Montessori high schools

Find the top Montessori high schools in Canada.


On this page, we cover private Montessori high schools. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Pickering, and ScarboroughOntario, and across Canada.

For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a thorough discussion of the Montessori method and philosophy, check out our introductory guide.


Table of Contents


  1. List of Montessori high schools

  2. Choosing a school

  3. Tuition at Montessori high schools

  4. Compare Montessori schools

  5. A primer on Montessori high school
  6. Further resources


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Montessori high schools include students aged 14 to 18, the equivalent of grades 9 to 12 in most schools. In Montessori high schools, students do lots of independent and group work. They also begin note-taking, assignments, and tests, to prepare for university. Below, we list Montessori high schools. These schools can be filtered for several different features.




  School NameApproachCost

TMS   (est. 1961)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • Montessori, International Baccalaureate

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


$19,100 to $32,700
User reviews (1)

View profile
  • Not specified
$19,100 to $32,700
User reviews (1)

View profile

Hillfield Strathallan College   (est. 1901)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1275 students)
  • Homestay school (30 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

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


$19,349 to $32,052
User reviews (1)

View profile
  • Not specified
$19,349 to $32,052
User reviews (1)

View profile

The Element High School   (est. 2003)  

  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Progressive, Montessori

Ottawa, Ontario

The Element nurtures focused, engaged and internally motivated students who strive to do their best. The Element High School provides conditions that will put youth ‘in their element,’ in school and beyond.  View profile


$18,810 to $21,905
View profile
  • Not specified
$18,810 to $21,905
View profile

Westmont Montessori School   (est. 1954)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • Montessori
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


$9,565 to $14,945
User reviews (4)

View profile
  • Not specified
$9,565 to $14,945
User reviews (4)

View profile

Century Private School   (est. 1994)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • Montessori, International Baccalaureate

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


$17,700 to $27,500
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  • Not specified
$17,700 to $27,500
View profile

OMS Montessori   (est. 1966)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • Montessori
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


$16,045 to $27,202
View profile
  • Orthodox
$16,045 to $27,202
View profile

Cornerstone Montessori Prep School   (est. 1990)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (130 students)
  • Liberal Arts, Montessori

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


$15,800 to $26,000
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  • Not specified
$15,800 to $26,000
View profile

Kanata Montessori   (est. 1974)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (500 students)
  • Montessori, Montessori

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


$16,750 to $22,500
User reviews (5)

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  • Not specified
$16,750 to $22,500
User reviews (5)

View profile

Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto   (est. 2022)  

  • 7 to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (12 students)
  • Montessori
Toronto, Ontario

ATI is a school for ambitious teens who want to develop into independent, curious, self-motivated individuals who thrive in school and in life. Gain the skills, knowledge and agency to build the future that you want.  View profile

  • Not specified
$18,000
User reviews (1)

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Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S.   (est. 1984)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (140 students)
  • Homestay school (0 students)
  • Day school (7 students)
  • Progressive, Montessori

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


$1,000 to $11,500
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  • Not specified
$1,000 to $11,500
View profile

Fredericton Montessori Academy   (est. 2017)  

  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Montessori
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


$9,500 to $14,500 /program
User reviews (2)

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  • Not specified
$9,500 to $14,500 /program
User reviews (2)

View profile

Country Garden Montessori Academy   (est. 1995)  

  • JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Homestay school (5 students)
  • Montessori
Newmarket, Ontario

Situated on seven acres of rolling parkland and gardens, Country Garden Montessori Academy in Newmarket is a co-ed private day school for students in grades PS-12. The school provides a family atmosphere and is committed the intellectual growth and emotional well-being of students.  View profile


$8,100 to $25,900
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  • Not specified
$8,100 to $25,900
View profile

Guidepost Montessori   (est. 2016)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Montessori
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


$1,150 to $1,550
View profile
  • Not specified
$1,150 to $1,550
View profile

Trillium School   (est. 1991)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (320 students)
  • Day school (50 students)
  • Boarding school (30 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

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


$11,500 to $37,500
View profile
  • Not specified
$11,500 to $37,500
View profile

Unionville College   (est. 1987)  

  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

Unionville, Ontario

UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 9. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child.  View profile


$9,500 to $17,400
View profile
  • Not specified
$9,500 to $17,400
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 NameApproachCost

Bond Academy   (est. 1978)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (350 students)
  • Liberal Arts
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

  • Character Education
  • Free Before/After School Program
  • Weekly Swimming Lessons
  • Early start French Classes
  • Art & Music & Drama

$7,000 to $16,000
Our Kids Review
View profile
  • Not specified
$7,000 to $16,000
Our Kids Review View profile

Town Centre Private Schools   (est. 1986)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • Traditional, International Baccalaureate

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


$7,700 to $17,750
View profile
  • Not specified
$7,700 to $17,750
View profile



For general advice on how to choose private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and read advice from leading education experts. For advice specific to choosing Montessori schools (including high schools), see our Montessori choosing guide. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.

Private school expos

Private school expos are a great way to find a school, Montessori or otherwise. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Halton-peel. These expos allow you to speak with tonnes of private schools in Canada. Many of these are Montessori schools (some of which are high schools). Find a Montessori high school near you.

Parent discussion forum

Another important tool in your school search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is a great place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori education and private schools. Take advantage of our community of parents, education experts, and school officials. They can help answer your most pressing questions.

Open house events

Open houses are another effective way to learn about private schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.


School nameDateLocation
Unionville College
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $9,500 to $17,400
  • April 01, 2023 10:00 amUnionville Montessori School
    4486 16th Ave Markham ON L3R 0M1
    Hillfield Strathallan College
  • Hamilton, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1275 students)
  • Homestay school (30 students)
  • $19,349 to $32,052
  • April 13, 2023 5:30 pm299
    Fennell Avenue West Hamilton Ontario L9C 1G2
    Hillfield Strathallan College
  • Hamilton, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1275 students)
  • Homestay school (30 students)
  • $19,349 to $32,052
  • May 04, 2023 5:30 pm299
    Fennell Avenue West Hamilton Ontario L9C 1G2



    The cost of Montessori high schools tends to be lower than the cost of other private high schools. In fact, Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general. Private school tuition can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year for day students.

    Some Montessori high schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Some offer scholarships (a form of merit-based financial aid). Check out our financial aid guide for more on these options.

    Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori high schools:


     
    Tuition (day school)Students receiving financial aidGrade eligibility for financial aidAvg. aid package size (annual)
    TMS
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • $19,100 to $32,700
  • $26,750 to $32,700Preschool - 12
    Hillfield Strathallan College
  • Hamilton, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1275 students)
  • Homestay school (30 students)
  • $19,349 to $32,052
  • $19,349 to $32,05210%JK - 12$4,500
    The Element High School
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • $18,810 to $21,905
  • $18,810 to $21,905
    Westmont Montessori School
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • $9,565 to $14,945
  • $10,600 to $14,9451%Preschool - 12$5,000
    OMS Montessori
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • $12,864 to $21,384
  • $14,664 to $21,38410%Nursery/Toddler - 6$2,500
    Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • 7 to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (12 students)
  • $18,000 to $18,000
  • $18,0007 - 9
    Guidepost Montessori
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Nursery/Toddler - 8



     
     
    Primary curriculum
    Secondary curriculum
    Curriculum pace
    Academic culture
    Average class size
    Language immersion
    Special needs support
    Tech integration
    Bond Academy
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (350 students)
  • $13,000 to $16,000
  • Liberal ArtsStandard-enrichedRigorous10 to 15Full-time Dedicated ClassMedium integration
    TMS
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • $19,100 to $32,700
  • MontessoriInternational BaccalaureateStudent-pacedRigorousNo support
    Hillfield Strathallan College
  • Hamilton, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1275 students)
  • Homestay school (30 students)
  • $19,349 to $32,052
  • TraditionalMontessoriStandard-enrichedRigorous16 to 20No supportHeavy integration
    The Element High School
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • $18,810 to $21,905
  • ProgressiveMontessoriStudent-pacedSupportiveIndirect SupportHeavy integration
    Westmont Montessori School
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • $9,565 to $14,945
  • MontessoriStudent-pacedSupportiveWithdrawal AssistanceMedium integration
    Century Private School
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $16,550 to $27,000
  • MontessoriInternational BaccalaureateStudent-pacedRigorous10 to 20No supportLight integration
    OMS Montessori
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • $12,864 to $21,384
  • MontessoriStudent-pacedSupportive16 to 25Withdrawal AssistanceLight integration
    Cornerstone Montessori Prep School
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (130 students)
  • $15,800 to $18,960
  • Liberal ArtsMontessoriAcceleratedRigorous10 to 15No support
    Kanata Montessori
  • Kanata, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (500 students)
  • $16,750 to $18,500
  • MontessoriMontessoriStandard-enrichedRigorous12 to 15Resource AssistanceHeavy integration
    Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • 7 to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (12 students)
  • $18,000 to $18,000
  • MontessoriStudent-pacedRigorous10 to 12No supportHeavy integration
    Town Centre Private Schools
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $7,400 to $17,250
  • TraditionalInternational BaccalaureateStandard-enrichedSupportive15 to 24No support
    Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S.
  • Oshawa, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (140 students)
  • Homestay school (Varies)
  • Day school (7 students)
  • $1,020 to $11,500
  • ProgressiveMontessoriStandard-enrichedRigorous8 to 16Indirect SupportMedium integration
    Fredericton Montessori Academy
  • Fredericton, New Brunswick
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • $9,500 to $14,500
  • MontessoriAcceleratedRigorousIndirect SupportLight integration
    Country Garden Montessori Academy
  • Newmarket, Ontario
  • JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Homestay school (5 students)
  • $7,400 to $14,300
  • MontessoriStandard-enrichedSupportive10 to 15No support
    Guidepost Montessori
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • MontessoriStudent-pacedSupportive1 to 10No supportLight integration
    Trillium School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (320 students)
  • Day school (50 students)
  • Boarding school (30 students)
  • $11,500 to $37,500
  • TraditionalMontessoriAcceleratedRigorousNo supportMedium integration
    Unionville College
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $9,500 to $17,400
  • TraditionalMontessoriAcceleratedRigorous18 to 24Withdrawal AssistanceHeavy integration





     Legend:

     ADHD

    Learning disorders:
     Dyslexia
     Auditory processing disorder
     Dyscalculia
     Dysgraphia
     Language processing disorder
     Non-verbal learning disorders
     Visual motor deficit
    Development disorders:
     Autism
     Asperger's

    Behavioural and emotional:
     Troubled teens
     Depression
     Suicidal
     Substance abuse
     Oppositional defiant disorder
    Physical:
     Dyspraxia
     Blindness
     Deafness
     Cystic fibrosis
     Multiple physical
     
     
    Bond Academy
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (350 students)
  • $13,000 to $16,000
  • TMS
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • $19,100 to $32,700
  • Hillfield Strathallan College
  • Hamilton, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1275 students)
  • Homestay school (30 students)
  • $19,349 to $32,052
  • The Element High School
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • $18,810 to $21,905
  • Westmont Montessori School
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • $9,565 to $14,945
  • Century Private School
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $16,550 to $27,000
  • OMS Montessori
  • Ottawa, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (300 students)
  • $12,864 to $21,384
  • Cornerstone Montessori Prep School
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (130 students)
  • $15,800 to $18,960
  • Kanata Montessori
  • Kanata, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (500 students)
  • $16,750 to $18,500
  • Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • 7 to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (12 students)
  • $18,000 to $18,000
  • Town Centre Private Schools
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $7,400 to $17,250
  • Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S.
  • Oshawa, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (140 students)
  • Homestay school (Varies)
  • Day school (7 students)
  • $1,020 to $11,500
  • Fredericton Montessori Academy
  • Fredericton, New Brunswick
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • $9,500 to $14,500
  • Country Garden Montessori Academy
  • Newmarket, Ontario
  • JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Homestay school (5 students)
  • $7,400 to $14,300
  • Guidepost Montessori
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Trillium School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (320 students)
  • Day school (50 students)
  • Boarding school (30 students)
  • $11,500 to $37,500
  • Unionville College
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $9,500 to $17,400








  • Montessori high schools have lots of self-directed learning, group projects, and challenging work. Overall, their approach to education is progressive, and constrasts with more mainstream schools

    For further discussion of Montessori high school (not to mention preschool, middle school, and elementary school), see our main Montessori school guide.

    Montessori school curriculum

    In some Montessori high schools, students have long uninterrupted work periods, of two to three hours. During these periods, students can often work on their own chosen tasks.

    On the other hand, Montessori students need to work through a challenging curriculum. They must master material in compulsory subjects such as math, science, history, and English. And, they’ll have the option of taking other subjects, such as geography, economics, and psychology.

    Montessori high schools prepare students for university or college. Unlike preschool and elementary schools, they give students tests and assignments. They also grade many of these (though less than in mainstream schools).

    Students are also given credits and grades for courses. Like mainstream high schools, for students to graduate with a diploma, their curriculum must meet the standards of the Ministry of Education.

    For more details, see our guide to Montessori curriculum.

    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 focussocial 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.

    Montessori teaching approach

    Montessori high schools have an interesting teaching approach. Some lectures are given, though less than in mainstream high schools. Teachers must ensure students master the basics, especially in required subjects. Usually, though, the teacher doesn’t stand in the front of the classroom, and students don’t sit at desks.

    Teachers use textbooks in some courses. Often, though, each student will have their own textbook, tailored to their special learning level. Rarely will there be one textbook for the entire class.

    Students have the option to work alone or in groups to complete some projects, with some guidance from the teacher. Moreover, teachers give them quite a bit of freedom to choose their tasks and work at their own pace.












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