OUR KIDS guide to private Montessori schools in the Burlington–Hamilton area is your starting point for exploring Montessori education in Southern Ontario. Montessori schools in this region combine strong academics with hands-on, child-centred learning, supportive communities, and programs that foster independence, curiosity, and confidence.
On this page, we feature Montessori schools in Hamilton, Burlington, Ancaster, Dundas, Crown Point East and West, Gibson, Roseland, and Millcroft. This includes day programs across early childhood and elementary levels, all designed to nurture your child’s development, interests, and unique learning style.
Below the list, you'll find more information based on OUR KIDS’ nearly 30 years of experience with private and independent schools across Canada. Our site offers verified school profiles, parent reviews, comparison tools, and expert resources to guide your search. For a more complete look at Montessori education, including classroom policies and teaching approaches, start with our guide to Montessori schools.
There are lots of private Montessori schools in Burlington-Hamilton. 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.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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"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.
—From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Appleby/Britannia "Evergreen Academy redefines education through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and small classes where children are truly known, challenged, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairview Street "Inspiring Independent Minds with Purpose and Integrity! Positive school culture begins with passionate educators and a commitment to excellence. At FGMS children are guided with dignity because they are capable of more." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Dundas "TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary. We give students a head start in their educational journey, instilling a "Love of Learning!"" —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East "Clanmore Montessori offers a warm, inclusive community where children learn with purpose. Our caring educators and mixed‑age environments help students grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore Road/Southdown "Parents can expect higher academic exposure and research-supported learning strategies to develop intellectual, character, and a social-emotional skills for a personal edge. Kindness and respect for others are valued." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra Road/QEW "Our mission is to empower students to become compassionate and engaged citizens who are capable of using their academic, artistic, and environmental knowledge to effect positive change in their communities." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario QEW/Ford Drive / Ninth Line "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." —From the school
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Milton, Ontario Main St W/Bronte St N "Our Montessori classrooms form vibrant communities where children uncover their learning potential and receive ongoing, personalized support for their academic, social, and emotional development." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Dundas St. E./Trafalgar Crossing "Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing is a thoughtfully prepared learning community grounded in Montessori pedagogy, fostering academic excellence, independence, and holistic child development." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario "Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Tomken Rd./Eglinton Ave. E "Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "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." —From the school
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Brampton, Ontario "KMSchool offers accredited Montessori education from 18 months to Grade 12, blending academic excellence with ethnic language, culture, and faith to nurture well-rounded, curious, and culturally grounded students." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Lakeshore Road East/Bel Air Drive "Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. We have three campuses in Oakville, delivering exceptional Montessori Programs." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Glen Erin/Dundas "Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west area of Mississauga . Our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Pkwy/Millcreek Drive "Western Heights offers an enriched Montessori program that fosters a love of learning. The school actively engages its close-knit parent community to offer an enriched curriculum that adapts to each student's needs." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —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.
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street "Ashwood Glen, an IB World School from JK to Gr, 1-8, fosters leadership, global citizenship, & a growth mindset. Our warm, inclusive community & personalized approach empower confident, future-ready students to thrive!" —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario ""Alderwood Academy nurtures the heart, mind, and soul of every child through holistic education rooted in love, culture, and Catholic values—where learning becomes a joyful journey."" —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "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." —From the school
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Brampton, Ontario Torbram/Clark "Tall Pines School is focused on post education success. As an IB World School, we go beyond academics to nurture character development while developing critical thinkers today that thrive in the uncertainty of tomorrow." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario St/Matheson Blvd E "ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier schools. We offer montessori and traditional childcare programs from pre-CASA to Senior CASA with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts." —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 advice from top education experts. For advice on choosing Montessori schools, see our main Montessori school guide and 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 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.
The cost of Montessori schools in Burlington-Hamilton tends to be lower than the cost of other private schools in the area. In fact, Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general.
Many schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Other schools, though not as many, offer scholarships, which are given based on merit—for instance, in academics or athletics. You can learn more about need- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can also read our guide to preschool costs in particular.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori private schools and preschools in Burlington-Hamilton:
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
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Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $5,500 |
Meadow Green Christian Academy | $18,490 | JK - 8 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Evergreen Academy | Montessori | Reggio Emilia | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Fairview Glen Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | |||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Monarch Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Stirling Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 12 to 30 | No support | Light integration | ||
Meadow Green Christian Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
KMSchool | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 24 to 30 | Resource Assistance | |||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Alderwood Academy | Progressive | Reggio Emilia | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 12 | No support | Light integration | |
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | |||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Tall Pines School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Supportive | 14 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |
ABC Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Light integration |
Legend:
Evergreen Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monarch Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stirling Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Christian Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
KMSchool | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alderwood Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tall Pines School | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori |
Montessori schools, in Burlington-Hamilton and other cities, often have large mixed-age classes with high teacher-to-student ratios. They also tend to emphasize interaction, student-to-student teaching, and both group and independent work. Below, the Montessori philosophy and teaching approach is discussed in more detail.
For more comprehensive coverage, see our main Montessori school guide.
The Montessori philosophy of education is unique. Some of its main principles include:
Student-centred: There is no set curriculum. Students are free to move around the class, choose their own work, and set the pace of their studies. This creates a dynamic learning environment where children often develop a love of learning.
Uninterrupted work time: Especially at the elementary level, children are given long, uninterrupted work periods—often three hours—allowing them to focus deeply and independently. This approach is designed to improve concentration, self-discipline, and work habits.
Concrete learning: Learning is hands-on, particularly at the primary and elementary levels. Children use self-correcting puzzles, blocks, rods, spindle boxes, and other materials. Research has shown that concrete learning can enhance understanding and speed up learning, especially for younger students.
No external rewards: In primary and elementary school, students are not tested or graded. Praise is minimal and focuses on effort rather than outcomes. Progress is assessed informally through observation and rubrics.
Montessori teachers rarely deliver lectures to the entire class. Instead, they guide students individually or in small groups. Lessons are typically short, interactive, and tailored to each child's needs.
Teachers in Montessori classrooms are facilitators. They help students connect with meaningful work rather than directly impart knowledge. They encourage repetition and practice and plan personalized projects. As a result, teachers are often referred to as “guides” or “mentors.”
Montessori schools in Burlington-Hamilton include mixed-age classes such as toddler (0–3), primary (3–6), lower-elementary (6–9), upper-elementary (9–12), and so on. This multi-age environment fosters collaborative learning and peer mentoring.
Group work is common, with older children supporting younger ones, modeling behaviour, and reinforcing their own learning in the process.
Montessori schools in Burlington-Hamilton are a strong fit for families seeking an education model that promotes independence, concentration, and confidence. Students engage in hands-on, developmentally appropriate work, guided by teachers who support rather than lecture.
Burlington-Hamilton has a wide range of public and private school options. Public elementary and secondary schools fall under the Halton District School Board.
Post-secondary options near the Burlington-Hamilton region include York University and the University of Toronto in Mississauga.