8597 156 Street, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 3R8, Canada
1293 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5E 2E6, Canada
8597 156 Street, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 3R8, Canada
1293 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5E 2E6, Canada
2,315.0 km
331.3 km
1991
1962
20
200
Preschool to K
Preschool to 7
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English, French
Academic
Montessori
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
18 to 20
12 to 22
In-class adaptations
Accelerated curriculum
$3,500 to $3,900
$11,770 to $29,300
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$28,000
5
18
0%
0%
85%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - K
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
information not available
information not available
information not available
For the better part of three decades The Maria Montessori School has provided an important piece within the academic mosaic of Surrey: a fully accredited Montessori program that remains faithful to Maria Montessori’s ideal as developed more than a century ago. One of the hallmarks, in ample evidence here, is a trust in the innate creativity that children bring to the classroom, as well as their natural affinity for repetition, observation, and interaction. Likewise, there is a trust in the value of mentorship among the students, with the older ones sharing with the younger, something that is as charming as it is useful in developing social skills and interpersonal communication. The learning spaces are well organized, well-lit with natural light, and include interfaces with the world outside. Those things, rightly, are no doubt primary draws for the families that enroll here, as is a careful, considered pace within the delivery of the curriculum. Headmistress Rosa van Meel is a well-spoken advocate of the method, and she works to ensure that the program meets all the standards that parents expect of a sound, informed Montessori program. Her interest in imparting her enthusiasm and experience to new instructors gives further strength to the work of the school.
The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012, marking the end of an astonishing period of growth and development. The school really did start in a basement, moving from there into a range of branches throughout the GTA, in time consolidating onto the two campuses that the school occupies today. Schools don't grow that much, or that quickly, if they aren't servicing a specific need, and certainly that's true of TFS. The acronym stands for Toronto French School, which is the name that the school was founded with, though in time it was offering a lot more than the name suggested. Language remains an important part of the curriculum, though the culture of the school reaches beyond language. The environment is rich, varied, and supportive. The student body is culturally and academically diverse, all of which is encouraged through a robust bursary program.
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The beginning is crucial. The first education experience must enable a love of learning and a joy of exploration and discovery. In our quickly changing world the Montessori Method is ideal as it excels in developing a child's full potential. Since 1991 The Maria Montessori School has brought the joy of learning and the wonder of the world to children through the brilliantly modern, highly relevant and very effective method developed more than 100 years ago - by Dr. Maria Montessori. As effective now as it was then.
TFS' West Campus in Mississauga offers a rigorous bilingual education with an international perspective. Our students become individuals who reflect, citizens who act. Our close-knit community welcomes boys and girls from PK to Grade 7. No prior knowledge of French is required. We offer a rich array of sports and co-curriculars. After Grade 7, students continue their studies at the Toronto campus, using a complimentary TFS shuttle bus. (See TFS Toronto listing.)
Welcome to The Maria Montessori School. Since 1991 our school has introduced preschool and kindergarten children to the wonders of learning through the Montessori Method. It surprises many adults that even extremely young children have a very strong and innate desire to understand the world around them. They want to read, they want to emulate adults, they want to explore, and they want to know. Dr. Maria Montessori's greatest contribution to Early Childhood Education, and the foundation of her Method was the recognition that when given access to the right developmentally appropriate materials all children, even those as young as three can quickly acquire the foundation skills of reading, writing and basic mathematics. Guided by his or her own interests and talent, the progress of a young child can be quite astonishing. Hers was a monumental discovery and our school continues within the educational philosophy and tradition of Dr.Maria Montessori. And - finally - our students love to come to school.
After working as a Principal with Le Conseil Scolaire Viamonde here in Toronto, and in Georgia before that, as well as a Director of Curriculum in Nigeria and an Athletic Director in Yemen, M. Gaudet arrived at TFS as Principal of the Senior School in 2015, bringing with him an invaluable international perspective. In August 2020, M. Gaudet stepped into his new role of Executive Director of the Learning Forum at TFS. M. Gaudet is a bilingual educator with a master’s degree in educational administration. He has more than 20 years of experience working with high school students. His passion for academic ambition is felt school-wide through his innovative and infomed ideas and programs.
International Baccalaureate
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.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
Academic ambition is our bedrock. TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework of the International Baccalaureate programs from PK to Grade 12 - providing our students with an education that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Montessori over the three year period from Preschool to K moves with the ability and interest of each child. The initial introductions use basic manipulative materials and the child then progresses towards an understanding of all four basic operations. As the child gains knowledge the materials transition to abstract. The decimal system and fractions are included throughout this process. Traditional Montessori at the Preschool and K levels are neither Traditional nor Discovery math. All children work individually or in small groups and progress at their own pace.
The Mathematics program develops students’ ability to work independently and their aptitude to seek, communicate, and justify mathematical statements. Problem solving and creativity will be integrated in all areas of mathematics.
Information not available
Information not available
Balanced Literacy
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.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Students are introduced to the phonetic sounds and move through a step-wise system progressing towards reading fluency. The Montessori Method has an extensive array of hands-on materials to facilitate this process. By the end of the three year program K students who have completed our program show very good reading outcomes. When tested many have achieved above Grade 2 level and some a full one or two Grade levels higher, but all exceed the Standard K reading levels. Our students learn to read cursive script and then move on to print. All children learn individually and are guided individually.
The early reading program focuses on phonics instruction in French and English, with guided reading and levelled literacy that suits individual needs and abilities.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Regular running records and miscue analysis, CTBS testing
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.
Writing goes hand in hand with reading in the Montessori Method. Children begin to write letters and words as soon as they begin forming words. This process helps reinforce the phonetics and accelerates the child\'s understanding. As they begin to become novice readers the children begin writing sentences of their own invention. Then as individual students progress sufficiently they can begin to work with function of words, grammar, sentence construction and punctuation.
Cursive writing instruction begins in SK, and students have access to a handwriting app developed by a TFS teacher for the iPad. The writing process is taught thoughout the grades, including writing reflections and reading for authentic purposes, as part of the IB programs.
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.
At the Preschool and Kindergarten level the Montessori Method introduces science through concrete exploration of specifically designed materials. Children are introduced to scientific phenomena and vocabulary and experiences as a part of this program. Our sensorially rich outside environment supplements classroom materials and introduces the children to their natural environment. There are many native plants bird species and other forms of life that the students can learn to recognize and respect.
The study of science is integrated into units of inquiry in the primary grades, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, digital tools and robotics. In Grade 6, science is taught as a specialized subject, leading to biology, chemistry and physics study in later years.
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
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Information not available
Grades 2-5: Students receive daily instruction in English and French. Language experiences support the Program of Inquiry and fulfil the Ontario curriculum’s Language expectations. The language curriculum is organized into four strands: Reading, Writing, Media Literacy and Oral Communication. In later grades, through our literature program, students will expand their knowledge of literary genres. Reading various kinds of texts will help students to discover what interests them most and to pursue and develop their interests and abilities.
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
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Montessori method at this age uses maps to teach the students about different places, continents and countries in the world. Children learn land-forms, terminology and facts about different climatic zones and the plants and animals that would be found there. Canada, Canadian cities, and Canadian Provinces are covered as well.
Students explore social studies through the PYP's program of inquiry, with central ideas and key concepts relating to the themes of who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves and sharing the planet.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Information not available
Communicative
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
Information not available
TFS is a bilingual French-English school. In addition to becoming fluent in both languages, students also learn a third language.
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.
The children are free to explore and the Montessori Method does indeed include many materials and activities that can lead to further exploration in the Arts. Drawing, crafts and painting are some of the materials and activities commonly seen in our classroom.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
At this level the Montessori program does not use computers or any screen technology for any instruction at any time. The Montessori Method is designed to focus is on the foundational skills required for all future education.
TFS has made the integration of information technology into the curriculum a priority. Students have access to a wide array of technology, including Apple laptops and desktops, iPads, digital cameras, production equipment, robotics, interactive whiteboards and projectors in every classroom, and much more.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Children have a period of time at the end of each class to go outside and explore, move and participate in active songs and games. Our Explore Garden is both a teaching area and an area for movement and guided games.
Health and Physical Education courses are part of the regular curriculum. TFS appreciates the benefits of physical activity to academic performance. Students with higher levels of fitness have a more developed brain structure, perform better on cognitive tests, and have heightened levels of focus and retention. Skating and swimming programs are scheduled throughout the year as part of the curriculum in different grades.
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.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
We use the Montessori method, the Traditional Casa which emphasizes exploration and development of practical and academic skill. Academically, our school has very strong Science, Geography, Math and Language outcomes. The three year program moves each child at their own pace using manipulative materials and always leading towards the acquisition of abstract skills within the important areas of Language, Math and Science.
From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 1, TFS teaches the curricula of Ontario and France through the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization. From the moment children join TFS, through Grade 1 (CP), they are instructed only in French. Children quickly embrace the language and are gently encouraged to increase their use of French during classroom activities.
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 accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
The Montessori method blends children in early Preschool through K into a single classroom. Guide and Assistant work individually with each child using materials ranging from preliminary and on to advanced at the K level. Students completing year 3, test well above grade level and some achieve several levels above.
Flexible and self-paced programs include Math XL and Mathletics, coding, digital citizenship programs.
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”.
One brilliant aspect of the Montessori method is that every child is allowed to excel in their area of interest. Usually, reading, writing, math, exploration of the natural world, and exploration of their personal world around them, are the top interests of any child. However, some excel in specific areas and are free to move at that faster pace. At the end of the three year program our graduates are solidly grounded with the skills to move forward in language, math, science and the natural world guided by their own unique strengths and skills and personality.
Information not available
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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."
Intellectual: (As a Preschool) - TMMS strives for the creation of a solid foundation on which to build all other academic skills. While: Balanced - indicates that a child of 3 is vastly different from a child of 6. Throughout the entire three year program as the development of the child progresses, the skills they acquire will change: initially these are almost entirely physical and exploration based, by the end of the program they are beginning their understanding of sophisticated language and academic concepts while also taking their first firm steps forward in emotional connections and socialization with their peers.
Information not available
The Maria Montessori School |
TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) |
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RecreationalRec. |
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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
0%
0%
$0
$28,000
85%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - K
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
No
No
All students are welcome, and students not yet fluent in English quickly gain skill and confidence. The Montessori Method with its daily two to three hour preschool classes and half day Kindergarten is best complemented by active structured programs, by unstructured play, or by individual exploration by the child with family. The Maria Montessori School does not use any screens and very much encourages parents and families to adhere to recommended screen time guidelines.
Please view the website at www.tfs.ca.
Parents are always encouraged to view an active class for themselves. Places may be reserved in advance for new children before the start of the school year. Children between 2 1/2 and the age of 3 are allowed into the class, but there are conditions including a mandated limited number of placements. Contact us for further information. Usually students enroll in the summer months and begin in September, but if space is available, entry can be in January. Usually mid-year entry is by prior arrangement through interview, observation of a class, and placement on a waiting list.
Please see our website: https://www.tfs.ca/admissions/application-process
