What is preschool?
The difference between preschool, daycare, childcare, nursery school, and kindergarten
Quick summary
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Quick summary
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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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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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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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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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Guidepost Montessori at Toronto is among a growing network of schools across the world. We serve ages 18 months to 12 and are located in Midtown, in proximity to many parks and sights for the children to explore.
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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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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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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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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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An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children.
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York Montessori School in Richmond Hill offers children from 16 months to 6 years old a wholesome Montessori education. Teacher to student ratios of 1:5 - 1:8.
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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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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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Westside Montessori Academy, located at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver offers a true Montessori education to children aged 2.5 to Grade 7.
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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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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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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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Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Century Montessori Schools in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with class sizes as low as 12 students.
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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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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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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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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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Kidz Kare offers a wide range of services that help with all parents' needs. Our flexibility in childcare services is what sets us apart from all other schools.
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Acadecap International School a.k.a. 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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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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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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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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Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.
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WWS is a dedicated Waldorf school in Whistler, B.C. offering early years education all the way up to grade 12.
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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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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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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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Vancouver Waldorf School offers programs from pre-school through to grade 12 in North Vancouver, BC. Its average class size is 12 to 25 students.
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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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Oakville Christian School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Oakville. Its average class size is 22 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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Hitherfield School offers programs from pre-school to grade 8. With an average class size of 14 students, we offer an excellent academic program along with a multitude of outdoor activities.
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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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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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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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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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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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Odyssey Montessori School is a private Montessori day school with two campuses. The Christie and Sorauren locations provide programs for students 18 months to 6 years old.
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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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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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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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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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Founded in 1893, Olivet School is a Christian private school in Etobicoke, offering PS-Gr5. Olivet School combines quality teaching with individual attention to help each child achieve their personal potential.
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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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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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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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Kuper Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eleven in Kirkland. Its average class size is 22 students.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Home Sweet Home Montessori Academy offers our students a supportive environment, which allows them to discover their passions, all while reaching each individuals full potential!
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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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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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Unionville Montessori School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 to 22 students.
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Primary Prep Academy offers programs from Pre-school to Grade 3 in Mississauga. Before and After school program included in tuition.
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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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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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Blooming Lives Montessori celebrates and nurtures the sense of curiosity of each child, supports them in exploring their expanding capabilities and guides them into their thriving potentials.
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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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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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Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary Grades, including extended French. Tuition starts at $2,950.
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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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Trillium School is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Markham.
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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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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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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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Voted Oakville's Best Preschool, The Oakville Academy School for the Arts offers Preschool and Kindergarten classes in an arts-enriched learning environment.
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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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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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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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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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Vincent Massey offers a balanced approach to education, setting your child up for succecs in all avenues of life.
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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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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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Queen Margaret's School is an independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC.
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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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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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Mississauga Christian French School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 15 students. Offering an Olympic-sized Gym.
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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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e.p.i.c. is a leading progressive school specializing in early education for students in Pre-K, J.K. and S.K. Discover e.p.i.c. School!
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Established in 1978, our passion is to provide families with transformative, excellent education that equips and inspires students to be disciples who are world changers that love and serve God and others.
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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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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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We offer a sound, internationally recognized academic foundation. Our students gain fluency in three languages and achieve mastery of biology, chemistry and physics.
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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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Founded in 1912, Montverde Academy is an elite college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies with a distinct student population from over 80 countries worldwide.
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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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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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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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Collège Bourget is a day & boarding school situated between Montreal & Ottawa, that exceeds Quebec curriculum guidelines & ensures our students grow through different spheres: arts, sports, community service & science.
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Philopateer Christian College offers programs from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 to 18 students.
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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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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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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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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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Fairview Glen offers authentic Montessori education for children 18 mo.-12 yrs. The academically driven, collaborative and supportive community, also specializes in French, Music, Visual Arts and Phys-Ed programs.
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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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MontessoriWorks provides half/full-day experiential learning programs, based in the Montessori method, conducted in a nurturing, cooperative, supportive environment, for children in preschool through senior kindergarten.
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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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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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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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Our highly qualified staff use the Montessori Method to provide students with the opportunity to develop intellectual and social skills and to enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence.
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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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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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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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Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students.
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The bilingual French and English curriculum of Ecole la Nouvelle Vague is based on the Ministry of Education accredited program.
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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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The Nature School at Kortright provides an alternative form of education designed to provide experiential learning opportunities and promote curiosity to nurture the whole child.
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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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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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Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach.
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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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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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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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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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Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students.
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Conveniently located near downtown St. Catharines, BMS offers Toddler to Grade 6 Montessori education with class sizes of 8 to 20 students. Extended Care. New facility and acreage.
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Rutherford Private School creates an atmosphere of academic excellence, and develops students with a love of learning that provides sound preparation for higher education.
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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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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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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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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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In Canada, children under five years old aren’t required to go to school. This means most Canadian preschools (like nursery schools and daycares) are private. Some receive funding, though, and most are regulated by the government.
Preschools aim to prepare your child for the school years. They promote children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. They lay the groundwork for a solid start in kindergarten, and for excelling in elementary school and beyond. Indeed, they have numerous benefits.
Some other basic features of preschool include the following:
Preschool questions (read our in-depth answers) |
Preschool is sometimes called daycare or childcare. It’s also sometimes referred to as nursery school or even kindergarten. And it sometimes has a similar approach to these other options. Yet there are often differences between these alternatives.
The table below summarizes some of the main differences between preschool and daycare, childcare, nursery school, and kindergarten.
Preschool |
Daycare |
Childcare |
Nursery school |
Kindergarten |
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Age range |
3-5 (or younger) |
0-5 |
0-5 |
0-3 |
4-6 |
Mandatory |
No |
No |
No |
No |
In some provinces |
Licensed |
Yes |
Yes |
Sometimes |
Yes |
Yes |
RECE teachers |
Yes |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Usually |
Sometimes |
Open during statutory holidays |
Not usually |
Usually |
Usually |
Not usually |
No |
Open during summer |
Not usually |
Usually |
Usually |
Not usually |
No |
Offers before- and after childcare |
Sometimes |
Usually |
Usually |
Sometimes |
No |
Focus on early learning |
Medium-high |
Medium-low |
Low-medium |
Medium-high |
Medium-high |
Keep in mind, though, differences and similarities will depend on the particular preschool, daycare, and so on. This is because preschools (daycares, nurseries, etc.) vary in their aims, approaches, philosophies, and more.
Yet, as we’ve seen, there are some common differences and similarities between these options. For instance, preschool focuses more on early learning and academics than some of these other options. Below, we discuss in more detail the main differences and similarities between preschool and other early learning options.
Like preschool, daycare can refer to many different things. It can be a preschool, nursery school, childcare centre, or all three.
Most daycares are licensed by a government body, such as the Ontario Ministry of Education. This in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).
Preschool programs, though, tend to have more teachers with training in Early Childhood Education than daycares, and more teachers who are Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE). They also focus more on early learning and academics than daycare through a fairly intensive curriculum. And some have less unstructured play time than daycares.
Daycare, meanwhile, normally has plenty of “free-explore” or “free-play” time, some unstructured activities, and plenty of play-based learning. That said, many daycare centres, especially at the higher levels, provide some structured learning, focusing on academic skills and knowledge, such as reading, writing, math, numbers, and letters. To learn about the differences between academic and play-based preschools, read our guide.
Some daycare centres and programs provide longer hours than preschools. And some stay open for some holidays, school breaks, and the summer. Many preschools, though, have similar flexibility: they offer full-time programs, extended childcare, and summer enrollment.
Childcare simply refers to any place where a child is cared for. This can mean a number of different things.
It may, for instance just involve one-on-one homecare provided by a parent, nanny, or someone else. Childcare may also be provided in an out-of-home setting. Here your child may simply be “looked after.”
Childcare can and often does, though, provide much more than basic babysitting. It often includes structured play time, with organized activities which allow kids to explore and learn. Many childcare centres also have some play-based learning. And some provide some sit-down learning. Typically, though, childcare providers focus less on early learning and cognitive development than preschool programs.
As Ellen Galinsky says, in The Preschool Years:
If a large opinion survey were conducted on the difference between schools and childcare, school-based programs would be described as more educationally focused, while childcare programs would be seen as more custodial.
Nursery school can refer to many things. It can be a preschool, daycare, kindergarten, or even all three. Nursery school is normally attended near the beginning of preschool (and so may be part of a preschool). It will thus often be for children from ages one to three.
Nursery schools often involve some combination of play, exploration, and learning. Typically, though, they focus more on play and less on learning than the average preschool. Like preschools and daycares, though, they have a wide range of aims, approaches, and philosophies.
In Canada, formal schooling begins with kindergarten. Most children start at the junior kindergarten (JK) level, which is for those who turn four by December 31st of the school year. However, some start school at the senior kindergarten (SK) level, which is for those who turn five on this date. While JK is not mandatory in any province, some provinces require kids to attend SK (for instance, Ontario).
Preschool, on the other hand, is not normally considered part of the school years, at least by most provincial governments. Nor is it mandatory. While it often focuses somewhat on academics, like kindergarten, children aren’t required to attend it.
Also, sometimes preschool is more play-based and less academic than kindergarten. That said, some alternative preschools, such as Montessori, tend to be less play-based and more task- or academic-oriented (even compared to many kindergarten programs), although in an unconventional sense.
In truth, there are many different approaches to preschool, daycare, childcare, nursery school, and kindergarten. What’s most important is to look at the particular aims, philosophies, teaching approaches, and more, of any preschool (nursery school, etc.), and decide whether it’s a good fit for your child. Luckily, in Canada, there are lots of great preschool options to choose from.
To learn more about the different preschool approaches, read our comparison guides. In separate articles, we compare Montessori to Waldorf, Montessori to Reggio Emilia, Waldorf to Reggio Emilia, academic to play-based, Montessori to play-based, and Montessori to academic preschools. You can also read our guide to preschool questions.
“A preschool environment should provide a pleasurable mix of learning opportunities and play—a place where children’s curiosity is encouraged, and wonder and inquiry are integral aspects of the program. It has a broad range of activities, including interactive, motor, listening, and sensory experiences.” Joanne Foster, educational specialist, and co-author (with Dona Matthews) of Beyond Intelligence, Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
“The essence of preschool is a loving, caring environment where young students learn and grow, not only from engaged adults, but from each other. Students are provided with every opportunity to develop at their optimal level by building on their previous experiences and by introducing them to new ideas and concepts. Children learn one step at a time through an age-appropriate program that is geared to the needs of the individual child.” Corina Gill, assistant head of lower school at Bayview Glen Independent School, in Toronto, Ontario
“Although preschools technically fall in the same category as daycare centres—they’re licensed and regulated by the same bodies—they typically have a more academic focus, and are for children ages two through five.” Lee Venditti, director of J. Addison, a Montessori school in Markham, Ontario
“The basic difference between preschool and daycare is that preschools are curriculum-based. They tend to follow a school schedule, whereas daycare is all about making the children happy, where the children play, have fun, nap, etc.” Marcel Pereira, director of Century Private School, a Montessori school, in Richmond Hill, Ontario
“Preschool is the bridge between daycare or homecare and kindergarten. It’s an opportunity for students to be socialized in a warm, nurturing environment. It’s a place where the basic foundational building blocks of school, such as lining up, waiting your turn, sitting and listening, putting on your coat, and holding a pencil, are learned.” Vanessa Sjerven, teacher at Elmwood School (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“One of a preschool program’s primary goals is to support the children in acquiring appropriate social skills and conflict resolution strategies when dealing with others. Learning to relate well with others is an important life skill that will support the child’s development and success both personally and professionally in the future.” Jennifer Deathe, head of admission at Waldorf Academy, a Waldorf school, in Toronto, Ontario
“By law, a licensed preschool must have teachers who are RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educators). The preschool teacher-to-student ratio must be 1-to-8 in accordance with the CCEYA (Child Care and Early Years Act).” Nora Ibrahim, preschool teacher and IB PYP (Primary Years Program) coordinator at Académie de la Capitale, in Ottawa, Ontario
