On this page, we cover private Montessori schools in Ontario. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Whitby, 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.
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Toronto, Ontario Spadina Ave/College Street "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." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "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." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East "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." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Dundas "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, instilling a "Love of Learning!"" —From the school
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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." —From the school
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Scarborough, Ontario Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue "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." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. "Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students." —From the school
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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." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore Road/Southdown "Peel Montessori and Carrington College div. students learn above grade level for subjects of strength. Individualized curriculum, advanced academic strategies, and character development give students a personal edge." —From the school
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Port Perry, Ontario Reach St/Old Simcoe Rd "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." —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "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." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario 14th Ave/Kennedy "Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten." —From the school
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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." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bloor/Spadina "Guidepost is a new Montessori school coming to Toronto [Annex], 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." —From the school
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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" —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Tomken Rd./Eglinton Ave. E "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." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Lakeshore Road East/Bel Air Drive "Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. We have three campuses in Oakville, delivering exceptional Montessori Programs." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "Leonardo Da Vinci Academy provides exceptional schooling for the formative years. Our unique curriculum aims to instil a love of learning and challenges students to develop their full potential." —From the school
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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." —From the school
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Oshawa, Ontario Wilson Road/Adelaide Ave "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." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario "Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario QEW/Ford Drive / Ninth Line "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." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Bank Street/Marché Way "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." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Denison/Warden "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!" —From the school
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St. Catharines, Ontario Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street "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." —From the school
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Pickering, Ontario Kingston/Altona "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." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Sheppard Avenue East/Victoria Park Avenue "Head Start Montessori was founded in 2002, on the premise that children need a warm, loving and authentic Montessori environment for them to grow into well-adjusted and peaceful beings. H.S.M. is a home away from home." —From the school
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North York / Scarborough, Ontario Victoria Park/Lawrence "Nurturing innate love for learning, we offer independent educational chances for young children to cultivate lifelong knowledge and self discovery." —From the school
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Brantford, Ontario Fairview Drive/North Park Street "Braemar House School is a not-for-profit elementary school that proves each day that children thrive in a nurturing environment." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario St/Matheson Blvd E "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." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen St E/Woodbine Ave "ATI is a school for ambitious teens who want to develop into independent, curious, self-motivated individuals. Gain the skills, knowledge and agency to build the future that you want. Located in The Beaches." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "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." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/16th Avenue "Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "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!" —From the school
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Hamilton, Ontario Garth Street/Fennell Avenue West "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." —From the school
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Whitby, Ontario Brock Street South/Dundas Streer West "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." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Alta Vista Drive/Industrial Road "OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment." —From the school
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Kanata, Ontario Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive "For 50 years, Kanata Montessori has offered excellent learning environments for students to grow emotionally, socially and academically into a positive global citizen." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence Ave./Bathurst St. "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." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "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!" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "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." —From the school
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Brantford, Ontario Charlotte St/Chatham St "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." —From the school
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Newmarket, Ontario "LMMH was established in 2003, the school offers a unique French Immersion Program as well as an English Program for children from 2 ½ to 13 years of age. Our students also learn to ski, golf, play tennis and more." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Glen Erin/Dundas "Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west area of Mississauga . Our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential." —From the school
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Pickering, Ontario whites/kingston road "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." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "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." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Major Mackenzie/Bayview Avenue "Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students." —From the school
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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.
"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for success in class & beyond; nurturing the growth of students' confidence & self-esteem, to take risks when learning, to reach their personal & academic potential.
—From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street "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." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave South "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." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "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." —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "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." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Pkwy/Millcreek Drive "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." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Prince Edward Dr N/Bloor Street West "Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students. " —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers a comprehensive academic program catering to a wide age range, spanning from 18 months to Grade 8. Our curriculum includes a Montessori program designed for children aged 18 months to 6 years." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lower Spadina/Bathurst "At Free Spirit MDT, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment. Learning in a intimate setting, we are able to take into consideration and encourage the free spirit of each child." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue "Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® Continuum School offering a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme." —From the school
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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 |
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Ashwood Glen | April 24, 2024 11:30 am | Ashwood Glen 3430 Fairview St. Burlington ON L7N 2R5 |
Ashwood Glen | April 24, 2024 11:30 am | Ashwood Glen School 3430 Fairview Street Burlington Ontario L7N 2R5 |
Town Centre Private Schools | April 27, 2024 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R7P3 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | May 02, 2024 5:30 pm | 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton Ontario L9C 1G2 |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | May 10, 2024 10:00 am | Leonardo Da Vinci Academy 901 Lawrence Avenue West Toronto Ontario M6A 1C3 |
Town Centre Private Schools | June 08, 2024 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R7P3 |
Wishing Well Schools | October 19, 2024 10:00 am |
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) | |
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TMS | $26,750 to $32,700 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Bannockburn | $27,300 | |||
Guidepost Montessori | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | |||
Somerset Academy | $14,300 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 | |||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | $18,300 | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $15,420 to $15,840 | |||
The Element High School | $18,810 to $21,905 | |||
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto | $18,000 | 7 - 8 | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $6,183 to $18,375 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 24 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Century Private School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
The Children's House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | No support | |||||
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Guidepost Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 to 10 | No support | Light integration | ||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | |||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | ||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | No support | |||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
The Element High School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Heavy integration | ||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Head Start Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Curlew Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 20 to 24 | No support | Light integration | ||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Prince Edward Montessori School | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 16 | No support | ||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
La Maison Montessori House | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Free Spirit Montessori Downtown | Student-paced | Supportive | 8 to 16 | Resource Assistance | ||||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration |
Legend:
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Children's House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guidepost Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Element High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Head Start Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Curlew Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Prince Edward Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori House of Children | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Maison Montessori House | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Free Spirit Montessori Downtown | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private 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).
