On this page, we cover Montessori middle schools in Canada. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Pickering, and Scarborough, Ontario, and across Canada.
For a more detailed guide to Montessori education, including a discussion of Montessori philosophy, theory, and curricular approaches, check out our introductory guide.
Montessori middle schools (or junior high schools) include kids aged 12 to 14, the equivalent of grades 7 and 8 in most schools. There are quite a few Montessori middle schools in Canada (though not as many as there are elementary or preschools). These schools vary in terms of their approach, philosophy, learning environment, and program offerings. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features.
| School Name | Type | Approach | Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Hillfield Strathallan College (est. 1901)
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 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. [View profile] |
| $16,428 to $28,775 | ||
|
TMS (est. 1961)
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] |
| $18,300 to $31,350 | ||
|
The Clover School (est. 1996)
Conveniently located in Midtown Toronto, our Junior and Elementary campuses are a popular choice for families seeking exceptional childcare and the very best Montessori education for their children. [View profile] |
| $18,376 to $21,870 | ||
|
Clanmore Montessori School (est. 1997)
Clanmore Montessori School in southeast Oakville offers a full spectrum, co-ed Montessori program from Toddler to Middle School. Tuition starts at $8,250. CCMA accredited. Member Oakville Independent Schools. Licenced. [View profile] |
| $8,500 to $18,000 | ||
Ellington Montessori School (est. 1990)
Ellington Montessori School offers small class sizes and individualized programs from pre-school to grade eight. Our holistic approach to education helps prepare students for success in today's rapidly changing world. [View profile] |
| $8,750 to $15,300 | |||
OMS Montessori (est. 1966)
OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment. [View profile] |
| Orthodox | $12,864 to $21,384 | ||
Century Private School (est. 1994)
Century Montessori Schools in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with class sizes as low as 12 students. [View profile] |
| $16,550 to $26,800 | |||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) (est. 1969)
RMS is an award-winning progressive private school, and voted the BEST private school in Brampton. We offer a structured programme that is ahead of the Ministry set guidelines. [View profile] |
| $7,900 to $14,600 | |||
Peel Montessori Private School (est. 1992)
Peel Montessori School offers an enriched, personalized program. Emphasis is on strong academics, and the development of personal excellence (leadership skills, creativity) in a supportive, family-like environment. [View profile] |
| $8,500 to $18,500 | |||
The Element High School (est. 2003)
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] |
| $17,208 to $18,840 | |||
Trillium School (est. 1991)
Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten. [View profile] |
| $10,500 to $36,000 | |||
Montessori Jewish Day School (est. 2000)
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] |
| $9,000 to $18,150 | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. (est. 1984)
Our schools offer a maximum class size of 16 students for ages 4 & up. Tours are offered daily and new students are welcome to visit for a day. [View profile] |
| $9,700 to $11,500 | |||
J. Addison School (est. 2002)
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] |
| $15,000 to $42,450 | |||
Guiding Light Academy (est. 2007)
Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station. [View profile] |
| $9,500 | |||
Toronto French Montessori (est. 2000)
Toronto French Montessori offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in North York. Its average class size is 15 students. [View profile] |
| Orthodox | $7,620 to $15,704 | ||
Humberside Montessori School (est. 1987)
Humberside Montessori Schools a montessori private school in Toronto. It offers programs from nursery to grade eight. [View profile] |
| $9,200 to $15,400 | |||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga (est. 1979)
Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students. [View profile] |
| $6,700 to $16,800 | |||
Cedar Ridge High School (est. 2016)
Cedar Ridge High School is an independent high school, grades 7 to 12, in Kanata, Ontario. Our school offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a focus on leadership, innovation, student engagement and academics. [View profile] |
| $16,296 | |||
Avalon Children's Montessori School (est. 2000)
Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach. [View profile] |
| Moderately orthodox | $6,395 to $20,150 | ||
A.I.S. School (est. 2016)
AIS Montessori & Elementary School offers authentic Chinese Immersion program in GTA area.Its average class is 15 students. [View profile] |
| $10,000 to $25,000 | |||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School (est. 1986)
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students. [View profile] |
| $21,000 to $23,500 | |||
Wheatley School (est. 1986)
Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students. [View profile] |
| $5,900 to $13,500 | |||
Braemar House School (est. 1996)
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] |
| Moderately orthodox | $13,160 | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School (est. 1983)
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight. [View profile] |
| $12,850 to $19,675 | |||
Dearcroft Montessori School (est. 1968)
Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. [View profile] |
| $8,800 to $21,250 | |||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering (est. 1984)
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program. [View profile] |
| $9,000 to $13,000 | |||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School (est. 1990)
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School is a Toronto Christian Montessori school with grades from nursery to 12. Tuition begins at $13,500. [View profile] |
| $13,750 to $24,000 | |||
Tall Pines School (est. 1987)
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] |
| $13,921 to $19,988 | |||
Meadow Green Academy (est. 1995)
Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students. [View profile] |
| $8,800 to $15,490 | |||
Northstar Montessori Private School (est. 1996)
Northstar Montessori offers authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Mississauga. We pride ourselves on strong character development and supporting life long learners! Now, Swim program is now included. [View profile] |
| $9,500 to $14,900 | |||
Rotherglen School - Oakville (est. 1979)
Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students. [View profile] |
| $13,700 to $22,800 | |||
Hatch House Montessori School (est. 2005)
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] |
| $9,950 to $13,500 | |||
St. Peter's ACHS College School (est. 1990)
St. Peter's ACHS College School in Amherstburg, Ont. is a day/residency school for boys grades 1-8 who love Sports and the Outdoors. Tuition starts at $8,900. and is a member of OFIS. We put "FUN" back into learning. [View profile] |
| $8,500 to $29,000 | |||
Wishing Well Schools (est. 1978)
Wishing Well Schools has an academically advanced program from 18 months to Grade 8. Montessori program from 18 months to 6 years old, accelerated academic program from Grade 1 to 8 with 21st c. teaching and learning. [View profile] |
| $13,600 to $14,500 | |||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools (est. 1987)
Unionville Montessori School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 to 22 students. [View profile] |
| $7,750 to $14,750 | |||
Aurora Montessori School (est. 1989)
Aurora Montessori School offers an extensive, nurturing, enriched program for 395 day students from Toddler to Grade 8 including an Outdoor Ed Classroom and the option to earn an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math. [View profile] |
| $10,500 to $16,200 | |||
Sunrise Montessori School (est. 1988)
Sunrise Montessori School in Markham offers both English and French Immersion programs from Infant (0 months) to Grade 8. [View profile] |
| $10,500 to $16,500 | |||
Country Garden Montessori Academy (est. 1995)
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] |
| $7,200 to $25,900 |
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 | Type | Approach | Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bond Academy (est. 1978)
Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. [View profile] |
| $13,000 to $34,300 | ||
Summit West Independent School (est. 2015)
An independent school that offers an individualized self-directed learning approach for tomorrow's leaders. Bursary programs available to qualified applicants. JK to Grade 12, Alberta Curriculum. [View profile] |
| $9,250 to $10,975 | |||
Ashwood Glen (est. 2019)
Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum. [View profile] |
| $9,900 to $18,900 | |||
Town Centre Private Schools (est. 1986)
Town Centre Montessori Private Schools offers programs from pre-school to grade 12/University Prep and is located in Markham. [View profile] |
| $7,050 to $17,450 | |||
Somerset Academy (est. 1990)
Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school that provides education to students in Grades 1 to 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 10 to 18 students. [View profile] |
| $12,300 to $13,900 |
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 middle schools), see our main Montessori school guide. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.
Private school expos are a great starting point if you're looking for a school. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Halton-peel. These expos allow you to speak with lots of private schools in Canada, many of which are (or have) middle schools. Find a Montessori middle school near you.
Another great resource is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is an ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to private schools, Montessori schools, and Montessori middle schools. Our community of parents, education experts, school officials, and alumni can help answer your questions and stimulate your thinking.
Open houses can be a great way to learn more about schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.
| School name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Ashwood Glen | April 04, 2020 10:00 am | Ashwood Glen School 3430 Fairview Street BURLINGTON Ontario L7N 2R5 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | April 07, 2020 9:30 am | 299 Fennel Avenue West Hamilton ON L9C1G3 |
Town Centre Private Schools | April 25, 2020 11:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R 7P3 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | May 05, 2020 9:30 am | 299 Fennel Avenue West Hamilton ON L9C1G3 |
Town Centre Private Schools | June 13, 2020 11:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham ON L3R 7P3 |
The cost of Montessori middle schools tends to be lower than the cost of other private middle 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.
Some Montessori middle schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Some offer merit-based financial aid, namely, scholarships. Check out our financial aid guide for more on these options.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori middle schools:
| 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 | ||
Ellington Montessori School | $7,900 to $14,000 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $3,000 |
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Summit West Independent School | $8,925 to $10,750 | 20% | JK - 12 | $3,000 |
The Element High School | $17,448 | |||
Montessori Jewish Day School | $14,000 to $17,900 | 20% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Somerset Academy | $13,200 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $13,100 to $20,400 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $13,760 to $16,170 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
St. Peter's ACHS College School | $11,400 | 35% | 1 - 8 | $6,000 |
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 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | ||||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Ellington Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Century Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Summit West Independent School | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | 13 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | ||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Peel Montessori Private School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
The Element High School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Heavy integration | ||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Trillium School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Montessori Jewish Day School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 8 to 24 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | 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 | |
J. Addison School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 15 | No support | Light integration | |
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | ||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Cedar Ridge High School | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
A.I.S. School | Traditional | Montessori | 10 to 15 | No support | ||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 24 | No support | Medium integration | |
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | |||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Tall Pines School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 12 | Resource Assistance | ||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
St. Peter's ACHS College School | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | ||
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | |
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Reggio Emilia | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | |
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 15 | No support |
Legend:
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ellington Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Summit West Independent School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Element High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Jewish Day School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Addison School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cedar Ridge High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
A.I.S. School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tall Pines School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Peter's ACHS College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Country Garden Montessori Academy |
Montessori middle schools have a unique approach and philosophy based on the insights of Maria Montessori. They have a lot of self-directed learning, interaction, and group projects. For more coverage of Montessori middle schools (not to mention preschools and elementary schools), see our main Montessori school guide.
In Montessori middle schools, students do lots of independent and group work. They also often have some uninterrupted work time. During this time, they can work on tasks or projects, by themselves or with others. This is a hallmark of the Montessori method.
Montessori middle schools focus a lot on core academics, though. Montessori kids take math, science, languages, creative writing, and history, among other subjects. They may also work with modern-day technology. For instance, they may use computers, though usually only for research.
Middle schools start to prepare kids for high school, where they likely won’t be in a Montessori. Kids are given worksheets and start to practice note-taking. They may also be given some assignments and tests. They may not be graded on these, though.
Montessori middle schools are often a blend of standard Montessori education (including self-directed learning, group work, and student-to-student teaching) and traditional middle school education (including note-taking, assignments, and tests).
Some lectures are given, especially for difficult subjects such as math and science. More often, though, teachers give short lessons to small groups of students. Teachers also offer special guidance and support. They encourage students to take notes, and sometimes start to grade some of their assignments and tests.
Montessori students often work in groups to complete challenging projects. Older children help younger children with their work. This is a great way for both to reinforce their knowledge.
