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Montessori elementary schools

Find the top Montessori elementary schools in Canada.

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.

2. Choosing a school

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

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.

Parent discussion forum

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.

Open house events

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.

3. Tuition at Montessori elementary schools

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:

Academics

Special needs support

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.
 

Montessori school curriculum

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.

Montessori teaching approach

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).

Benefits of Montessori elementary school

Montessori schools offer a first-rate education. Elementary schools, in particular, have plenty of benefits. They include the following:

• They teach a number of important academic skills.
• Their self-directed curriculum is engaging.
• They foster social skills.
• They promote independence and self-sufficiency.
• They teach kids important practical skills and character traits.

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.