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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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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$15,100 to $24,200
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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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Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School (est. 1997)
Oakville, Ontario 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 by insuring they "Love to Learn"! View profile |
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$14,995 to $16,595
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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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$10,000 to $20,000
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Westmont Montessori School (est. 1954)
Victoria, British Columbia We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects. View profile |
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$9,565 to $14,945
View profile |
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Central Montessori Schools (est. 1995)
Toronto, Ontario CMS provides a quality Montessori education for Casa and Elementary students. Set on beautiful campuses children are inspired to learn their role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony. View profile |
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$8,750 to $19,900
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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 for life. View profile |
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$19,100 to $32,700
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Northstar Montessori Private School (est. 1996)
Mississauga, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$10,500 to $16,350
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Westside Montessori School (est. 2008)
Toronto, Ontario Authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori Schools located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa, Elementary and Adolescent children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds. View profile |
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$20,700 to $23,300
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Enquiring Minds Montessori (est. 2012)
Scarborough, Ontario Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds. View profile |
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$16,775 to $17,200
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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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$17,700 to $27,500
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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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$16,045 to $27,202
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Peel Montessori School (est. 1992)
Mississauga, Ontario Peel Montessori School and our Carrington College division students are encouraged to be engaged, inquisitive learners who think for themselves, display character strength, and learn to succeed on their own merits. View profile |
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$8,500 to $18,500
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Guidepost Montessori (est. 2016)
Toronto, Ontario Guidepost is a new Montessori school coming to Toronto, serving children from 10 weeks to 12 years old. We offer year-round programming and rolling admissions into our programs to meet the needs of every family. View profile |
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$1,150 to $1,550
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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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$7,075 to $14,775
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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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$8,100 to $25,900
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Aurora Montessori School (est. 1989)
Aurora, Ontario Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills! View profile |
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$19,400 to $22,150
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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 their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program. View profile |
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$11,250
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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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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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$17,975 to $27,300
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The Children's House Montessori School (est. 1994)
Port Perry, Ontario CHMS offers authentic supportive, vibrant, child centered AMI Montessori that is perfect for curious, inquisitive students looking to thrive in a social, hands on, collaborative, challenging environment. View profile |
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$9,500 to $11,500
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Unionville College (est. 1987)
Unionville, Ontario UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 9. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child. View profile |
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$9,500 to $17,400
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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. View profile |
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$1,000 to $11,500
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AIM Without Limits (est. 2011)
Richmond Hill, Ontario ABA based curriculum and individualized approach targets not only academic success but also emotional, social, vocational and life skills that are the core skills of life-long success of each student. View profile |
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$15,000 to $25,000
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La Villa Montessori School (est. 2012)
Oakville, Ontario 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. View profile |
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$8,100 to $15,608
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Kaban Montessori School (est. 2002)
Mississauga, Ontario Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west of Mississauga area . We ensure that our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential. View profile |
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$15,750 to $16,250
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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
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Fredericton Montessori Academy (est. 2017)
Fredericton, New Brunswick The main objective of FMA is to provide your child with a planned and stimulating environment in order for them to be able to reach their own individual and highest learning potential while honouring the whole child. View profile |
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$9,500 to $14,500 /program
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Rotherglen School - Mississauga (est. 1979)
Mississauga, Ontario Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students. View profile |
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$14,000 to $19,000
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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 $22,500
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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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$15,700 to $26,000
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Kawartha Montessori School (est. 1982)
Peterborough, Ontario Kawartha Montessori School is the only CCMA-accredited school in the region. We offer an education that inspires academic excellence and develops socially responsible, independent, and confident individuals. View profile |
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$13,920 to $17,785
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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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$11,000
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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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$12,000 to $14,000
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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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$15,800 to $26,000
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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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$11,500 to $37,500
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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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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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$6,183 to $17,840
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Toronto French Montessori (est. 2000)
Whitchurch-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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$7,620 to $16,350
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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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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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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. View profile |
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$14,240
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Humberside Montessori School (est. 1987)
Toronto, Ontario Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students. View profile |
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$12,500 to $19,900
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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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$5,140 to $10,850
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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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Meadow Green Academy (est. 1995)
Mississauga, Ontario Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience View profile |
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$9,300 to $16,490
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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
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. Our educational process is Beyond the Books! Education as it should be. View profile |
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$7,000 to $16,000
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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 JK Grades 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 13 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 optional IB Diploma Programme. View profile |
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$7,700 to $17,750
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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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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 |
|---|---|---|
Braemar House School | March 30, 2023 10:00 am | Braemar House School 36 Baxter Street Brantford Ontario N3R2V8 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | March 31, 2023 2:00 pm | Alive Montessori & Private School 2 Wembley Rd. Toronto ON M6C 2E9 |
Unionville College | April 01, 2023 10:00 am | Unionville Montessori School 4486 16th Ave Markham ON L3R 0M1 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | April 13, 2023 5:30 pm | 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton Ontario L9C 1G2 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | May 04, 2023 5:30 pm | 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton Ontario L9C 1G2 |
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) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hillfield Strathallan College | $16,428 to $28,775 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $14,945 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
TMS | $26,750 to $32,700 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Somerset Academy | $14,300 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Guidepost Montessori | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | |||
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Bannockburn | $27,300 | |||
AIM Without Limits | $19,000 | |||
Kawartha Montessori School | $13,920 to $17,785 | 1% | 1 - 8 | $3,000 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $6,183 to $17,840 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 30 | No support | |||
Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Supportive | 8 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Century Private School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Guidepost Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 to 10 | No support | Light integration | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
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 | ||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 25 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
The Children's House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Indirect Support | |||||
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
AIM Without Limits | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 8 | Special needs school | Medium integration | |
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Fredericton Montessori Academy | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
Kawartha Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 16 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | |||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Light integration | ||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration |
Legend:
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guidepost Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Children's House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
AIM Without Limits | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fredericton Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kawartha Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private 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.
