Explore the OUR KIDS guide to Montessori schools in British Columbia—your starting point for discovering programs that nurture independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Montessori schools in BC emphasize hands-on activities, self-paced study, and multi-age classrooms that support the whole child’s development, both academically and socially.
On this page, we feature private and independent schools in British Columbia (BC) that offer Montessori programs and support. This includes schools in Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond.
For more than 30 years, OUR KIDS has partnered with schools, educators, and families to provide trusted insights into what makes each program unique. On OurKids.net, you’ll find detailed school profiles, authentic parent reviews, comparison tools, and expert resources to help you make informed decisions. For a more comprehensive guide to Montessori education, including a discussion of the Montessori school curriculum, method, and philosophy, start with our guide to Montessori schools.
There are lots of private Montessori schools in British Columbia. These schools vary in terms of their classroom practices, curricular approaches, program offerings, and special needs support. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features.
 Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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 West Vancouver, British Columbia "A Montessori environment nurturing independence and curiosity through a 3-year cycle of hands-on learning, guided discovery, and enrichment including French, music, and outdoor play." —From the school
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 North Vancouver, British Columbia Keith Rd/Lynnmouth Ave "Collaborative and engaging, North Star's programs put students at the center of their learning and quest for knowledge." —From the school
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 Coquitlam, British Columbia "An authentic Montessori school, COI offers each child the space and support to grow and thrive academically as well as to develop the social-emotional skills that will help them have a successful and fulfilled life." —From the school
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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.
"St. George's School in Vancouver offers university-preparatory program to Canadian and International boarding students from Grade 8 to 12. The School's mission: Building Fine Young Men. One Boy at a Time.
—From the school
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For general advice on how to choose and evaluate private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and expert advice guide. For advice on selecting Montessori schools (including preschools), see our Montessori choosing guide. You can also 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, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Halton-peel. These expos allow you to speak with lots of private schools in Canada, many of which are Montessori schools, all in one place. Find a Montessori school near you.
Attending open houses is 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 |
|---|---|---|
Gatehouse Montessori School | July 17, 2026 1:30 pm | School 1305 Taylor Way West Vancouver British Columbia V7T2Y7 |
Gatehouse Montessori School | August 05, 2026 1:30 pm | School 1305 Taylor Way West Vancouver British Columbia V7T2Y7 |
The cost of Montessori schools in British Columbia generally falls below that of other private schools in the province. Montessori schools are typically on the lower end of private school tuition in general.
Tuition for private and independent schools in BC can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year for day students. While there are no public Montessori schools in the province, some public schools incorporate certain Montessori principles and materials.
Many Montessori schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. A smaller number provide scholarships based on merit, whether academic, athletic, or otherwise. You can learn more about needs- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can also explore our preschool cost guide for additional context.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori schools in British Columbia, including BC Montessori schools offering a full child-centred curriculum:
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
St. George's School | $33,300 to $34,300 | 8% | 4 - 12 | $17,500 |
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $32,000 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
North Star Montessori Elementary School | $15,840 to $16,785 | K - 7 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. George's School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 22 | No support | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Gatehouse Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | Indirect Support | ||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Children of Integrity Montessori Academy | Montessori | 14 to 18 | Indirect Support |
Legend:
St. George's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gatehouse Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Integrity Montessori Academy |
Montessori schools in British Columbia, like those in other provinces, follow unique classroom practices that distinguish them from traditional schools. For a more comprehensive overview, see our main Montessori school guide.
Self-directed learning: Students spend a large portion of their day on independent work. While the classroom environment provides structure, students choose their own tasks and learning materials, determining their pace with guidance from the teacher. This fosters engagement, motivation, and often a long-term love of learning.
Concrete learning: Emphasis is placed on hands-on, concrete experiences rather than abstract concepts, particularly at the primary and elementary levels. Students work with manipulatives, blocks, and other tactile materials, engaging multiple senses and supporting more effective learning.
No tests or grades: Except at some middle- and high-school levels, students are rarely tested or graded. Progress is assessed through observation and developmental rubrics. The focus is on intrinsic motivation, encouraging children to engage deeply with meaningful work rather than performing for external rewards.
Individualized curriculum: Students follow personalized learning plans tailored to their interests and abilities. Core subjects such as math, science, and language arts are emphasized, and children progress at their own pace, with guidance from teachers to master essential skills.
Subjects in Montessori schools are often integrated, rather than taught in isolation. For example, biology or chemistry might be covered as part of a thematic unit that also includes history, art, or literature. Teachers act as facilitators rather than lecturers, providing guidance to individuals or small groups, observing, and intervening only when necessary. Older students often mentor younger peers, reinforcing knowledge and social skills.
To explore more, see our guides on Montessori curriculum, teaching approach, and Montessori benefits.
Developed by Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, the Montessori method emphasizes free activity within a prepared environment tailored to the developmental needs of children at each age level. Teachers serve as mentors and guides, facilitating self-directed learning, independence, and respect for a child’s natural growth.
BC offers many high-quality Montessori schools, including Vancouver Montessori schools. These schools prioritize holistic development over traditional grading, supported by modern training and resources. The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) helps schools implement innovative and effective strategies.
Montessori classrooms often mix age groups, allowing younger children to learn from older students and older students to develop mentoring skills. At Montessori Casa preschools, children engage in practical life activities such as zipping, sweeping, and brushing, creating an early foundation for independence and collaborative learning.
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