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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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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
View profile |
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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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$8,580 to $14,195
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
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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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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$9,000 to $16,000
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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$12,500 to $20,000
View profile |
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AIM Without Limits (est. 2011)
Richmond Hill, Ontario ABA based curriculum provides instructional and learning opportunities for students with autism or learning disabilities using the latest evidence-based educational practices. View profile |
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$19,000
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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Blaisdale Montessori School (est. 1969)
Pickering, Ontario Blaisdale Montessori School is the premier Montessori school in the Durham area. Offering an outstanding learning environment. Choose from one of 7 campuses in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Bowmanville. View profile |
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$1,195 to $1,400
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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 |
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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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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
View profile |
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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
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
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
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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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 |
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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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$7,000 to $11,000
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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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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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Guidepost Montessori + Academy of Thought and Industry (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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
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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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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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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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
View profile |
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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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$7,600 to $12,900
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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
View profile |
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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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$10,200 to $15,900
View profile |
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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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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
View profile |
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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
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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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
View profile |
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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 |
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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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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
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 |
|---|---|---|
Braemar House School | February 03, 2022 4:00 pm | Braemar House School 36 Baxter Street, 36 Baxter Street Brantford Ontario N3R2V8 |
Braemar House School | February 04, 2022 10:00 am | |
Northstar Montessori Private School | February 05, 2022 10:00 am | School 4900 TOMKEN RD MISSISSAUGA ON L4W 1J8 |
Bond Academy | March 26, 2022 10:00 am | |
The Children's House Montessori School | March 26, 2022 1:00 pm | Children's House Montessori School 16150 Old Simcoe Road Port Perry Ontario L9L1P3 |
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 |
TMS | $25,700 to $31,350 | Preschool - 12 | ||
AIM Without Limits | $19,000 | |||
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Somerset Academy | $13,200 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $12,705 to $16,765 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | $9,700 to $11,500 | 3% | 1 - 12 | |
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 | |||
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 |
Aurora Montessori School | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 | |
Guidepost Montessori + Academy of Thought and Industry | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | |||
Montessori Jewish Day School | $15,250 to $18,400 | 25% | Preschool - 8 | $5,000 |
Bannockburn | $26,250 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Supportive | 8 to 17 | No support | Light integration | |||
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 | |
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Indirect Support | ||||||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
AIM Without Limits | Traditional | Montessori | 6 to 10 | Special needs school | ||||
Century Private School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
Blaisdale Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | No support | |||||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Maria Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | |||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Esprit Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | 3 to 5 | Special needs school | Heavy integration | ||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
The Children's House Montessori School | Montessori | Indirect Support | ||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
J. Addison School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 15 | No support | Light integration | ||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Guidepost Montessori + Academy of Thought and Industry | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 to 10 | No support | Light integration | ||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Montessori Jewish Day School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Royal Cachet Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 3 to 8 | No support | |||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | |||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 15 | No support | |||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 14 | No support | Light integration | |
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | No support | Medium integration |
Legend:
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
AIM Without Limits | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Blaisdale Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Maria Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville Montessori Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Esprit Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Children's House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Addison School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guidepost Montessori + Academy of Thought and Industry | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Jewish Day School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Cachet Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori |
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.
