On this page, we list Montessori preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and daycares in Canada. We also cover Montessori preschool costs, tuition, philosophy, and curriculum.
For a far more comprehensive guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of the Montessori education method, start with our introductory guide.
Montessori preschools and daycares include toddler programs (ages 0-3) and primary schools (ages 3-6). There are lots of Montessori preschools in Canada, almost all of which are private. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, learning environment, curriculum, and activities. The preschools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features, including programming, special needs support, location, and cost.
| School Name | Approach | Cost | |
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The Clover School (est. 1996)
Toronto, Ontario The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child. View profile |
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$15,100 to $24,200
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Clanmore Montessori School (est. 1997)
Oakville, Ontario Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual. View profile |
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$10,000 to $20,000
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Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School (est. 1997)
Oakville, Ontario TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary. We give students a head start in their educational journey by insuring they "Love to Learn"! View profile |
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$14,995 to $16,595
View profile |
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Westside Montessori School (est. 2008)
Toronto, Ontario Authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori Schools located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa, Elementary and Adolescent children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds. View profile |
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$20,700 to $23,300
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Hillfield Strathallan College (est. 1901)
Hamilton, Ontario Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering academic programs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. View profile |
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$19,349 to $32,052
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TMS (est. 1961)
Richmond Hill, Ontario TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance for life. View profile |
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$19,100 to $32,700
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Westmont Montessori School (est. 1954)
Victoria, British Columbia We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects. View profile |
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$9,000 to $16,000
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Northstar Montessori Private School (est. 1996)
Mississauga, Ontario Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference. View profile |
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$10,500 to $16,350
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Central Montessori Schools (est. 1995)
Toronto, Ontario At Central Montessori School (CMS), young minds are inspired to be creative, innovative, and inquisitive. We cultivate bright, young leaders and strong communicators ready for the 21st century. View profile |
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$9,400 to $21,200
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Peel Montessori School (est. 1992)
Mississauga, Ontario Peel Montessori School and our Carrington College division students are encouraged to be engaged, inquisitive learners who think for themselves, display character strength, and learn to succeed on their own merits. View profile |
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$8,500 to $18,500
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OMS Montessori (est. 1966)
Ottawa, Ontario OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment. View profile |
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$16,045 to $27,202
View profile |
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Century Private School (est. 1994)
Richmond Hill, Ontario Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students. View profile |
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$17,700 to $27,500
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Enquiring Minds Montessori (est. 2012)
Scarborough, Ontario Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds. View profile |
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$16,775 to $17,200
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Avalon Children's Montessori School (est. 2000)
Toronto, Ontario Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development. View profile |
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$7,200 to $22,275
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The Maria Montessori School (est. 1991)
Surrey, British Columbia 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. View profile |
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$2,500 to $4,000
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Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. (est. 1984)
Oshawa, Ontario At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment. View profile |
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$1,000 to $11,500
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Unionville College (est. 1987)
Unionville, Ontario UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 10. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child. View profile |
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$9,500 to $17,400
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Aurora Montessori School (est. 1989)
Aurora, Ontario Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills! View profile |
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$19,400 to $22,150
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School (est. 1990)
Toronto, Ontario Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning. View profile |
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$15,800 to $26,000
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Dearcroft Montessori School (est. 1968)
Oakville, Ontario Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. View profile |
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$9,900 to $23,900
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Sunrise Montessori School (est. 1988)
Markham, Ontario Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life! View profile |
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$10,500 to $16,500
View profile |
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Trinity Montessori School (est. 1999)
Markham, Ontario Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students. View profile |
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$12,000 to $14,000
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Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School (est. 2000)
Mississauga, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$7,800 to $12,000
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Humberside Montessori School (est. 1987)
Toronto, Ontario Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students. View profile |
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$12,500 to $19,900
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Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering (est. 1984)
Pickering, Ontario Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational, inclusive school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program. View profile |
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$9,000 to $13,000
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Kaban Montessori School (est. 2002)
Mississauga, Ontario Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west of Mississauga area . We ensure that our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential. View profile |
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$15,750 to $16,250
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École Montessori (est. 2014)
Pickering, Ontario École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French private school dedicated to transforming your child into a BILINGUAL critical thinker with our enriched curriculum that fosters the genius within each student. View profile |
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$8,400 to $17,000
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Bannockburn (est. 1993)
Toronto, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$17,975 to $27,300
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Montessori House of Children (est. 1974)
Brantford, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$12,000 to $13,000
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Guidepost Montessori (est. 2016)
Toronto, Ontario Guidepost is a new Montessori school coming to Toronto, serving children from 10 weeks to 12 years old. We offer year-round programming and rolling admissions into our programs to meet the needs of every family. View profile |
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$1,150 to $1,550
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Wheatley School (est. 1986)
St. Catharines, Ontario We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community. View profile |
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$7,075 to $14,775
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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School (est. 1986)
Richmond Hill, Ontario Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students. View profile |
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$25,000 to $26,800
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Fredericton Montessori Academy (est. 2017)
Fredericton, New Brunswick The main objective of FMA is to provide your child with a planned and stimulating environment in order for them to be able to reach their own individual and highest learning potential while honouring the whole child. View profile |
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$9,500 to $14,500 /program
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Kanata Montessori (est. 1974)
Kanata, Ontario For more than 40 years, Kanata Montessori has been graduating students with self-confidence, critical thinking skills, respect, high academic achievement, and an international perspective. View profile |
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$16,750 to $22,500
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Alive Montessori & Private School (est. 2014)
Toronto, Ontario NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE! View profile |
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$15,500 to $17,500
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La Villa Montessori School (est. 2012)
Oakville, Ontario La Villa Montessori is an AMI recognized School that adheres to Dr. Montessori's principles. We provide a nurturing environment that fulfills the child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs. View profile |
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$8,100 to $15,608
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ABC Montessori (est. 1995)
Mississauga, Ontario ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts. View profile |
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$9,950 to $11,500
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Prince Edward Montessori School (est. 1995)
Toronto, Ontario Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students. View profile |
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$7,325 to $14,934
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Trillium School (est. 1991)
Markham, Ontario Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten. View profile |
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$11,500 to $37,500
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Toronto French Montessori (est. 2000)
Whitchurch-stouffville, Ontario Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students. View profile |
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$7,620 to $16,350
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Kawartha Montessori School (est. 1982)
Peterborough, Ontario Kawartha Montessori School is the only CCMA-accredited school in the region. We offer an education that inspires academic excellence and develops socially responsible, independent, and confident individuals. View profile |
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$13,920 to $17,785
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School (est. 1983)
Ottawa, Ontario Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years. View profile |
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$6,183 to $17,840
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The Children's House Montessori School (est. 1994)
Port Perry, Ontario CHMS offers authentic supportive, vibrant, child centered AMI Montessori that is perfect for curious, inquisitive students looking to thrive in a social, hands on, collaborative, challenging environment. View profile |
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$9,500 to $11,500
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Braemar House School (est. 1996)
Brantford, Ontario Braemar House School is a not-for-profit elementary school that proves each day that children thrive in a nurturing environment. View profile |
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$14,810
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Meadow Green Academy (est. 1995)
Mississauga, Ontario Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience View profile |
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$9,300 to $16,490
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Hatch House Montessori School (est. 2005)
Whitby, Ontario The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program. View profile |
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$11,250
View profile |
Some schools aren't Montessori schools, but use a Montessori approach for their preschool or daycare program. This approach gives young learners plenty of freedom to choose tasks and activities that interest them, which promotes their independence and confidence. It also strongly emphasizes concrete learning, where children work with lots of hands-on materials, and do practical life activities. Children usually work independently or in small groups in these programs.
| School Name | Approach | Cost | |
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Bond Academy (est. 1978)
Toronto, Ontario Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. Our educational process is Beyond the Books! Education as it should be. View profile |
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$13,500 to $16,800
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Yip’s Music & Montessori School (est. 1990)
Unionville, Ontario Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville. View profile |
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$7,750 to $12,900
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Western Heights Montessori Academy (est. 2015)
Mississauga, Ontario Western Heights offers an enriched Montessori program that fosters a love of learning. The school actively engages its close-knit parent community to offer an enriched curriculum that adapts to each student's needs. View profile |
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$13,000 to $18,000
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Ashwood Glen (est. 2019)
Burlington, Ontario Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum. View profile |
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$14,000 to $20,000
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Town Centre Private Schools (est. 1986)
Markham, Ontario Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® World School and offers a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme. View profile |
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$7,700 to $17,750
View profile |
For general advice on how to choose and evaluate private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and read advice from leading education experts. For advice on choosing Montessori schools, read our main Montessori school guide and our Montessori choosing guide. For advice on finding the right preschool, read our preschool choosing guide.
Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school, at any level. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Halton-Peel, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver. These expos allow you to learn about different types of private schools across the country, many of which are Montessori schools or have a Montessori program. Find a Montessori preschool near you.
Another great tool in your school and preschool search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is the ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori schools, and other topics of interests. Take advantage of our community of parents, education experts, and school officials to get your questions answered.
Attending open houses can also be an effective way to learn more about schools and preschools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.
| School name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Town Centre Private Schools | June 10, 2023 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markhan Ontario L3R 7P3 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | June 23, 2023 4:00 pm | Alive Montessori & Private School 2 Wembley Rd. Toronto ON M6C 2E9 |
The cost of Montessori preschools tends to be lower than the cost of other private preschools, nursery schools, daycares, and kindergartens. In fact, Montessori preschools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general.
Private school tuition can range from $5,000 to over $25,000 per year. Preschool (Montessori) tends to be closer to the lower end of this scale. You can learn more in our preschool costs guide.
Some preschools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. And some offer merit-based aid, in the form of scholarships. You can learn more about financial aid in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori preschools across Canada. This includes Montessori preschools in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa, Victoria, Mississauga, and Brampton.
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
TMS | $26,750 to $32,700 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $14,945 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $10,850 to $11,200 | |||
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Bannockburn | $27,300 | |||
Guidepost Montessori | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | |||
Kawartha Montessori School | $13,920 to $17,785 | 1% | 1 - 8 | $3,000 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $6,183 to $17,840 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 30 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Supportive | 8 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | ||||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Century Private School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
Enquiring Minds Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | Indirect Support | |||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
The Maria Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 18 to 20 | No support | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | ||||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Light integration | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 25 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
Guidepost Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 to 10 | No support | Light integration | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Fredericton Montessori Academy | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Prince Edward Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 16 | No support | |||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Kawartha Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 16 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | |||
The Children's House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Indirect Support | |||||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration |
Legend:
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Maria Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori House of Children | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guidepost Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fredericton Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Prince Edward Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kawartha Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Children's House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School |
In Ontario, there are Montessori preschools in Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Burlington, Oakville, Ottawa, Pickering, and Scarborough. Elsewhere in Canada, you can find casa programs in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria, among other cities. Most of these preschools are certified by a world-recognized accrediting institute, such as the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) or the American Montessori Internationale (AMI).
Other countries also offer this Montessori preschool, including Poland. If you're interested in a Polish Montessori preschool, read our guide: przedszkola Montessori w Polsce (or in English, Montessori preschools).
But, what is the Montessori preschool approach? And how is this approach different from other preschool and daycare programs?
Montessori preschool, like elementary, middle, and high school, is meant to accommodate the growing child. They have mixed-age and interactive classrooms which allow children to grow cognitively and socially, and become more independent and responsible.
Preschool (Montessori) is for infants, toddlers, and older children. It's usually divided up into two programs: toddler rooms (Montessori daycare) and primary schools. Each program uses a distinct method and focuses on a special set of skills (with some overlap).
Montessori toddler programs, sometimes referred to as Montessori daycare or nursery programs, have children from birth (or 18 months) to age 3. These programs are often “play based”: they have lots of social activity. Similar to Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, children start interacting with other kids here, and start to develop social skills, such as listening, cooperation, and self-control. They also start to walk, talk, and engage in physical play.
That said, toddler programs (also referred to as "toddler preschool") also focus on some basic cognitive skills. Quite a bit of time is allotted for concrete learning and practical life activities. Though most toddlers don’t engage in long, uninterrupted work, they’re curious and love to explore. The Montessori classroom is set up to build on this curiosity.
There are many Montessori primary classes, or what are sometimes called “casa dei bambini,” meaning “the children’s house.” These classes are for kids aged 3 to 6. They start to prepare kids for grade school.
Primary classes start to focus more on academics. Kids do lots of concrete learning, using many different Montessori materials. They also work on their speech, and start reading, writing, and math. Teachers sometimes give short lessons to kids at this level, but mostly they guide them and help them focus on their work.
Montessori students also start working for longer periods of uninterrupted time in primary school. They also start to develop intense focus and concentration. This is one of the benchmarks for moving on to elementary school.
There are four main areas of the primary school Montessori curriculum:
Practical life: Kids take care of themselves, the environment, and learn grace and courtesy. They also work on their physical coordination. This is meant to improve their organization, social skills, and sense of responsibility.
Sensory exploration: Kids order, classify, and describe sensory impressions of length, width, temperature, mass, colour, pitch, and the like.
Math: In Montessori math, kids use manipulative materials to learn different math concepts. These include number, symbol, sequence, and operations.
Language arts: Kids work on speech, written expression, reading, grammar, and the creative arts. They learn to express their thoughts and feelings orally and in writing.
For more details about the Montessori preschool curriculum and the Montessori teaching methods (preschool), read our preschool curriculum guide, comparison of Montessori to other preschools, and our guides to kindergarten and daycare. You can also check out our guides to Montessori curriculum and teaching approaches.
Montessori preschool, at both the toddler and primary level, has a lot of benefits. It can foster independence, responsibility, and social skills. And, its focus on sensory exploration and cognitive learning can be very engaging for many kids. And, most Montessori preschools, like Waldorf and Reggio Emilia preschools have dedicated (and certified) teachers, who promote children's learning with a structured classroom, individualized lesson plans, and engaging materials.
Montessori preschools work especially well for kids who are strong listeners, have good attention spans, and are motivated to learn. On the other hand, kids with severe learning, developmental, behavioural disorders, or other special needs, may need extra support.
For more details, see our article on Montessori benefits. To learn about the pros and cons of preschool in general, read our guide.
Tuition for Montessori schools and preschools across Canada continues to decline. You will find some accredited programs which cost $6,000 or less per year. There are also other ways to afford a Montessori school or preschool. They include:
If you can show the school that you are in clear need of financial aid, you may be eligible for a bursary. Charitable or community organizations may also assist you in paying for a preschool (Montessori or otherwise).
In some Canadian provinces, paying for a religiously-affiliated Montessori preschool qualifies as a charitable donation. This means you'll receive a tax break for it.
Many private schools, including some Montessori schools, have sibling discounts that increase with each child that you send to them.
Child-specific advice on choosing a Montessori school
Read our child-specific insights on choosing the right school, including Montessori schools. We explore how choosing the right type of school crucially depends on kids' unique traits, such as their mental and academic focus, social tendencies, and activity level.
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