401 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1A3, Canada
611 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1A3, Canada
401 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1A3, Canada
611 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1A3, Canada
340.0 km
335.7 km
1984
2014
200
Varies
Nursery/Toddler to 8
1 to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Traditional
Varies
Varies
In-class adaptations
$12,000
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
1 to 8
$0
$0
15
0
0%
0%
0%
0%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
information not available
Often what attracts parents to Montessori education is the close, community feel that many schools are able to provide, and that’s very true of MLCP. The school began in 1984 with 25 students, and growth has been less of a concern for its administrators than quality. The student population today is just 200, this in a program that spans preschool through Grade 8. Yes, there are all of the things we expect of the Montessori approach, though that’s coupled with a very close attention to the needs of individuals, both students and parents combined. Before and after care is available, and while it’s not included in tuition, the rates are very reasonable. Likewise, those programs are entirely flexible—parents pay only for what they use. In that, and in other ways, this is a school that really operates with the needs of its families foremost in mind.
Wychwood was founded by Dr. Rebecca Wells-Jopling, an educator who is as unique and uniquely qualified as the school she created. Wells-Jopling has taught in the public school system, at Emory University in the US, and high school in Bordeaux, France. She is also an accredited baseball coach, and coaches year round. Wychwood is small, admitting a max of 12 students a year, and while the academic program is challenging and very strong, the goal is to graduate students able to work well with others, confident at their place at the table. The location of the school is a strength, and instruction rightly makes good use of the vast range of resources available nearby, including the Young People’s Theatre and the High Park Nature Centre, as well those on a smaller scale, inviting local experts into the classroom. There is an obvious passion behind the delivery of the curriculum, one that demonstrates Wells-Jopling’s close, exceptionally informed understanding of evidence-based practice. She’s collaborated with leaders in the field, as with the mathematics curriculum, which was created by Dr. John Mighton, fellow at Toronto’s Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences. That level of attention and expertise is evident across the curricular and extra-curricular offerings. The ideal learner is one able to thrive in a very small, creative, and engaging learning environment.
information not available
information not available
MLCP caters to students aged 12 months to 14 years, following Maria Montessori's philosophies and theories. Her exciting range of materials is available to introduce new concepts and lessons. To further enrich the curriculum, the school offers French, Physical Education and Music and Movement, with Home Economics, Civics, Computer, library visits and community service for the older students. A bilingual programme is offered beginning at the Junior Elementary Level.
Wychwood School is a very small school offering excellence in academics, sports, and the arts. Wychwood nurtures independent thinking and a love of learning through the Classical Education model of developing young minds. In any given year, we accept no more than 12 students across grades 1-8. Students benefit from individualized programming in a nurturing and focused learning environment. Students engage in dramatic and musical performances, science and engineering competitions, and in sports competitions.
Nicola Phillips opened the Montessori Learning Centre in Pickering in 1984 with the view to offering the Montessori environment in the way that had excited her during her training. The school continues to be devoted to the individualized nurturing and deveopment of each student encouraging potential in each area of the curriculum. Stong subject areas are honed and potentialized and areas in need of attention are recognized and strengthened. The nurturing element of Montessori's method is exercised at all levels with both students and staff respecting differences and encouraging growth in all areas both academic and social.
information not available
Traditional
Information not available
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Not applicable
MLCP follows the Montessori method of educating the child academically, socially and emotionally with the support of her specially created materials. Students of all ages are encouraged to learn at potential and are not limited by prescribed expectations. Students learn from teachers and other students supporting our motto of "Knowledge with Understanding"
Wychwood nurtures independent thinking and a love of learning through the Classical Education model of developing young minds. Students learn through highly-individualized programming in an intense and focused learning environment. The curriculum integrates learning across subjects so that what children are learning in one subject thematically complements topics in other subjects. In addition to courses in English, Math, Science, and French, students study History or Social Studies, Cursive, Keyboarding, Visual Art, Music, and Physical Education. Students regularly engage in dramatic and musical performances, science and engineering competitions, and in sports competitions.
Traditional Math
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
The Montessori math materials are incredibly exciting in both presentation and execution. Discovery and implementation are encouraged and supported and the students enjoy hands on manipulation of quantities and qualities allowing both a tactile and intellectual understanding of each new concept presented.
The Wychwood mathematics curriculum is structured by a carefully selected evidence-based program, created by Dr. John Mighton, fellow at Toronto’s Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences. JUMP Math has been researched and found to significantly increase math achievement across the elementary years as compared with competing programs. Core themes include number sense and numeration, measurement, geometry and spatial sense, patterning and algebra, and data management and probability. Wychwood also teaches students how to memorize addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts, and engages students in regular “minute math” timed drills to help students build a strong base of operations facts. Students learn how to monitor their own responses to material, how to initiate questioning in productive ways, and most especially, they learn how to view mistakes for what they are – important stepping stones to mastery. Regular chess practice is also part of the math curriculum at Wychwood School.
Some traditional books are used as support for the Montessori curriculum at the elementary level preparing the students for high school.
JUMP Math
Once a concept has been grasped in practice calculators are acknowledged as time savers.
Calculators are fine when the central objective of the exercise is not to practice the operations or computation.
Phonics-intensive
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
MLCP supports the phonetic approach encouraged beautifully by the tactile, colorful Montessori material and objects so interesting to the young mind. With this approach, word attack skills are honed at a young age allowing for stronger reading at a younger age.
Phonics along with a great variety of interesting reading materials
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Students at all levels are encouraged to explore writing strategies appropriate to both ability and age. Each student is, through the systematic Montessori materials able to move, at their pace, towards development of interesting, well thought out and creative documentation.
Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary development are treated as separate areas of inquiry from writing at Wychwood School. We select certain writing assignments throughout the year to be taken through all steps of the revision process, including revising and editing. Not all writing exercises are taken through all steps of revision and final draft. In non-fiction writing, students learn how to structure a compelling paragraph and to make basic arguments. Creative writing is also a very important component of a liberal arts education. Wychwood students learn how to write an effective story and experiment with writing various types of poetry. They come to understand the purposes of different genres.
Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Curiosity is an instinct natural to students. Beginning with simple classroom experiments and growing into formalized scientific theory and substantiating evidence the student body develops through challenging instruction
The Wychwood School science curriculum focuses on the practice of asking clear questions and on the pursuit of explanations. Students learn how these two endeavours operate as separate steps in the process of scientific inquiry, and how they affect each other in integral ways. Students learn the value of making conjectures and making efforts to refute those conjectures (instead of making efforts to confirm them), and learn the superiority of this method to a purely inductive mode of reasoning in the pursuit of scientific inquiry. Themes are presented cyclically across the elementary years such that students leave Wychwood with successful experience with scientific inquiry and procedures within diverse subtopics of the overarching curricular emphases of life systems, structures and mechanisms, matter and energy, and earth and space systems. Wychwood students complete projects individually and in pairs, take tests regularly, and are strongly encouraged to participate in science and engineering competitions.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Traditional
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
Information not available
The primary objective of the Wychwood language program is to develop strong readers and writers. Our students read only the finest literary works for their age-group and only worthy examples of non-fiction writing. Daily reading comprehension exercises supplement the reading program. The Wychwood language curriculum develops vocabulary through carefully-selected programs that foster age-appropriate understanding of semantics and syntax, morphology, and Greek and Latin word roots. Direct instruction in grammar is a core component of the language curriculum. Students develop an appreciation of the beauty of the English language through understanding its components. Aesthetic appreciation also extends to the oral language, which is exercised through dramatic readings and recitations.
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Core Knowledge
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
Information not available
The elementary years are a time for discovering and inquiring about the physical, social, and cultural environments that one inhabits, for discovering the human roles at work in each, and for becoming aware of one’s own roles in these contexts. Students learn about the interactions of each of these components through focused themes structured to enhance understanding. Projects enhance deeper exploration of the material. Related math, science, and language concepts are incorporated to create a meaningful conceptual network for the students. Excursions encourage first-hand experiences with and questioning about the concepts studied in the classroom, and visitors with valuable expertise in particular areas will come in and share their experiences and respond to questions and comments from Wychwood students.
Perennialism
Not applicable
Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.
Information not available
Wychwood School follows the tenets of the Classical Education model in which history is studied in 4 general periods: Ancients, Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, and Modern Times.
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Information not available
At Wychwood School, our goal is to present French language through oral, aural, reading, and writing activities that are fun and educational. Because learning a second language takes time and requires regular exposure, students’ enjoyment at each stage is a priority. We use diverse methods for motivating students to engage in the levels of practice that produce aural comprehension, correct pronunciation, excellent grammatical skills, and appreciation of the beauty of the French language. Methods include choral work, role-playing, dialogue memorization, dictées, video models, direct grammar instruction, and tests, among others.
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Information not available
In the visual arts, Wychwood students learn about the importance of line, shape, form, value, space, colour, and texture in the visual arts. They also engage in a more in-depth study of drawing, painting, and sculpture in which they learn techniques for representing figures, portraits, and animals. Art history is an integral component of the visual arts at Wychood. The primary objective of our music program is for students to enjoy listening to and making music with their peers. All students study violin and practice together. Students learn about duration, pitch, dynamics, and other expressive controls, timbre, texture, harmony and form. They learn about different musical instruments, performance styles, genres of music, and concert protocols through regular excursions to concerts and rich discussion of their concert experience afterwards in the classroom. Classroom visits by musicians who play a variety of instruments also enrich the Wychwood music program.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light integration
Not applicable
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Information not available
Wychwood School does not offer courses focused on computer literacy, nor are any assignments designed with optimization of computer skills as the core objective.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
At Wychwood, we consider athletic participation a core component of an excellent liberal arts curriculum, and therefore expect, encourage and support every student’s participation in athletics. Students are not expected to excel in every sport, of course, but to give each new experience their best try. The structure of our athletics program thus interlocks with what children are learning in their Physical Education course. In this way, our students can take forward the “growth mindset” that they are developing, with their classmates in sport practice and in their academics, into an appropriately competitive context and discover their own physical and mental strengths in the context of extra-mural tournaments.
Not applicable
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Not applicable
We, at MLCP, endeavour to provide an environment rich in both Montessori materials and her proven methodology and practice and in the CCEYA and HDLH foundations for learning. As such, our classrooms provide encouraging, supportive, individualized learning opportunities through the appealing Montessori materials and the carefully prepared environments.
Information not available
Student-paced
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
Montessori stresses the importance of the combined age groups supporting and nurturing each other.
Information not available
Rigorous
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
MLCP promotes a supportive learning environment instilling a love of learning and an expectation of production at potential. Students are offered opportunities to be continually challenged and are emboldened to achieve at potential in each academic area. Montessori classrooms are created to encourage success offering each student what is needed for them to be the best person they can be academically, socially and as a valued community member.
At Wychwood School, we believe that a responsible academic program can and should be both rigorous and nourishing of a fundamental and deeply-rooted love of learning across all areas of human inquiry. Direct teaching and care for and commitment to the individuality of each child are indispensable to our philosophy of learning.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
"Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."
Balanced
"Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."
Not applicable
Not applicable
At Wychwood, we believe that each of these developmental priorities is intimately and intricately connected to the others. Our students leave Wychwood with a solid knowledge of how to be an active and interested agent in their own learning beyond the doors of our school and, we expect, long after the years spent with us.
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering |
Wychwood School |
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RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
1 - 8
0%
0%
$0
$0
0%
0%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 8
Yes: grades 1 - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
We are looking for families / students who are committed to Montessori's belief that children have different learning styles and that our goal of having each child reach their potential in each area of development and curriculum is important. Montessori offers a whole person approach to education which needs to be respected by all involved parties.
We meet with prospective parents to ensure that they have read through our admissions package and that Montessori's philosophies and theories are in line with their educational plan. We arrange some on site visits, as needed, to further ensure that parents are aware of how the classrooms work and the expectations of the school.
