Why children should start private school early
Experts suggest early education promotes a lifelong love of learning
Find a list of schoolsTo Preschool or not to preschool? That is the question.
To Preschool or not to preschool? That is the question.
How young is too young for kids to start school? This question has always been controversial between parents and professionals alike, but experts suggest that early education promotes a lifelong love of learning.
Starting school at two or three years of age has always been controversial. Many argue "kids are not allowed to be kids anymore." On the contrary, experts say early education promotes a lifelong love of learning.
"This couldn't be further from the truth considering that modern research shows that even before being actually born, while still in the mother's womb, a child responds to musical sounds," says Dan Zebeljan, RMS (a Montessori school, in Brampton, Ontario) director of education and academy principal. "It's a well known trend these days that some expectant mothers play classical music in order to stimulate their yet-to-be-born babies."
Zebeljan explains that between the ages of two to six years old, children are like sponges in a stage that the Montessori tradition identifies as the "Absorbent Mind" stage. "In this stage, children are eager to learn everything and anything," he says. "The questions about 'what is this and what is that?' and then the non-stop follow-ups, like 'but why this and why that?', are clear signs of their innate, inborn curiosity. Hence, it is our job as educators and parents—both must be partners in education—to capitalize on this inborn curiosity by directing, shaping, and forming their need to learn and continue their learning in a nurturing environment."
"The vast majority of children who are not exposed to a structured and prepared environment, by the time they are two to two-and-a-half years old, express clear signs of boredom," Zebeljan says. "Unless there is a supervised and well prepared environment that can address their questions, keep up with their energy and allow them to socialize with their own peers, children will simply become bored and irritable."
In order for learning to occur, he says it must be fun, spontaneous and organic rather than be seen as a chore, a burden or a nuisance. "In fact, in our experiences, the later children start school, the harder it becomes to perceive learning as fun, simply because as they get older, their innate sense of curiosity becomes mitigated with the conscious sense of responsibility," he explains.
Sense of responsibility must be built without its traditional labels associated with 'task-mastering,' which often provokes rejection or resistance in older children. He cites examples of task-mastering when asking children: Did you do your homework? Did you brush your teeth? Did you take out the garbage?
"We want to teach children about the sense of responsibility through the joy of learning so that it becomes their second nature, a meta-cognitive reflex if you will, wherein learning becomes based on their innate curiosity, thus making it contextually fun before it becomes a concept of responsibility," he says. "If executed properly, early childhood education is the mechanism that triggers a sense of responsibility in a natural and not forced upon or enforced way."
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Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics,arts & movement, and addresses the intellectual, physical, emotional & social aspects of child development. Preschool to gr. 12.
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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.
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Guidepost Montessori at Toronto is among a growing network of schools across the world. We serve children from infant to 12 and are located in Midtown, in proximity to many parks and sights for the children to explore.
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Glenburnie School, Oakville, offers enriched, child-centred, responsive, academic programs from Pre-K through Grade 8. Class sizes range from 8 to 18 students depending on grade level.
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Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from JK to Grade 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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Lynn-Rose Heights Private School offers challenging academic programming from three years old to grade twelve in Mississauga. Lynn-Rose Heights school is an official International Baccalaureate World School.
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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.
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Kendellhurst offers students an enriched curriculum with a mix of project based, traditional and arts infused curriculum, with digital displays, Macs and PC's in every room and Edwin personal devices for grades 5 to 8.
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Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering programs to students 18 months through Grade 12 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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La Citadelle's Excellence in Bilingual Education and academically advanced curriculum develop successful global citizens through IB & AP programs and a holistic approach where students achieve their highest potential.
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St-Laurent Academy is a private school that offers programs from nursery to high school in Ottawa. Its average class size is ten to 15 students.
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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.
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Hawthorn School is an all-girls school in Toronto that offers programs from toddler to grade 12. Our unique mentoring program is tailored to each girl to help them reach their full potential.
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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.
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Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12.
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The Maples is a private IB school in Orangeville, ON from PS to grade 8. Tuition starts at $8500. The Maples offer daily French instruction starting in PS.
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This academically re-known French & English bilingual serves students from Pre-Kg to High School. Class size averages 20 students; tuition ranges from $15,000 to $18,00 . Boarding is available.
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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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Oakville's SMLS continues to be a premier independent school for girls Preschool to Graduating Year since 1891. "Millie" graduates take on the world with confidence and the knowledge that they can do anything.
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An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children.
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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.
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Acadecap International School ( Académie de la Capitale), an IB school, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from Pre-K to Grade 12. Students thrive in a culture of academic excellence and real-life learning.
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Ashwood Glen is located on a new purpose-built campus in Burlington, offering Pre-K– 8 education, and its Learning Program is based on the the IB framework, using the Ontario curriculum standards.
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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school, and voted the BEST private school in Brampton. We offer a structured programme that is ahead of the Ministry set guidelines.
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Century Montessori Schools in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with class sizes as low as 12 students.
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Located in the Leaside neighbourhood of Toronto, Children's Garden Nursery School is a well-established private school that offers exceptional programming including Core French and French Immersion.
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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.
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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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TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7. Its average class size is 12 to 22 students.
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Prestige School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students.
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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.
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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.
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Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for children from 2.5-years to Grade 8. Voted #1 Private School in Richmond Hill 4 years in a row.
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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students.
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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!
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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.
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Toronto French Montessori offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in North York. Its average class size is 15 students.
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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! Now, Swim program is now included.
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Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students.
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CGS (Children's Garden School) offers co-ed, Preschool-Grade 3 programming. Small class sizes. Exceptional phonics program.
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Kuper Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eleven in Kirkland. Its average class size is 22 students.
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Bussing from Toronto (Bayview and Sheppard) available. Early Learning Centre to Grade 12. Discipline. Character. Respect. Complete your child's academic and spiritual foundation. Discover why PCA students excel!
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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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Authentic Montessori Preschool. Students completing our 3 year program at The Maria Montessori School test extremely well. We balance academics, exploration and skills guided by your child's natural interests.
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The School offers authentic Montessori education, individualized learning, accommodations to meet each child’s needs, hands-on learning, enriched curriculum, and outdoor exploration.
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MacLachlan is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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Queen Margaret's School is an independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC.
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B.E.N. offers an engaging, caring learning community.Focus is on qualities and skills alongside Ontario Curriculum. Small class sizes, daily outdoor activities, art classes and workshop. Parenting workshops are offered.
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Ellesmere Montessori School prepares children for a lifetime of creative and purposeful learning based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.
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Oxford Learning Academy – where your child will experience a homeschooling approach with the benefits of socialization in a small classroom environment. This Milton private school runs from PK to grade 8.
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Humberside Montessori Schools a montessori private school in Toronto. It offers programs from nursery to grade eight.
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Fern Hill School provides a calm, engaging & academic program for Preschool to Grade 8. We offer a structured approach that focuses on developing intellectual curiosity, creativity & confidence. Maximum class size is 19.
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Oxford Learning Academy offers a bilingual academic program complemented by a personalized school experience. We grow lifelong learners by focusing on early primary education.
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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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Trillium School is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Markham.
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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.
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Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650.
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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.
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Halton Waldorf School in Burlington, Ontario offers a licensed preschool, kindergarten and grades 1 to 12. It’s average class size is 15 to 21 students.
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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.
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We take inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy where each child is born creative, intuitive, resourceful, & has a strong potential for development from a very young age.Full-time care (7:30am-6pm). Tour anytime.
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Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach.
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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.
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Oakville Christian School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Oakville. Its average class size is 22 students.
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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!
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Vincent Massey supports students in reaching their individual potential through a balanced education; setting your child up for success in all avenues of life.
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Lycée Français de Toronto is a French school that offers programs from nursery to grade 12. Its average class size is 17 students.
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Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary Grades, including extended French. Tuition starts at $2,950.
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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.
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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.
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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Mulgrave School offers programmes from Preschool to Grade 12 in West Vancouver. Its average class size is 20 students with teacher to student ratios of 1:8.
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Central Montessori Schools in Toronto offers instruction from nursery to grade six, with enrolment of 900 day students and tuition starting at $5,900.
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Hitherfield is a private school for children in Preschool through Grade 8. Developing confidence, decision-making and respect are key components of our school.
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Located in Vaughan, King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade eight, which includes the IB Program.
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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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Kingsway College School offers programs for PK to grade 8 in Etobicoke. Its average class size is 17 to 21 students.
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Founded in 1893, Olivet School is a Christian private school in Etobicoke that offers preschool to grade 5. It combines quality teaching with individual attention to help each child achieve their personal potential.
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Little Owl Preschool, Elementary and Middle School develops motivated, confident, and happy problem-solving individuals. We invite your child to become a Little Owl student.
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Sunrise Montessori School in Markham offers both English and French Immersion programs from Infant (0 months) to Grade 8.
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ArtsCalibre Academy empowers students through creativity, mindfulness and leadership. We offer Preschool to Grade Eight in 2017/2018, adding one grade per year through to Grade 12.
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TFS - Canada's International School offers Canada's only bilingual IB programs from PK to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available.
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Since 1979, Banbury's student-paced approach with tutorial instruction is in small, multi-aged groups of 10:1. Meainingful relationships enhance learning. Member of Canadian Coalition of Self Directed Learning--CCSDL.
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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.
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ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. The school offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5.
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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!
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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.
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Fern Hill School is a private independent school for Preschool through Grade 8 offering individualized learning by subject-specific teachers. Our school is regarded as one of the pre-eminent elementary schools in Canada.
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Waldorf Academy offers programs from childcare to grade eight in downtown Toronto. Its average class size is 18 students.
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Wesley Christian Academy offers programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Markham. As we are a Christian school, we share our beliefs with all our students but we warmly welcome families from ALL faiths and backgrounds!
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For the past 36 years Kingsley Primary School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade five in Etobicoke. Its average class size is eight to 12 students.
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Unionville Montessori School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 to 22 students.
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Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to learners whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing academic excellence, and individual greatness.
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German International School in Toronto offers programs from PK to grade 8. It provides a German curriculum enriched with Canadian content.
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The Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal is a multilingual (German, English and French), private, co-educational school serving students from preschool to grade 12.
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Bayview Glen is a traditional co-ed day school in Toronto, Ontario from Preschool (age 2) to Grade 12, a global member of Round Square and offers Advanced Placement programme. Tuition ranges from $17,000 to $26,500.
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School is a Toronto Christian Montessori school with grades from nursery to 12. Tuition begins at $13,500.
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The PK – Grade 6 program is a visible expression of the philosophy embodied in Ledson's books, Raising Brighter Children and Teach Your Child to Read in Just 10 Minutes a Day.
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Town Centre Montessori Private Schools offers programs from pre-school to grade 12/University Prep and is located in Markham.
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River Valley is an inclusive independent school in the heart of NW Calgary that provides exceptional education for 3-year-olds to grade 6 students.
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Calgary French & International School graduates will be active global citizens with a foundation for life-long success, and our school will be the leader in French immersion and international education.
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The Giles School is a French immersion private school in Toronto for children age 2 (Pre-K) to Grade 8. Open Admissions through Grade 1, small classes, and Mandarin introduced as a third language in Grade 1.
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Housed in the elegant colonial mansion, Harrop House in the beautiful town of Milton, Ontario. Offering low teacher to child ratios with an emphasis on personal and social development of each child.
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The Montessori School of Calgary offers a preschool through Grade 6 program led by experienced guides and teachers who support each child with trust, respect, and proven academic success.
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Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students.
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Lycée Louis Pasteur is the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula. Three years old to Grade 12. All linguistic backgrounds welcome. Small class sizes.
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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.
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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.
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The Prestige School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Richmond Hill. Its average class size is ten students.
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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.
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Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and challenging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity.
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St. Clement's Early Learning School
70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1H2
St. Clement’s Early Learning School provides a child with an opportunity for growth in all areas of his or her development.
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Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students.
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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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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.
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Wishing Well Schools has an academically advanced program from 18 months to Grade 8. Montessori program from 18 months to 6 years old, accelerated academic program from Grade 1 to 8 with 21st c. teaching and learning.
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Maria Montessori School is an AMI accredited Montessori school in Toronto that offers programs for children 18 months to twelve years.
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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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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.
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Robbins Hebrew Academy (RHA) teaches students to think critically and globally, in a community that builds self-esteem and life-long character. RHA is Toronto’s first Jewish school to be CAIS accredited.
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Léman Manhattan - the only boarding school in Manhattan, New York that delivers academic excellence that inspires your child for a lifetime. IB Diploma program and unique internship opportunities offered in the city.
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