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Montessori schools in the Maritimes

Find the top Montessori schools and programs in the Maritimes provinces.

Here’s the OUR KIDS guide to Montessori schools in the Maritimes—your introduction to child-centred education in Atlantic Canada. Montessori programs across the region emphasize independence, hands-on exploration, and self-directed learning, helping children build confidence and curiosity at every stage of development.

On this page, we highlight private schools in the Maritimes that offer Montessori programs and support. Families can explore options across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, each providing unique approaches while staying rooted in Montessori’s core philosophy of experiential, individualized learning.

For more than 30 years, OUR KIDS has connected families with private and independent schools, offering trusted insights into what makes each program unique. On OurKids.net, you’ll find verified profiles, parent reviews, comparison tools, and expert articles to guide your search. For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including curricular approaches and teaching methods, start with our guide to Montessori schools.

2. Choosing a Montessori school in the Maritimes

For general advice on how to choose and evaluate private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and expert advice guide. For advice on choosing Montessori schools (including preschools), see our main Montessori school guide. To learn about how to choose the right preschool, read our dedicated guide.

Private school expos

Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school, at any level. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Halton-peel. These expos allow you to speak with lots of private schools in Canada, many of which are Montessori schools, all in one place. Find a Montessori school near you.

Open house events

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

3. How much do Montessori schools cost in the Maritimes?

The cost of Montessori schools in the Maritimes tends to be lower than other private schools in the region. In fact, Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general.

Many schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Some also provide scholarships based on merit, for instance, in academics or athletics. You can learn more about need- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can also read about preschool costs in general.

Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori private schools in the Maritimes provinces:

Academics

Special needs support

Montessori schools in the Maritimes and other provinces often have large mixed-age classes with high teacher-to-student ratios. They also emphasize interaction, student-to-student teaching, and a mix of group and independent work.

Below, the Montessori philosophy and teaching approach is discussed in more detail. For a comprehensive overview, see our main Montessori school guide.

Montessori philosophy

The Montessori philosophy of education is unique. Key principles include:

Student-centred: There is no set curriculum. Students are free to move around the class, choose their own work, and determine the pace of their studies, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Uninterrupted work time: Montessori schools provide long, uninterrupted periods of work, especially at the elementary level. These periods, often three hours or more, are believed to enhance concentration, self-discipline, and work habits.

Concrete learning: Learning is hands-on. At the primary and elementary levels (and sometimes secondary), students use a variety of manipulatives, blocks, rods, and other materials. Concrete learning engages the senses and can accelerate learning, especially for younger students.

No external rewards: Students are not graded or given formal tests. Praise, when given, focuses on effort rather than outcome. Progress is assessed through observation and developmental rubrics.

Montessori teaching approach

Montessori teachers rarely provide direct instruction to the whole class. Lectures are short, interactive, and engaging. More often, teachers circulate, guiding students individually or in small groups, planning projects, and encouraging repeated practice. Their role is to connect students with their work as “guides” or “mentors” rather than traditional teachers.

Montessori schools in the Maritimes and elsewhere feature mixed-age classes: 0-3 (toddler), 3-6 (primary), 6-9 (lower elementary), 9-12 (upper elementary), and beyond. Students work collaboratively in small groups, with older students mentoring younger ones, reinforcing knowledge and skills for both.

Maritimes Montessori schools

Montessori schools in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island share the core Montessori principles. Like Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, they emphasize concrete learning, self-direction, cooperation, and collaboration, creating a stimulating and rewarding environment.

All levels have multi-age classrooms: toddler (0-3), primary (3-6), elementary (6-9 and 9-12), and middle school (12-14). Older children mentor younger classmates, reinforcing learning and modeling good behaviour, which can be particularly effective for children with advanced learning abilities.