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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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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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$8,925 to $18,900
View profile |
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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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$8,213 to $50,230
View profile |
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Northstar Montessori Private School (est. 1996)
Mississauga, Ontario Northstar Montessori offers an authentic Montessori curriculum for 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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$9,800 to $15,400
View profile |
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Tall Pines School (est. 1987)
Brampton, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$14,970 to $19,970
View profile |
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Westside Montessori School (est. 2008)
Toronto, Ontario An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children. View profile |
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$19,700 to $21,900
View profile |
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Royal Cachet Montessori School (est. 2006)
Markham, Ontario Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs from infants to grade 3 in our healthy & safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed. View profile |
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$6,800 to $12,900
View profile |
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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. View profile |
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$17,485 to $31,350
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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$16,550 to $27,000
View profile |
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Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) (est. 1969)
Brampton, Ontario RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. Our structured enriched programme cultivates character, leadership, respect and cultural diversity while developing each child’s 21st century skills and a STEM mindset. View profile |
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$7,900 to $14,600
View profile |
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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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$12,864 to $21,384
View profile |
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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 his/her uniqueness and is taught accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program. View profile |
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$9,950 to $14,000
View profile |
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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 IB High School. View profile |
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$5,450 to $16,900
View profile |
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Maria Montessori School (est. 1975)
Toronto, Ontario Maria Montessori School is one of the longest established AMI accredited Montessori school's in Canada. We offer accredited programs for children 18 months to 12 years and hire only AMI certified teaching staff. View profile |
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$7,000 to $16,000
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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$11,000 to $13,000
View profile |
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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! View profile |
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$15,500 to $17,500
View profile |
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Central Montessori School – Maplehurst Campus (est. 1995)
North York, Ontario CMS' aim is to prepare all children to reach their full potential (academically, artistically, & physically) and to play a responsible role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony. View profile |
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$8,750 to $17,950
View profile |
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Toronto, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$13,000 to $17,500
View profile |
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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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$6,600 to $10,000
View profile |
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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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$23,000 to $25,000
View profile |
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Meadow Green Academy (est. 1995)
Mississauga, Ontario Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students. View profile |
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$9,050 to $15,990
View profile |
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The Montessori Country School (est. 1988)
Nobleton, Ontario For 38 years, Montessori Country School has provided a top rated CCMA accredited curriculum for students 15 months through grade 6 on two sprawling campuses, and an integrated virtual classroom for elementary students. View profile |
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$9,000 to $18,000
View profile |
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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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$10,000 to $12,000
View profile |
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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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$6,550 to $14,050
View profile |
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Montessori Jewish Day School (est. 2000)
Toronto, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$8,875 to $18,400
View profile |
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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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$15,900 to $25,600
View profile |
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Central Montessori Schools - York Mills (est. 1995)
Toronto, Ontario CMS' aim is to prepare all children to reach their full potential (academically, artistically, & physically) and to play a responsible role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony. View profile |
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$8,750 to $19,900
View profile |
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Kaban Montessori School (est. 2002)
Mississauga, Ontario 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! View profile |
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$15,000 to $17,000
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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. We also offer March Break and Summer Camps for working parents. View profile |
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$9,700 to $11,500
View profile |
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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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$9,600 to $23,000
View profile |
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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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$7,070 to $11,960
View profile |
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Rotherglen School - Mississauga (est. 1979)
Mississauga, Ontario Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students. View profile |
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$7,800 to $17,900
View profile |
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School (est. 1983)
Ottawa, Ontario Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight. View profile |
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$12,575 to $20,215
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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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$7,115 to $22,275
View profile |
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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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$17,500
View profile |
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La Villa Montessori School (est. 2012)
Mississauga, 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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$9,000 to $16,350
View profile |
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Toronto French Montessori (est. 2000)
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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$7,782 to $15,396
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Aurora Montessori School (est. 1989)
Aurora, Ontario Aurora Montessori offers an extensive, enriched program for day students to Grade 8 including an Outdoor Ed. Program, an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math and a bridge to elite private high schools. View profile |
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$10,900 to $18,350
View profile |
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J. Addison School (est. 2002)
Markham, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$15,000 to $42,450
View profile |
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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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Unionville Montessori Private Schools (est. 1987)
Unionville, Ontario UMS offers year advanced programs from pre-school to grade eight. Our hallmark is a clear focus on high expectations blending academic success with the character development of the individual child. View profile |
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$8,000 to $15,250
View profile |
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The Clover School (est. 1996)
Toronto, Ontario Our 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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$18,810 to $22,100
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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 that offers personalized attention. View profile |
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$13,357
View profile |
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Parkdale Montessori School (est. 2007)
Ottawa, Ontario The School offers authentic Montessori education, individualized learning, accommodations to meet each child’s needs, hands-on learning, enriched curriculum, and outdoor exploration. View profile |
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$14,700 to $17,550
View profile |
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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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$7,600 to $41,500
View profile |
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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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$13,750 to $24,000
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. View profile |
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$13,000 to $16,000 View profile |
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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 four campuses are located in Markham, Unionville and Thornhill. View profile |
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$7,750 to $12,900
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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Peel Montessori Private School (est. 1992)
Mississauga, Ontario Peel Montessori School and Carrington College students are encouraged to be engaged, inquisitive learners who think for themselves, display strengthen of character, and learn to succeed on their own merits. View profile |
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$8,500 to $18,500
View profile |
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Alder Ridge Academy (est. 2020)
Brampton, Ontario Alder Ridge offers 21st century education. Our innovative learning initiatives are founded in the Montessori Philosophy. We offer a student led, self paced learning environment that holistically supports all areas. View profile |
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$9,950 to $13,500
View profile |
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SimplySmart Child Care & Montessori (est. 2012)
Mississauga, Ontario We provide infant, toddler, preschool and CASA programs for your child. Our CASA program is based on the curriculum developed by Maria Montessori. We are located in Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and Toronto. View profile |
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$570 to $720 /2 Weeks
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 |
|---|---|---|
TMS | January 21, 2021 9:30 am | |
Northstar Montessori Private School | January 23, 2021 10:00 am | Northstar Montessori 4900 Tomken Rd. Mississauga Ontario L4W1J8 |
TMS | January 26, 2021 9:30 am | |
Alder Ridge Academy | February 01, 2021 10:00 am | Alder Ridge Academy 25 Kings Cross Brampton ON L6T3V5 |
Northstar Montessori Private School | February 06, 2021 10:00 am | Northstar Montessori 4900 Tomken Rd. Mississauga Ontario L4W1J8 |
Dearcroft Montessori School | February 11, 2021 7:30 pm | |
Town Centre Private Schools | April 24, 2021 11:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R 7P3 |
Town Centre Private Schools | June 12, 2021 11:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R 7P3 |
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 | $16,428 to $28,775 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
TMS | $25,700 to $31,350 | K - 12 | ||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $10,850 to $11,200 | |||
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | $14,500 to $15,500 | 20% | JK - 6 | $2,000 |
Montessori Jewish Day School | $15,250 to $18,400 | 25% | Preschool - 8 | $5,000 |
Bannockburn | $25,600 | |||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $13,760 to $16,170 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $13,100 to $20,400 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Aurora Montessori School | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
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 | 10 to 15 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Tall Pines School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Royal Cachet Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 3 to 8 | No support | |||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Century Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | ||||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Peel Montessori Private School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Alder Ridge Academy | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | ||||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Town Centre Private Schools | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Maria Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | |||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Central Montessori School – Maplehurst Campus | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | No support | ||||
Liberty Prep School | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 15 to 26 | No support | |||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 14 | No support | Light integration | |
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 12 | Resource Assistance | ||
The Montessori Country School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Montessori Jewish Day School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 8 to 24 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 20 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Central Montessori Schools - York Mills | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | ||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | |||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | ||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
J. Addison School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 15 | No support | Light integration | |
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | ||||
The Maria Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 18 to 20 | No support | |||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
SimplySmart Child Care & Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | Resource Assistance | |||||
Parkdale Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | 15 to 24 | Indirect Support | ||||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support |
Legend:
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tall Pines School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Cachet Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alder Ridge Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Maria Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori School – Maplehurst Campus | ||||||||||||||||||||
Liberty Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Montessori Country School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori House of Children | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Jewish Day School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools - York Mills | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Addison School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Maria Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
SimplySmart Child Care & Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parkdale Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep 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.
To customize over 350 school profiles with insights unique to your child's traits, create a child profile through an Our Kids user account.
