018 10:00 am | Bannockburn 12 Bannockburn Avenue Toronto Ontario M5M 2M8 |
Town Centre Private Schools | April 21, 2018 11:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R 7P3 |
Blooming Lives Montessori | April 22, 2018 9:00 am | Blooming Lives Montessori 9201 Woodbine Ave Markham Ontario L3R 0K1 |
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | April 23, 2018 6:00 pm | Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) 3 Sunforest Drive Brampton Ontario L6Z 2Z2 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | April 24, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | May 01, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | May 08, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Toronto French Montessori | May 11, 2018 9:30 am | Toronto French Montessori 53 Cummer Avenue Toronto Ontario M2M 2E5 |
OMS Montessori | May 12, 2018 11:00 am | OMS Montessori 335 Lindsay Street Ottawa Ontario K1G 0L6 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | May 15, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | May 22, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | May 29, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | June 05, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Town Centre Private Schools | June 09, 2018 11:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R 7P3 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | June 12, 2018 9:30 am | Bishop Hamilton Montessori School 2199 Regency Terrace Ottawa Ontario K2C 1H2 |
Town Centre Private Schools | August 18, 2018 11:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R 7P3 |
3 | Tuition at Ontario Montessori schools |
The cost of Montessori schools in Ontario tends to be lower than the cost of other private schools in Ontario. In fact, Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general. Private school tuition can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year. There are no public Montessori schools in Ontario, though some public schools use certain Montessori principles.
Many schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Other schools, though not as many, offer scholarships, which are given based on merit. You can learn more about need- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can learn more about preschool costs, in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for private Montessori schools in Ontario:
Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
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The Thinnox Academy | $10,017 to $11,448 | 25% | 9 - 12 | $5,000 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | $13,500 to $14,500 | 20% | JK - 8 | $2,000 |
The Element High School | $17,448 | |||
TMS | $20,250 to $25,440 | K - 12 | ||
OMS Montessori | $13,776 to $20,388 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Ellington Montessori School | $7,900 to $14,000 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $3,000 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $11,975 to $15,855 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Beyond Montessori School | $8,500 | 20% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $13,100 to $20,400 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $10,850 to $11,200 | |||
Bannockburn | $24,500 | |||
Somerset Academy | $13,200 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Aurora Montessori School | 5% | Preschool - 8 | $3,000 |
4 | Compare Montessori schools |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Richmond Hill Montessori & Elementary Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Royal Cachet Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 3 to 8 | No support | |||
The Thinnox Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 6 to 12 | Special needs school | Heavy integration | |
Momentum Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Forest Hill Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | ||
The Element High School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Heavy integration | |||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
York Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Withdrawal Assistance | |||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | ||||
Pine Lake Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | Light integration | ||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | |||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Central Montessori Schools - York Mills | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | ||
Peel Montessori Private School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Ellington Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Tall Pines School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Century Private School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Light integration | |
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
Lakeview Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Special needs school | |||||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | |||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Mississauga Christian French School (MCFS) | Progressive | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 15 | Resource Assistance | |||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | No support | ||
Fun to Learn Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Blaisdale Montessori School - Oshawa | Montessori | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Downtown Montessori | Montessori | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Resource Assistance | ||||
Trillium School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | ||||
Beyond Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 15 | No support | Light integration | ||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 12 | Resource Assistance | ||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Central Montessori Schools - Sheppard Campus | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Odyssey Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | 15 to 24 | No support | Light integration | |||
Montessori School of Wellington | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 22 to 24 | No support | |||
The Montessori Country School - Nobleton Campus | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | Light integration | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 15 | No support | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Partial Integration | Medium integration | |||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | |||
Odyssey Heights School for Girls | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 8 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Heavy integration | |
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 | No support | Light integration | |
The Montessori Country School - Milton Campus | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Town Centre Private Schools | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 12 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Liberty Prep School | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 26 | No support | |||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Wishing Well Schools | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Montessori For Children | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 24 | No support | |||
Blaisdale Montessori School - Scarborough | Montessori | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 15 | No support | |||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | Resource Assistance | ||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Blaisdale Montessori School - Ajax | Montessori | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Star Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 14 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | |||
Shining Light Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | 5 to 16 | No support | ||||
Blooming Lives Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 23 | Indirect Support | |||
Emerson Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 15 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Blaisdale Montessori School - Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | No support | |||||
J. Addison School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 15 | No support | Light integration | ||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Blaisdale Montessori School - Bowmanville | Montessori | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 20 | No support | |||
Prince Edward Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 16 | No support | |||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Fairview Glen Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | Indirect Support | ||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration |
Legend:
5 | A primer on Montessori education |
The Montessori philosophy and approach, based on the research and insights of Maria Montessori, is unique. And Montessori schools (including preschools), in Ontario and other provinces, have several progressive classroom practices. Some of the main ones are discussed below.
For more comprehensive coverage of the Montessori method, see our main Montessori school guide.
Self-directed work: Montessori students do lots of independent work. While the learning environment provides some structure, students often choose their own tasks and learning materials. With some guidance from the teacher, they also determine the pace of their studies. This allows them to do work they find challenging and stimulating, and that they’re likely to complete. It can also lead to a love of learning, thoughout the school years and beyond.
Concrete learning: The main focus is on concrete learning, rather than abstract learning. Especially at the preschool and elementary level, kids work with lots of different concrete materials to learn important practical life skills.
Concrete learning engages many of the senses. And research has shown that it has several benefits. For instance, it leads to faster and more efficient learning, and it can also improve a child's focus and engagement.
Minimal tests and grades: Similar to Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, Montessori schools almost never test students or give them assignments. Moreover, student work is rarely graded, except in high school (and sometimes middle school).
Instead, student progress is informally assessed through observation and developmental rubrics. The belief is that kids should be intrinsically motivated—by doing meaningful work they enjoy and find fulfilling—rather than externally motivated (through grades, report cards, and the like).
Individualized curriculum: Montessori schools focus heavily on academics, even sometimes at the preschool level (3-6). Kids must master the basics in math, science, the language arts, and other subjects. They can then move on to more advanced work.
The curricular focus and pace, though, will differ between children. Each child will move at a different pace and study subjects in different ways, depending on their specific learning needs and interests. Each child will also have their own individualized learning plan, one that’s arrived at by both the child and the teacher. This is a hallmark of the Montessori method.
In Montessori schools in Ontario, subjects are almost never taught in isolation. Typically, several subjects are taught together, as part of what's called an integrated curriculum.
For instance, biology or chemistry aren’t taught as single subjects, except possibly in high school (and maybe middle school). Rather, they’ll be taught as part of an integrated unit.
To this end, a teacher might deliver what Montessori educators refer to as a great lesson. For instance, in some schools, teachers give a great lesson on the beginning of life, where students learn about biology, chemistry, history, religion, and other subjects.
An integrated curriculum can be very rewarding for Montessori students. It encourages them to make connections between ideas and concepts from a variety of disciplines. It also can lead to positive learning outcomes, such as a broadening of knowledge and a wider range of interests.
Unlike mainstream schools, though, Montessori schools don’t deliver this curriculum through direct instruction. Teachers rarely, if ever, give long lectures or lessons. When lessons are given, they tend to be shorter and more interactive and engaging than lectures given in mainstream schools.
Instead of lecturing, teachers tend to work with individuals or small groups of students. Their main role is to be a facilitator: they provide the necessary support and guidance for students to complete their work. They also help connect students with meaningful work.
Sometimes, though, teachers will just sit back and observe kids work. Often, this will be group work, where small groups of kids come together (of their own accord) to work on different tasks and projects.
The belief is that classmates often do a better job of teaching than the main teacher. In particular, older kids can excel at teaching and mentoring their younger peers, and modelling appropriate behaviour to them. The teacher, in these situations, will intervene or provide guidance only when absolutely necessary.
To learn about how Montessori education evolves through the years, read our Montessori curriculum guide. To learn how it might be suitable for kids with special needs such as gifted children, read our Montessori and special needs guide.
There are plenty of Montessori schools, preschools, and daycares in Ontario. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, Mississauga, London, Kingston, St. Catharines, Oakville, and Vaughan. Parents will thus have a lot of options when selecting a school.
Some schools are more traditional, and follow the Montessori philosophy to the letter. Other schools are more supplemented, and combine the Montessori philosophy with more modern curricular approaches and materials. Remember, each Montessori school has a unique approach. In choosing a school or preschool, it’s best to look for one that’s the right fit for your child in terms of philosophy, culture, values, and the like.
Ontario has plenty of great public and private schools. It's also home to some first-rate post-secondary institutions. These include the University of Toronto, Queen’s University (in Kingston), Western University (in London), McMaster University (in Hamilton), and the University of Waterloo (in Kitchener-Waterloo).
6 | Further resources |