Montessori schools in Richmond Hill

Find the top Montessori schools and programs in Richmond Hill.


On this page, we cover private schools in the Richmond Hill area that offer Montessori programs. This includes Montessori schools in Elgin Mills, Yongehurst, Richvale, Oak Ridges, Carrville, Quaker, Jefferson, and Temperanceville.

For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a discussion of the Montessori curriculum, read our introductory guide.


Table of Contents


  1. List of Montessori schools in Richmond Hill

  2. Choosing a school

  3. Tuition at Richmond Hill Montessori schools

  4. Compare Montessori schools

  5. A primer on Montessori education
  6. Further resources


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There are lots of private Montessori schools in Richmond Hill. These schools vary in terms of their classroom practices, curricular approaches, program offerings, and special needs support. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features.




  School NameApproachCost

TMS   (est. 1961)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • Montessori, International Baccalaureate

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


$19,100 to $32,700
User reviews (1)

View profile
  • Not specified
$19,100 to $32,700
User reviews (1)

View profile

Century Private School   (est. 1994)  

  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • Montessori, International Baccalaureate

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


$17,700 to $27,500
View profile
  • Not specified
$17,700 to $27,500
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Trillium School   (est. 1991)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (320 students)
  • Day school (50 students)
  • Boarding school (30 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

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


$11,500 to $37,500
View profile
  • Not specified
$11,500 to $37,500
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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School   (est. 1986)  

  • Preschool to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (600 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

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


$23,000 to $25,000
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  • Not specified
$23,000 to $25,000
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AIM Without Limits   (est. 2011)  

  • K to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (40 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

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


$15,000 to $25,000
View profile
  • Not specified
$15,000 to $25,000
View profile

Sunrise Montessori School   (est. 1988)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 3 (Coed)
  • Day school (200 students)
  • Montessori
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


$10,500 to $16,500
User reviews (5)

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  • Not specified
$10,500 to $16,500
User reviews (5)

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Trinity Montessori School   (est. 1999)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (120 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

Markham, Ontario

Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students.  View profile


$12,000 to $14,000
User reviews (3)

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  • Not specified
$12,000 to $14,000
User reviews (3)

View profile

Unionville College   (est. 1987)  

  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • Traditional, Montessori

Unionville, Ontario

UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 9. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child.  View profile


$9,500 to $17,400
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  • Not specified
$9,500 to $17,400
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Aurora Montessori School   (est. 1989)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (400 students)
  • Montessori
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


$19,400 to $22,150
View profile
  • Not specified
$19,400 to $22,150
View profile

Country Garden Montessori Academy   (est. 1995)  

  • JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Homestay school (5 students)
  • Montessori
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


$8,100 to $25,900
View profile
  • Not specified
$8,100 to $25,900
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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 NameApproachCost

Somerset Academy   (est. 1990)  

  • JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • Traditional
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


$12,550 to $14,300
View profile
  • Not specified
$12,550 to $14,300
View profile

Yip’s Music & Montessori School   (est. 1990)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to SK (Coed)
  • Day school

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


$7,750 to $12,900
View profile
  • Not specified
$7,750 to $12,900
View profile

Town Centre Private Schools   (est. 1986)  

  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • Traditional, International Baccalaureate

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


$7,700 to $17,750
View profile
  • Not specified
$7,700 to $17,750
View profile



For general advice on how to choose and evaluate private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and get advice from top education experts. For advice on choosing Montessori schools, see our main Montessori school guide and our Montessori choosing guide. If you have a very young child, read our preschool choosing 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, some of which are Montessori schools, all in one place. Find a Montessori school near you.

Parent discussion forum

Another great 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 schools and preschools. Our community of parents, educational experts, school officials, and alumni can help answer your questions and stimulate your thinking.

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.


School nameDateLocation
Unionville College
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $9,500 to $17,400
  • April 01, 2023 10:00 amUnionville Montessori School
    4486 16th Ave Markham ON L3R 0M1



    The cost of Richmond Hill Montessori schools tends to be lower than the cost of other private schools in Richmond Hill. 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. Other schools, though not as many, offer scholarships, which are given 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 check out our guide to preschool costs.

    Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori private schools and preschools in Richmond Hill:


     
    Tuition (day school)Students receiving financial aidGrade eligibility for financial aidAvg. aid package size (annual)
    TMS
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • $19,100 to $32,700
  • $26,750 to $32,700Preschool - 12
    Somerset Academy
  • Markham, Ontario
  • JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $14,300 to $14,300
  • $14,3005%1 - 8
    Yip’s Music & Montessori School
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to SK (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $6,750 to $11,200
  • $10,850 to $11,200
    AIM Without Limits
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • K to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (40 students)
  • $19,000 to $19,000
  • $19,000
    Aurora Montessori School
  • Aurora, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (400 students)
  • $19,400 to $22,150
  • $19,400 to $22,1507%Preschool - 8$1,000



     
     
    Primary curriculum
    Secondary curriculum
    Curriculum pace
    Academic culture
    Average class size
    Language immersion
    Special needs support
    Tech integration
    TMS
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • $19,100 to $32,700
  • MontessoriInternational BaccalaureateStudent-pacedRigorousNo support
    Somerset Academy
  • Markham, Ontario
  • JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $14,300 to $14,300
  • TraditionalStandard-enrichedSupportive13 to 18No support
    Century Private School
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $16,550 to $27,000
  • MontessoriInternational BaccalaureateStudent-pacedRigorous10 to 20No supportLight integration
    Yip’s Music & Montessori School
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to SK (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $6,750 to $11,200
  • Student-pacedSupportive5 to 13No support
    Trillium School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (320 students)
  • Day school (50 students)
  • Boarding school (30 students)
  • $11,500 to $37,500
  • TraditionalMontessoriAcceleratedRigorousNo supportMedium integration
    Town Centre Private Schools
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $7,400 to $17,250
  • TraditionalInternational BaccalaureateStandard-enrichedSupportive15 to 24No support
    Richmond Hill Montessori Private School
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (600 students)
  • $21,000 to $23,500
  • TraditionalMontessoriAcceleratedRigorous16 to 20No supportMedium integration
    AIM Without Limits
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • K to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (40 students)
  • $19,000 to $19,000
  • TraditionalMontessoriStudent-pacedSupportive5 to 8Special needs schoolMedium integration
    Sunrise Montessori School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 3 (Coed)
  • Day school (200 students)
  • $11,500 to $19,800
  • MontessoriAcceleratedSupportive10 to 24Indirect SupportMedium integration
    Trinity Montessori School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (120 students)
  • $11,000 to $13,000
  • TraditionalMontessoriAcceleratedRigorousNo supportLight integration
    Unionville College
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $9,500 to $17,400
  • TraditionalMontessoriAcceleratedRigorous18 to 24Withdrawal AssistanceHeavy integration
    Aurora Montessori School
  • Aurora, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (400 students)
  • $19,400 to $22,150
  • MontessoriStudent-pacedSupportive15 to 24Partial IntegrationMedium integration
    Country Garden Montessori Academy
  • Newmarket, Ontario
  • JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Homestay school (5 students)
  • $7,400 to $14,300
  • MontessoriStandard-enrichedSupportive10 to 15No support





     Legend:

     ADHD

    Learning disorders:
     Dyslexia
     Auditory processing disorder
     Dyscalculia
     Dysgraphia
     Language processing disorder
     Non-verbal learning disorders
     Visual motor deficit
    Development disorders:
     Autism
     Asperger's

    Behavioural and emotional:
     Troubled teens
     Depression
     Suicidal
     Substance abuse
     Oppositional defiant disorder
    Physical:
     Dyspraxia
     Blindness
     Deafness
     Cystic fibrosis
     Multiple physical
     
     
    TMS
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (850 students)
  • $19,100 to $32,700
  • Somerset Academy
  • Markham, Ontario
  • JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $14,300 to $14,300
  • Century Private School
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $16,550 to $27,000
  • Yip’s Music & Montessori School
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to SK (Coed)
  • Day school
  • $6,750 to $11,200
  • Trillium School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (320 students)
  • Day school (50 students)
  • Boarding school (30 students)
  • $11,500 to $37,500
  • Town Centre Private Schools
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $7,400 to $17,250
  • Richmond Hill Montessori Private School
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Preschool to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (600 students)
  • $21,000 to $23,500
  • AIM Without Limits
  • Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • K to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (40 students)
  • $19,000 to $19,000
  • Sunrise Montessori School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 3 (Coed)
  • Day school (200 students)
  • $11,500 to $19,800
  • Trinity Montessori School
  • Markham, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 6 (Coed)
  • Day school (120 students)
  • $11,000 to $13,000
  • Unionville College
  • Unionville, Ontario
  • Preschool to 9 (Coed)
  • Day school (1000 students)
  • $9,500 to $17,400
  • Aurora Montessori School
  • Aurora, Ontario
  • Nursery/Toddler to 8 (Coed)
  • Day school (400 students)
  • $19,400 to $22,150
  • Country Garden Montessori Academy
  • Newmarket, Ontario
  • JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Day school (100 students)
  • Homestay school (5 students)
  • $7,400 to $14,300








  • Montessori schools, in Richmond Hill and nearby Vaughan and Scarborough, often have large mixed-age classes with high teacher-to-student ratios. They also tend to have lots of interaction, student-to-student teaching, and group and independent work.

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

    Montessori school philosophy

    The Montessori philosophy of education is unique. Some of the main principles of this philosophy are the following:

    Student-centred: There's no set curriculum. Students are free to move around the class, choose their own work, and determine the pace of their studies. This can make for a dynamic learning environment. Kids often choose work that’s engaging and stimulating, in this setting, which can give rise to a love of learning.

    Uninterrupted work time: Richmond Hill Montessori schools give kids lots of uninterrupted work time, especially at the elementary level. In many schools, they’re given at least one 3-hour, uninterrupted work period to focus on their chosen work, free of interruptions. Uninterrupted work periods are believed to improve children’s concentration, self-discipline, and work habits.

    Concrete learning: Like Waldorf and Reggio Emilia, learning tends to be concrete and hands-on. At the primary and elementary level (and sometimes at the secondary level), kids work with lots of different concrete materials, including “manipulatives”—or self-correcting puzzles.

    Montessori kids also work with blocks, rods, spindle boxes, and many other materials. Concrete learning engages many of the senses. And, research has shown that it can speed up learning, especially for younger kids.

    No external rewards: In primary and elementary school, kids aren’t given tests or assignments, or graded on any of their work. Kids also aren’t praised very much, and when they are praised, it’s for effort—not outcome. Progress is assessed informally, through observation and developmental rubrics, rather than formally, through grades or report cards.

    Montessori teaching approach

    Montessori teachers rarely provide direct instruction. They almost never stand at the front of the class and lecture to all the students. And when they do lecture, the lectures are usually short, interactive, and engaging.

    More often, though, teachers move around the class, and give lessons to or guide students. They usually work with students one-on-one or in small groups. They often encourage students to repeat and practice activities, and they plan projects to meet each student’s learning needs.

    Montessori teachers' primary role is to connect students with their work, rather than to impart knowledge to them. Teachers are thus viewed more as “guides” or “mentors” than “teachers” in the traditional sense.

    Montessori schools, in Richmond Hill and other cities, have mixed-age classes, with kids aged 0-3 (toddler), 3-6 (primary), 6-9 (lower-elementary), 9-12 (upper elementary), and so on. The mixed-age classroom informs the teaching approach and learning environment.

    Most Montessori classes have lots of group work. Kids work together in small groups on projects and tasks, with some guidance from the teacher. Kids help each other, and older kids often mentor their younger classmates, by helping with them with their work and modelling appropriate behaviour. This can reinforce knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, for both older and younger kids.

    Montessori in Richmond Hill

    Richmond Hill has plenty of great schools and preschools. In addition to public schools, it has several private school options. Among other types of private schools, it has several Montessori schools.

    Private Montessori schools in Richmond Hill are a great choice for many families. They can be suitable to for children of many ages. There are Montessori schools starting at the preschool level, and going right up to the high school level.

    Montessori schools tend to be student-driven. Teachers rarely, if ever, give long lectures do they class. Nor do they administer tests or grade work, except at the high school (and sometimes middle school) level. Rather, students often choose their own work, based on their interests and developmental levels

    Montessori schools focus heavily on independence and collaboration. Kids often work by themselves or in small groups. Older children often teach, mentor, and model proper behaviour to younger students. This can make for an exciting classroom with lots of spontaneous learning.












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