"Alternative schools" refers to any school that offers a curriculum, learning environment, or philosophical predisposition that diverges markedly from the mainstream. Typical examples of alternative private schools and preschools include Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Arrowsmith. Read more
Toronto, Ontario — Located in the heart of Toronto, UCC provides transformational learning experiences with exceptional day and boarding programs. Our highly sought-after graduates are awarded International Baccalaureate and OSSD diplomas. View School Profile.
Grades:
SK to 12 (Boys)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$36,750 to $71,875
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
1200
Avg. Class:
20 to 25
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Mississauga, Ontario — Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$17,700 to $22,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
600
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. We have a fully integrated co-ed and 1:1 iPad program for all the grades. Our inquiry approach leads to global citizens. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 6 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$29,750
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
140
Avg. Class:
16 to 20
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Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario — SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration and experiential learning. Through its IB curriculum, SJK provides exciting experiences and guides students to discover their talents and passions. Go beyond at SJK. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$19,720 to $73,700
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
470
Avg. Class:
10 to 17
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Toronto, Ontario — The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child. View School Profile.
Grades:
NS to 8 (Coed)
Type:
Montessori
Tuition:
$15,100 to $24,200
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
400
Avg. Class:
10 to 30
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Toronto, Ontario — Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$37,130 to $75,020
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
960
Avg. Class:
16 to 22
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Toronto, Ontario — The York School is a JK to Grade 12 International Baccalaureate school in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$35,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
742
Avg. Class:
15 to 18
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TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance for life.
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Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support.
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Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference.
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TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary.
We give students a head start in their educational journey by insuring they "Love to Learn"!
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We are different! As a leading IB World School and university preparatory school with a focus on student life, SJA students are inspired to confidently make their mark in the world.
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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.
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CMS provides a quality Montessori education for Casa and Elementary students. Set on beautiful campuses children are inspired to learn their role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony.
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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. We focus on excellence, participation, leadership, and inclusivity while developing each child’s academic strengths, both in traditional and 21st Century skills.
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Authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori Schools located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa, Elementary and Adolescent children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds.
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GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that challenges and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life.
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Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential.
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Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual.
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Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering.
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Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio-inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP Authorized and MYP Candidate School for children from JK to Grade 8.
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Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds.
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Blaisdale Montessori School is the premier Montessori school in the Durham area. Offering an outstanding learning environment. Choose from one of 7 campuses in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Bowmanville.
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Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students.
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OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment.
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Acadecap International School (Académie de la Capitale), an IB World School, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from JK to Grade 12. Students thrive in a growth mindset environment and a culture of excellence.
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Kawartha Montessori School is the only CCMA-accredited school in the region. We offer an education that inspires academic excellence and develops socially responsible, independent, and confident individuals.
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MJDS inspires a lifetime love for learning in a nurturing environment that fosters respect for oneself, the community and the world, guided by the shared values of Judaism and Montessori education.
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Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs from infants to grade 3 in our healthy & safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed.
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Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students.
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Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students.
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Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.
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King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade 12 which includes the IB Program. Preschool, Pre- Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary Programs offered.
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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.
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Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational, inclusive school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program.
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Maria Montessori School is one of the longest established AMI accredited Montessori school's in Canada. We offer accredited programs for children 18 months to 12 years and hire only AMI certified teaching staff.
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Meadowridge is an IB Continuum World School that supports the development of the whole child in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.
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Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!
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Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics, arts and movement while addressing the intellectual, physical, emotional and social aspects of child development from preschool to gr. 12.
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Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten.
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We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community.
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NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! 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!
SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!
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Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west of Mississauga area . We ensure that our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential.
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Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years.
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Halton Waldorf School offers an education that fosters confidence, independence and intelligence. Located on five forested acres, the school has been uniquely designed to support the goals of Waldorf education. Est 1984
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Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum in a nurturing environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood.
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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.
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Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.
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Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development.
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ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts.
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Small class sizes and our unique curriculum - infused with Arts, Movement, Outdoor Education - create deeper connections across subjects, at all child development stages. Parents describe us as “schooling with heart".
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The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program.
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Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students.
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Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available.
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La Villa Montessori is an AMI recognized School that adheres to Dr. Montessori's principles. We provide a nurturing environment that fulfills the child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs.
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Alternative schools depart from the mainstream. They offer a teaching approach, curriculum, or learning environment that differs from what you’ll find in most schools.
Some, but not all, alternative schools are part of the progressive movement in education. This movement involves different and sometimes conflicting ideas. Normally, though, it focuses on experiential learning, integrated curricula, personalized and collaborative learning, critical thinking, and problem solving, among other things.
Many private schools in Canada are alternative. These schools employ many, though normally not all, of the following practices:
Multi-age classes
Focus on the whole child
Integrated curriculum
Individualized curriculum
Advanced pace of study
Specialized curricular approach
Customized support programs
Focus on the arts and creativity
There are several different kinds of private alternative schools in Canada. These schools are especially popular at the preschool and elementary level. They’re also offered in middle and high school, though.
Montessori schools: This approach is especially popular in preschool and elementary school, though it’s offered at higher levels as well. Montessori schools have lots of self-directed learning. With guidance from the teachers, kids can often choose their own work and pursue their interests and passions.
Waldorf schools: Waldorf schools don’t have a standard curriculum, one for all students. Learning is customized to the special needs of each child. These schools also focus a great deal on art and creativity, and this is infused through the whole curriculum. The goal is to promote creativity, curiosity, and imaginative learning. Moreover, most Waldorf schools delay core academics until at least Grade 1, when students are developmentally ready.
International Baccalaureate (IB) schools: The IB is an advanced, university-level program offered at many schools in Canada. It’s assignments and tests are administered by an international committee. IB schools are a great option for motivated and high-achieving students. They’re offered at the primary, middle, and high school level.
Alternative schools in Canada, like other kinds of private schools, have plenty of perks. For many kids, they can be a better fit than a traditional school. Depending on your child and the type of school you choose, alternative schools can have a number of benefits.
Parents send children to alternative schools for numerous reasons. Classroom structure, educational outlook, and essentially alternative ideas about childhood development are among the most common motivators for sending a child to such a school. Some of these schools test innovative teaching strategies and programs to help them identify how children develop most effectively.
For example, Montessori schools, unlike most other types of private schools, believe that students learn best in large classes where they can educate themselves (i.e., self-exploration) and become mentors for each other. This principle has always distinguished Montessori education from the customary model of teaching.
Arrowsmith Schools focus on helping students with learning disabilities, through intensive and graduated cognitive exercises. The program presupposes the plasticity of the human brain, a concept that has gained much wider acceptance in the broader scientific community and in the public sphere.
Waldorf schools and preschools focus on hands-on activities and the stimulation provided by a more holistic approach that downplays seat work.
Arrowsmith and Montessori (as well as, to a lesser extent, Waldorf) are examples of alternative schools that have seen their curriculum influence public education and become more widely accepted. Both progenitors of these methods (Maria Montessori and Barbara Arrowsmith) used their personal observations to see flaws in and help mold a unique alternative to mainstream schooling. Alternative schools are an important breeding ground for new ideas and approaches, although not all alternatives are as successful as these two examples.
Parents who enroll their sons or daughters in alternative private schools also have more control than they would find elsewhere. Conventional schools have fairly standard curricula and teaching strategies. Being private, alternative schools offer more control.
If your son or daughter has a high aptitude or passion in a certain discipline, some alternative schools can recognize this and help him or her develop that aptitude. Plenty of alternative schools and preschools (and daycares) combine classroom education with a particular specialty. In countless cases, parents prefer alternative schools because they allow their children to unleash their creativity which may have been stifled in another environment.
Selecting a private school usually comes down to finding the right fit. As such, private schools with clear and identifiable educational visions can help you make a choice based on concrete reasons.
Prior to making this important decision, consider some, if not all, of these key questions:
For much more detailed information about some excellent alternative private schools, visit one of Our Kids’ annual expos, read our guide to private school questions, or click on any of the links below.
Montessori schools in Poland (szkoły Montessori)
Social schools in Poland (szkoły społeczne)
Schools in Warsaw include przedszkola i szkoły Montessori w Warszawie
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Meet with admissions. Attend info sessions. Find the best-fit school. [Get my ticket]
Questions to ask high schools
Some key questions to ask when you’re choosing a high school (August 24, 2022)
Questions to ask elementary schools
Some key questions to ask when you’re choosing an elementary or primary school for your child (August 24, 2022)
The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators
Promoting standards of excellence in Montessori education (August 22, 2022)
Profile of Mark Musca, Head of School, Albert College
“Not only did I come (to Albert) as a staff member, I was also a parent.” (August 2, 2022)
Profile of John Liggett, Head of School, The Country Day School
“Most days, my job here doesn’t feel like work.” (August 2, 2022)
