On this page, we cover private Montessori schools in Ontario. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brantford, and Unionville.
For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of philosophy and classroom practices, start with our introductory guide.
There are lots of Montessori schools in Ontario, including in Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, program offerings, and special needs support. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features.
| 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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$25,160
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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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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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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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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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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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Central Montessori Schools (est. 1995)
Toronto, Ontario At Central Montessori School (CMS), young minds are inspired to be creative, innovative, and inquisitive. We cultivate bright, young leaders and strong communicators ready for the 21st century. View profile |
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$9,400 to $21,200
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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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$19,349 to $32,052
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The Element High School (est. 2003)
Ottawa, Ontario The Element nurtures focused, engaged and internally motivated students who strive to do their best. The Element High School provides conditions that will put youth ‘in their element,’ in school and beyond. View profile |
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$18,810 to $21,905
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School (est. 2000)
Mississauga, Ontario Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available. View profile |
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$7,800 to $12,000
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Prince Edward Montessori School (est. 1995)
Toronto, Ontario Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students. View profile |
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$7,325 to $14,934
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Unionville College (est. 1987)
Unionville, Ontario UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 10. 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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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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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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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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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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$14,810
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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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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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$17,650 to $27,560
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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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Montessori House of Children (est. 1974)
Brantford, Ontario Located in Brantford, Ontario, Montessori House of Children (MHC) provides excellent programs for grades Nursery to 3 and helps young children reach their learning potential with both independent and self-directed learning. MHC also offers support for students with learning differences. View profile |
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$12,000 to $13,000
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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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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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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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Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto (est. 2022)
Toronto, Ontario ATI is a school for ambitious teens who want to develop into independent, curious, self-motivated individuals who thrive in school and in life. Gain the skills, knowledge and agency to build the future that you want. View profile |
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$18,000
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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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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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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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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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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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$9,950 to $11,500
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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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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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$25,000 to $26,800
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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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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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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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$14,900 to $20,315
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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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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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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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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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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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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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$13,500 to $16,800
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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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Yip’s Music & Montessori School (est. 1990)
Unionville, Ontario Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville. View profile |
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$7,750 to $12,900
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Western Heights Montessori Academy (est. 2015)
Mississauga, Ontario Western Heights offers an enriched Montessori program that fosters a love of learning. The school actively engages its close-knit parent community to offer an enriched curriculum that adapts to each student's needs. View profile |
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$13,000 to $18,000
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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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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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Our Montessori choosing guide has specific advice for choosing Montessori schools. For advice on how to choose and assess private schools in general, check out our choosing a school guide and expert advice 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. In Ontario, we have private school expos in Toronto, Ottawa, and Oakvile. These expos allow you to speak with lots of private schools, including some Montessori schools—all in one place. Find a Montessori school near you.
Another useful resource in your school search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is an ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori education. Our community of parents, educational experts, school officials, and alumni can help answer your questions and lay out your options.
Open houses are another great way to learn more about schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits. For specific questions to ask Montessori schools, see our Montessori questions guide.
| School name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto | June 06, 2023 9:00 am | ATI Toronto 1767 Queen Street East Toronto Ontario M4L 3Z2 |
Town Centre Private Schools | June 10, 2023 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markhan Ontario L3R 7P3 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | June 23, 2023 4:00 pm | Alive Montessori & Private School 2 Wembley Rd. Toronto ON M6C 2E9 |
The cost of Montessori schools in Ontario tends to be lower than the cost of other private schools in Ontario. 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. There are no public Montessori schools in Ontario, though some public schools use certain Montessori principles.
Many schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Other schools, though not as many, offer scholarships, which are given based on merit. You can learn more about need- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can learn more about preschool costs, in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for private Montessori schools in Ontario:
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TMS | $26,750 to $32,700 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Somerset Academy | $14,300 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
The Element High School | $18,810 to $21,905 | |||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $10,850 to $11,200 | |||
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Bannockburn | $27,300 | |||
AIM Without Limits | $19,000 | |||
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Kawartha Montessori School | $13,920 to $17,785 | 1% | 1 - 8 | $3,000 |
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 | |||
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto | $18,000 | 7 - 9 | ||
Guidepost Montessori | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | |||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $6,183 to $17,840 | 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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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 30 | Indirect Support | Light integration | ||
Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Supportive | 8 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
The Element High School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Heavy integration | ||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | 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 | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 25 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Light integration | ||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
AIM Without Limits | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 8 | Special needs school | Medium integration | |
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | ||||
Prince Edward Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 16 | No support | |||
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
The Children's House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Indirect Support | |||||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 15 | No support | |||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | Indirect Support | |||||||
Kawartha Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 16 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light 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 | ||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Guidepost Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 to 10 | No support | Light integration | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | |||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration |
Legend:
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Element High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
AIM Without Limits | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Prince Edward Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Children's House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Country Garden Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kawartha Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori House of Children | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guidepost Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School |
The Montessori philosophy and approach, based on the research and insights of Maria Montessori, is unique. And Montessori schools (including preschools), in Ontario and other provinces, have several progressive classroom practices. Some of the main ones are discussed below.
For more comprehensive coverage of the Montessori method, see our main Montessori school guide.
Self-directed work: Montessori students do lots of independent work. While the learning environment provides some structure, students often choose their own tasks and learning materials. With some guidance from the teacher, they also determine the pace of their studies. This allows them to do work they find challenging and stimulating, and that they’re likely to complete. It can also lead to a love of learning, throughout the school years and beyond.
Concrete learning: The main focus is on concrete learning, rather than abstract learning. Especially at the preschool and elementary level, kids work with lots of different concrete materials to learn important practical life skills.
Concrete learning engages many of the senses. And research has shown that it has several benefits. For instance, it leads to faster and more efficient learning, and it can also improve a child's focus and engagement.
Minimal tests and grades: Similar to Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, Montessori schools almost never test students or give them assignments. Moreover, student work is rarely graded, except in high school (and sometimes middle school).
Instead, student progress is informally assessed through observation and developmental rubrics. The belief is that kids should be intrinsically motivated—by doing meaningful work they enjoy and find fulfilling—rather than externally motivated (through grades, report cards, and the like).
Individualized curriculum: Montessori schools focus heavily on academics, even sometimes at the preschool level (3-6). Kids must master the basics in math, science, the language arts, and other subjects. They can then move on to more advanced work.
The curricular focus and pace, though, will differ between children. Each child will move at a different pace and study subjects in different ways, depending on their specific learning needs and interests. Each child will also have their own individualized learning plan, one that’s arrived at by both the child and the teacher. This is a hallmark of the Montessori method.
In Montessori schools in Ontario, subjects are almost never taught in isolation. Typically, several subjects are taught together, as part of what's called an integrated curriculum.
For instance, biology or chemistry aren’t taught as single subjects, except possibly in high school (and maybe middle school). Rather, they’ll be taught as part of an integrated unit.
To this end, a teacher might deliver what Montessori educators refer to as a great lesson. For instance, in some schools, teachers give a great lesson on the beginning of life, where students learn about biology, chemistry, history, religion, and other subjects.
An integrated curriculum can be very rewarding for Montessori students. It encourages them to make connections between ideas and concepts from a variety of disciplines. It also can lead to positive learning outcomes, such as a broadening of knowledge and a wider range of interests.
Unlike mainstream schools, though, Montessori schools don’t deliver this curriculum through direct instruction. Teachers rarely, if ever, give long lectures or lessons. When lessons are given, they tend to be shorter and more interactive and engaging than lectures given in mainstream schools.
Instead of lecturing, teachers tend to work with individuals or small groups of students. Their main role is to be a facilitator: they provide the necessary support and guidance for students to complete their work. They also help connect students with meaningful work.
Sometimes, though, teachers will just sit back and observe kids work. Often, this will be group work, where small groups of kids come together (of their own accord) to work on different tasks and projects.
The belief is that classmates often do a better job of teaching than the main teacher. In particular, older kids can excel at teaching and mentoring their younger peers, and modelling appropriate behaviour to them. The teacher, in these situations, will intervene or provide guidance only when absolutely necessary.
To learn about how Montessori education evolves through the years, read our Montessori curriculum guide. To learn how it might be suitable for kids with special needs such as gifted children, read our Montessori and special needs guide.
There are plenty of Montessori schools, preschools, and daycares in Ontario. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, Mississauga, London, Kingston, St. Catharines, Oakville, Milton, Pickering, Scarborough, Brantford, Unionville, Stouffville, Aurora, and Vaughan. Parents will thus have a lot of options when selecting a school.
Some schools are more traditional, and follow the Montessori philosophy to the letter. Other schools are more supplemented, and combine the Montessori philosophy with more modern curricular approaches and materials. Remember, each Montessori school has a unique approach. In choosing a school or preschool, it’s best to look for one that’s the right fit for your child in terms of philosophy, culture, values, and the like.
Ontario has plenty of great public and private schools. It's also home to some first-rate post-secondary institutions. These include the University of Toronto, Queen’s University (in Kingston), Western University (in London), McMaster University (in Hamilton), and the University of Waterloo (in Kitchener-Waterloo).
