The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA)

A National Organization for Montessori Schools in Canada

The CCMA was founded in 1977 by a small group of dedicated administrators who were committed to supporting each other and promoting public awareness of what an authentic Montessori school offers to families. CCMA is dedicated to promoting excellence in Montessori education. CCMA’s accreditation process maintains standards and ensures CCMA accredited schools are accountable to each other, to parents and to the public. Today there are more than 100 CCMA accredited schools, ranging in size from 30 students to over 700 students. Toddler, early childhood, elementary and adolescent programmes are all represented within CCMA schools.

As a legally registered Canadian not-for-profit corporation, the CCMA is committed to supporting Canadian Montessori by offering professional support and promoting public awareness of authentic Montessori schools.

The CCMA’s Mission

CCMA promotes standards of excellence in Montessori education through accreditation, support and service, and provides a unified voice for our members across Canada.

The CCMA’s Vision

CCMA schools will implement an education that meets the needs of each individual child and inspires them to make the world a better place.

“Our aim is not merely to make children understand, and still less to force them to memorize, but so to touch their imaginations as to enthuse them to their innermost core.” — Dr. Maria Montessori

CCMA Applicant and Accredited Member Schools

As the name Montessori is in the public domain, any school can carry the name without including authentic Montessori programming for your child.

CCMA member schools meet high standards and special criteria designed to guarantee a true Montessori education. Parents who choose a CCMA-accredited school are joining those who want the best possible education for their children based on authentic Montessori philosophy and practice.

A Montessori school offers your child:

• A carefully prepared child-centered environment
• Mixed age groups
• An individualized program that allows your child to progress at his/her own pace
• Activity-based learning
• Learning through movement
• Freedom and responsibility to direct their learning
• Hands-on learning
• Co-operation, collaboration – not competition

A Montessori school offers parents:

• Ongoing feedback on your child's progress
• An invitation to participate in many aspects of school life
• An environment where parents and teachers support each other with the desire to help your child be successful
• The knowledge that each child will be respected for who he/she is, with the goal to help your child develop a love of learning

For a complete list of CCMA schools, please visit the CCMA website www.ccma.ca