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Montessori schools in Edmonton

Find the top Montessori schools and programs in Edmonton.

Discover the OUR KIDS guide to Montessori schools in Edmonton—your introduction to child-centred education that encourages independence, creativity, and hands-on learning. Montessori schools in Edmonton provide self-directed study, multi-age classrooms, and experiential activities that allow students to progress at their own pace while building confidence and critical thinking skills.

On this page, we feature private schools in the Edmonton area that offer Montessori programs and support. This includes accredited Montessori schools in downtown Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Beaumont, Ridgewood, Strathcona, Westmount, Garneau, Glenora, Allendale, Cloverdale, and Dovercourt.

For more than 30 years, OUR KIDS has worked with schools, educators, and families to share insights into what makes each program unique. On OurKids.net, you’ll find detailed school profiles, parent reviews, comparison tools, and expert resources to support your decision. For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a discussion of the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, start with our guide to Montessori schools.

2. Choosing a Montessori school in Edmonton

For general advice on how to choose and evaluate private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and read advice from top education experts. For advice on choosing Montessori schools, see our main Montessori school guide and our Montessori choosing guide. To learn more about choosing the right preschool, check out our dedicated guide.

Private school expos

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.

Open house events

Attending open houses is a great way to learn more about private schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.

3. What is the tuition at Edmonton Montessori schools?

The cost of Montessori schools in Edmonton tends to be lower than that of other private schools in the area. In fact, these schools are generally on the lower side of private school tuition in general.

Private school tuition in Edmonton can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year for day students. While there are no public Montessori schools in Edmonton, some public schools incorporate certain Montessori principles and materials into their classrooms.

Many private Montessori schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Fewer schools provide scholarships, which are awarded for merit in academics, athletics, or other achievements. Learn more about need- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can also explore our guide to preschool costs.

Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori private schools and preschools in Edmonton, including Montessori preschools and early learning programs.

Academics

Special needs support

Montessori schools in Edmonton often feature large mixed-age classes with high teacher-to-student ratios, encouraging interaction, student-to-student teaching, and both group and independent work.

Below, we explore the Montessori philosophy and teaching approach in more detail. For a complete overview, see our main Montessori school guide.

Montessori school philosophy

The Montessori philosophy is distinct and student-centred. Key principles include:

• Student-centred learning: Students are free to move around the classroom, select their own work, and set their own pace. This dynamic environment fosters engagement and a lifelong love of learning.
• Uninterrupted work periods: Particularly at the elementary level, children have at least one 3-hour uninterrupted work session daily, which supports concentration, self-discipline, and strong work habits.
• Concrete, hands-on learning: Students use manipulatives, blocks, rods, spindle boxes, and other materials to explore concepts. Concrete learning engages multiple senses and has been shown to accelerate understanding, especially for younger children and children with special needs.
• No external rewards: Children are not graded on tests or assignments. Praise, when given, emphasizes effort rather than outcome. Progress is tracked through observation and developmental rubrics rather than formal grades.

Montessori teaching approach

Montessori teachers rarely provide direct instruction. They move through the classroom, guiding students individually or in small groups, encouraging practice and repetition, and tailoring projects to meet each student’s needs. Teachers act as “guides” or “mentors” rather than traditional instructors, connecting students with their work rather than delivering content from the front of the room.

Montessori classrooms, including those in Edmonton, are mixed-age: 0-3 (toddler), 3-6 (primary), 6-9 (lower-elementary), 9-12 (upper elementary), and beyond. Older students often mentor younger peers, reinforcing knowledge and social skills for all.

Montessori schools in Edmonton

Edmonton offers a range of Montessori schooling options. Local schools generally follow traditional Montessori principles—self-directed learning, individualized programs, concrete experiences, and uninterrupted work periods—while also fostering values, independence, and character development. Some variation exists in how schools implement these principles.

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is a world-class city with a strong economy and rich cultural scene. It offers numerous excellent public and private school options. Post-secondary institutions include the University of Alberta, Concordia University College of Alberta, MacEwan University, King’s University College, NorQuest College, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.