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On this page, we cover private Montessori elementary schools. This includes accredited and certified schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Pickering, and Scarborough, Ontario, and across Canada.
For a more comprehensive guide to Montessori education, including an extensive discussion of the Montessori philosophy, method, and teaching and curricular approaches, read our introductory guide.
Montessori elementary schools include kids aged 6 to 12, the equivalent of grade 1 to 6 in most schools. There are a lot of Montessori elementary schools in Canada. Almost all of these are private. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, learning environment, curricular approach, and program offerings. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. This list can be filtered for several features, including location and special needs support.
| School Name | Approach | Cost | |
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Royal Cachet Montessori School (est. 2006)
Markham, Ontario Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs from infants to grade 3 in our healthy & safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed. View profile |
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$6,800 to $12,900
View profile |
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TMS (est. 1961)
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. View profile |
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$18,185 to $32,600
View profile |
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Westside Montessori School (est. 2008)
Toronto, Ontario An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds. View profile |
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$20,200 to $22,500
View profile |
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Hillfield Strathallan College (est. 1901)
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 |
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$8,500 to $52,000
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Clanmore Montessori School (est. 1997)
Oakville, Ontario Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual. View profile |
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$9,250 to $19,500
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Sunrise Montessori School (est. 1988)
Markham, Ontario Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life! View profile |
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$10,500 to $16,500
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Tall Pines School (est. 1987)
Brampton, Ontario 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 |
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$14,970 to $19,970
View profile |
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OMS Montessori (est. 1966)
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 |
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$13,275 to $27,201
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Century Private School (est. 1994)
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 |
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$16,550 to $27,000
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Peel Montessori Private School (est. 1992)
Mississauga, Ontario Peel Montessori School and Carrington College students are encouraged to be engaged, inquisitive learners who think for themselves, display strengthen of character, and learn to succeed on their own merits. View profile |
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$8,500 to $18,500
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Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) (est. 1969)
Brampton, Ontario RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. Our structured enriched programme cultivates character, leadership, respect and cultural diversity while developing each child’s 21st century skills and a STEM mindset. View profile |
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$8,100 to $15,000
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Bannockburn (est. 1993)
Toronto, Ontario Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum in a nurturing environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood. View profile |
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$16,700 to $26,250
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Rotherglen School - Oakville (est. 1979)
Oakville, Ontario Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students. View profile |
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$15,140 to $25,000
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ABC Montessori (est. 1995)
Mississauga, Ontario ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts. View profile |
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$6,600 to $10,500
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Clear Water Academy (est. 1995)
Calgary, Alberta A Catholic school that goes beyond academics to help our students realize and use their talents to their fullest potential, in order to become all that God has created them to be. Open to families of all faiths. View profile |
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$7,900 to $16,000
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Dearcroft Montessori School (est. 1968)
Oakville, Ontario Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. View profile |
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$9,900 to $23,900
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J. Addison School (est. 2002)
Markham, Ontario 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 |
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$15,000 to $42,450
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Braemar House School (est. 1996)
Brantford, Ontario 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 |
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$13,758
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Toronto French Montessori (est. 2000)
Stouffville, Ontario Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students. View profile |
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$7,782 to $15,396
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Kaban Montessori School (est. 2002)
Mississauga, Ontario Kaban Montessori School in west Mississauga/Erin Mills is a CCMA accredited school for children aged 6 months to 12 years. Come for a tour, you'll love it! View profile |
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$15,250 to $15,750
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Central Montessori School – Maplehurst Campus (est. 1995)
North York, Ontario CMS' aim is to prepare all children to reach their full potential (academically, artistically, & physically) and to play a responsible role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony. View profile |
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$8,750 to $17,950
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Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering (est. 1984)
Pickering, Ontario Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational, inclusive 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 |
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$9,000 to $13,000
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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School (est. 1986)
Richmond Hill, Ontario Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students. View profile |
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$23,000 to $25,000
View profile |
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Meadow Green Academy (est. 1995)
Mississauga, Ontario Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment that helps individuals reach their potential. View profile |
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$9,050 to $15,990
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Country Garden Montessori Academy (est. 1995)
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 |
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$7,800 to $25,900
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Aurora Montessori School (est. 1989)
Aurora, Ontario Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students to Grade 8 with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills. View profile |
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$13,400 to $19,550
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Wheatley School (est. 1986)
St. Catharines, Ontario We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community. View profile |
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$6,775 to $14,275
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The Clover School (est. 1996)
Toronto, Ontario The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child. View profile |
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$22,500 to $23,380
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Hatch House Montessori School (est. 2005)
Whitby, Ontario 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 |
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$10,500 to $14,000
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Guiding Light Academy (est. 2007)
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. View profile |
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$10,000
View profile |
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Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. (est. 1984)
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. We also offer March Break and Summer Camps for working parents. View profile |
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$9,750 to $11,500
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Montessori Jewish Day School (est. 2000)
Toronto, Ontario 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 |
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$9,000 to $18,750
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École Montessori (est. 2014)
Pickering, Ontario École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French private school dedicated to transforming your child into a BILINGUAL critical thinker with our enriched curriculum that fosters the genius within each student. View profile |
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$8,400 to $17,000
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Rotherglen School - Mississauga (est. 1979)
Mississauga, Ontario Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students. View profile |
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$7,725 to $18,615
View profile |
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Trinity Montessori School (est. 1999)
Markham, Ontario Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students. View profile |
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$11,000 to $13,000
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Maria Montessori School (est. 1975)
Toronto, Ontario Maria Montessori School is one of the longest established AMI accredited Montessori school's in Canada. We offer accredited programs for children 18 months to 12 years and hire only AMI certified teaching staff. View profile |
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$10,080 to $16,800
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School (est. 1990)
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 |
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$13,750 to $24,000
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The Montessori Country School (est. 1988)
Nobleton, Ontario For 38 years, Montessori Country School has provided a top rated CCMA accredited curriculum for students 15 months through grade 6 on two sprawling campuses, and an integrated virtual classroom for elementary students. View profile |
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$9,000 to $18,000
View profile |
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Toronto, Ontario Liberty Prep offers programs from Toddler - Gr. 6 in downtown Toronto. Our environment combines a beautifully renovated building with well-trained and passionate teachers. Reach out to discover what we do differently. View profile |
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$13,000 to $17,500
View profile |
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Kanata Montessori (est. 1974)
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 |
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$16,750 to $18,500
View profile |
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Parkdale Montessori School (est. 2007)
Ottawa, Ontario The School offers authentic Montessori education, individualized learning, accommodations to meet each child’s needs, hands-on learning, enriched curriculum, and outdoor exploration. View profile |
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$14,700 to $17,550
View profile |
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Northstar Montessori Private School (est. 1996)
Mississauga, Ontario Northstar Montessori offers an authentic Montessori curriculum for Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference. View profile |
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$9,800 to $15,400
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Alive Montessori & Private School (est. 2014)
Toronto, Ontario NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE! View profile |
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$15,500 to $17,500
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Avalon Children's Montessori School (est. 2000)
Toronto, Ontario Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development. View profile |
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$7,200 to $22,275
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Central Montessori Schools (est. 1995)
Toronto, Ontario CMS' aim is to offer a quality Montessori education preparing all children to reach their full potential and to play a responsible role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony. View profile |
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$8,750 to $19,900
View profile |
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Esprit Academy (est. 2020)
Toronto, Ontario Esprit Academy is a community and environment that cultivates independence and lifelong learning through individualized experiences that integrates and connects knowledge and skills. View profile |
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$24,000
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Trillium School (est. 1991)
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 |
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$8,200 to $41,500
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St. Peter's ACHS College School (est. 1990)
Harrow, Ontario 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 |
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$8,500 to $29,000
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Unionville Montessori Private Schools (est. 1987)
Unionville, Ontario UMS offers year advanced programs from pre-school to grade eight. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child. View profile |
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$9,050 to $15,750
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School (est. 1983)
Ottawa, Ontario Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years. View profile |
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$12,705 to $20,620
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 Name | Approach | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Bond Academy (est. 1978)
Toronto, Ontario Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. View profile |
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$13,000 to $34,500
View profile |
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Ashwood Glen (est. 2019)
Burlington, Ontario Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum. View profile |
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$14,000 to $20,000
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Somerset Academy (est. 1990)
Markham, Ontario 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 |
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$12,550 to $14,300
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Town Centre Private Schools (est. 1986)
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 IB High School. View profile |
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$5,550 to $17,250
View profile |
For general advice on how to choose and assess private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and expert advice guide. For advice on choosing Montessori schools (including elementary 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 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 elementary schools and some of which are Montessori schools. Find a Montessori elementary school near you.
Another great resource in your search for the right school is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is an ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori schools and elementary schools. Our community of parents, education experts, and school officials can help answer your questions.
Attending open houses can be a great way to learn more about schools, including Montessori elementary schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.
| School name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Alive Montessori & Private School | June 18, 2021 10:00 am | |
Trinity Montessori School | June 19, 2021 10:00 am | 9211 Woodbine Ave Markham ON L3R0K1 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | June 25, 2021 10:00 am |
The cost of Montessori elementary schools tends to be lower than the cost of other private elementary 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 elementary schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Others offer merit-based aid, that is, scholarships. You can learn more about financial aid in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori elementary schools:
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TMS | $25,700 to $31,350 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Hillfield Strathallan College | $16,428 to $28,775 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Somerset Academy | $13,200 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Bannockburn | $26,250 | |||
Clear Water Academy | $13,950 to $16,000 | 10% | 1 - 12 | $5,000 |
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 | |||
Aurora Montessori School | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 | |
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | $9,700 to $11,500 | 3% | 1 - 12 | |
Montessori Jewish Day School | $15,250 to $18,400 | 25% | Preschool - 8 | $5,000 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | $15,500 to $16,500 | 10% | JK - 6 | $850 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $13,100 to $20,400 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
St. Peter's ACHS College School | $11,400 | 35% | 1 - 8 | $6,000 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $12,705 to $16,765 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Royal Cachet Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 3 to 8 | No support | |||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Tall Pines School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Century Private School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Peel Montessori Private School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 14 | No support | Light integration | |
Clear Water Academy | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 18 | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
J. Addison School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 15 | No support | Light integration | |
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Central Montessori School – Maplehurst Campus | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | No support | ||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |
Country Garden Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 15 | No support | |||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | ||||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Montessori Jewish Day School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | |||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Maria Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
The Montessori Country School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Liberty Prep School | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 15 to 26 | No support | |||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Parkdale Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | 15 to 24 | Indirect Support | ||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
Esprit Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | 3 to 5 | Special needs school | Heavy integration | ||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
St. Peter's ACHS College School | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | ||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration |
Legend:
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Cachet Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tall Pines School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clear Water Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Addison School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori School – Maplehurst Campus | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Jewish Day School | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Maria Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Montessori Country School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Liberty Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parkdale Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Esprit Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Peter's ACHS College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School |
Montessori schools, which are based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori, are meant to accommodate the growing child. Elementary schools are no exception to this rule.
Montessori elementary schools have mixed-age classrooms with lots of self-directed learning, student-to-student teaching, interaction, and concrete learning. This allows students to become focused and engaged in their studies. It also allows them to develop their cognitive and social skills.
Montessori elementary schools are for kids aged 6 to 12. Often, there are two classes: a lower elementary class with kids aged 6-9, and a higher elementary class with kids aged 9-12. Sometimes, though, there is only one class, with kids aged 6 to 12 (for instance, in smaller schools).
For more discussion of Montessori elementary schools, see our main Montessori school guide.
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 focus, social 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.
Elementary schools, like preschools, focus a great deal on concrete learning. Kids work with lots of concrete materials to learn skills and concepts. They also do many practical life activities. In the upper years, though, there tends to be more abstract learning. Kids start to refine their reasoning and problem-solving skills through these years.
Montessori students have lots of freedom to choose their curriculum and work at their own pace. Most elementary classes have a three-hour, uninterrupted work period. During this period, students can work on chosen tasks, free from distractions. This is a hallmark of the Montessori method.
That said, elementary schools do focus on core academic subjects and skills. These include reading, writing, math, and science. Time is also sometimes allotted for creating writing and art projects.
Elementary schools also focus on character education—on educating the whole child. Kids learn key practical skills, and crucial traits like independence, responsibility, and honesty.
Elementary schools, unlike preschools, offer some direct instruction. Especially in the upper levels, teachers sometimes give fairly long lectures or lessons. Usually, though, lectures tend to be given to smaller groups of students, rather than the whole class.
For instance, teachers sometimes give what are called great lessons on important moments in history, such as the the origin of life. These lessons tend to be more engaging and interactive than traditional lectures. And most of the time, teachers work with Montessori students on a one-on-one basis, or with very small groups of students. This ensures students receive special guidance and attention.
Much of the time, kids work alone or in small groups on different projects. These projects can be on a variety of subjects, and often are interdisciplinary. When working in groups, older kids can teach, mentor, and model appropriate behaviour to younger kids. This can be an effective way for kids to learn and reinforce their knowledge (both the older and younger kids).
Montessori schools offer a first-rate education. Elementary schools, in particular, have plenty of benefits. They include the following:
Montessori elementary schools work particularly well for kids who are motivated and have a good work ethic. On the other hand, they may not be a great fit for some kids who enjoy a traditional classroom and standard curriculum.
It should be no suprise that these schools have become so popular throughout the world. It's important to note, though, that schools differ in their interpretation of the Montessori philosophy and teaching method.
For more details, see our Montessori benefits guide.
