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There are several different types of preschool programs. Some of these programs are quite academic, while others are more play-based. Yet others combine the two approaches.
When looking for a preschool or daycare for your child, it’s important to think about which approach is the best fit. To learn more about this, read our choosing a preschool guide. To learn more about preschools in general, read our preschool education guide.
Academic preschools and daycares focus on school readiness skills. They aim to prepare kids for the school years.
These preschools have a mostly teacher-led classroom. Teachers and staff guide kids through a tightly structured curriculum. They introduce kids to several subjects, including math, reading, writing, science, and nature.
Teachers sometimes give whole-class lectures or lessons in an academic preschool. Normally, though, these are shorter and more interactive than what you’ll find in the school years, especially at the upper levels.
While academic preschool provides quite a bit of formal instruction, it normally allows some unstructured time. This may include indoor free-play time or outdoor recess, where kids are free to choose what they want to do. It’s just that there will be less of this than in play-based preschools.
Play-based preschools and daycares are less structured. Kids are free to move around, choose their activities, and play with kids in class. They thus have plenty of free-play time. They also have lots of time for exploration, and open-ended and imaginative activities.
In a play-based preschool (also called "play schools"), kids tend to spend a lot of time interacting with other kids. They play games, explore the environment, and work on projects with their peers—one-on-one or in groups.
For most of the day, they can choose what they want to do. They can move between different areas or “stations” in the classroom, such as a kitchen, dressup, sensory, building, and arts and crafts area. These areas are changed often, such as every week or even every day. To learn more about the preschool classroom, click here.
Play-based preschools offer little formal instruction. Kids may, though, learn some basic math (such as numbers and addition) and language (such as letters and reading). Normally, though, this is done through short, interactive lessons and fun activities.
As Maureen Myers, executive director at Sprouts, a preschool in Toronto, Ontario, says "We don't sit down and teach by rote or repetition, but the ideas and concepts of letter recognition, language, math, and sciences are learned by very hands-on activities."
The belief is that kids learn best through play. By interacting with their peers in different settings, they learn important social and emotional skills. They become more independent, mature, and capable. They also learn to reason, reflect (about themselves and others), and solve problems.
To learn more about the similarities and differences between various types of preschools, read our comparison guides. In separate articles, we compare Montessori to Waldorf, Montessori to Reggio Emilia, Waldorf to Reggio Emilia, Montessori to play-based, and Montessori to academic preschools. If you want to compare specific schools one-to-one, visit our compare hub. You can also read our guide to preschool questions.
Preschool questions (read our in-depth answers) |
“Academic preschools have teacher-led instruction and follow a curriculum. Whereas play-based preschools, it it often believed, allow the children to play freely, without guidance or instruction. However, this is not necessarily so. Many preschools combine play-based learning with direct instruction. This can spark curiosity and provide opportunities for students to engage directly with the environment and make sense of the world.” Vanessa Sjerven, teacher at Elmwood school (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“My point of view: children can play and learn in preschool. One does not preclude the other. Play is an integral part of learning the ‘academics.’ A school can be both academic and play-based without stressing the child with academics. Children should be encouraged to inquire, to question, and to play, to make sense of the world.” Nora Ibrahim, preschool teacher and IB PYP (Primary Years Program) coordinator at Académie de la Capitale, in Ottawa, Ontario
The York School is not specifically a Montessori school. But Maria Montessori would have loved it, nonetheless: the school is animated by a passionate focus on making learning hands-on, social and engaging. [Read more]
In Canada, participation in AMI (Canada’s) MQA program ensures that a school is committed to the principles of Montessori pedagogy while aligning with current child development research (through the AMI Scientific Pedagogy Group). [Read more]
Ottawa, Ontario — Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$15,540 to $29,700
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
370
Avg. Class:
15 to 17
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Maple, Ontario — Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$15,500 to $19,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
200
Avg. Class:
12 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — Prestige School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$12,750 to $17,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
290
Avg. Class:
10 to 18
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Oakville, Ontario — Oakville's SMLS continues to be a premier independent school for girls Preschool to Grade 12 since 1891. "Millie" graduates take on the world with confidence and the knowledge that they can do anything. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Progressive, Reggio Emilia
Tuition:
$20,000 to $30,160
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
550
Avg. Class:
Varies
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Kendellhurst offers students an enriched curriculum with a blend of project-based, traditional and arts-infused curriculum within a seamless technology program. We include school-issued chrome books for grades 5 to 8.
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New Haven is a leading private school and non-profit centre supporting individuals with ASD and their families year-round. Our focus centres on growing potential and changing the lives of those with ASD to SOAR.
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We know that the early years are crucial for building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. At Kinder Kids children explore a variety of subjects through fun, hands-on activities in small class sizes.
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Lynn-Rose Schools offer challenging academic programming from three years old to grade twelve in Mississauga. Lynn-Rose is an official International Baccalaureate World School.
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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.
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Our mission is personalized student academic success in a friendly and caring school community, in which all students are emotionally supported and socially welcome.
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Hawthorn School is located in Toronto. We offer a co-ed toddler-SK program and an all girls program for grade 1- grade 12. Our unique mentoring program is tailored to help students reach their full potential.
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The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus.
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TFS - Canada's International School offers an exceptional bilingual education from age 2 to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available.
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This academically re-known French & English bilingual school serves students from Pre-Kg to High School. Class size averages 20 students; tuition ranges from $14,000 to $18,000.
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Junior Academy offers programs for students from Toddler to Grade Eight, in midtown Toronto. The average class size is 10 to 14 students and it caters to many types of students with different learning profiles.
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TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga.
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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. Our structured enriched programme cultivates character, leadership, respect and cultural diversity while developing each child’s 21st century skills and a STEM mindset.
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La Citadelle's Excellence in Bilingual Education and academically advanced curriculum develop successful global citizens through IB & AP programs and a holistic approach where students achieve their highest potential.
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MacLachlan is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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We welcome children from all families, Christians, or non-Christians. We tailor make k-12 curriculum to fit each kid’s unique characteristics. our teachers are professional with truthful love & highly responsible.
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Prestige School offers individualized programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Richmond Hill with an average class size of ten students.
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Lycée international de Calgary is the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula. 3-years-old to Grade 12. All linguistic backgrounds are welcome. Small class sizes.
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Kingsley's small classes and personal approach help students reach their unique potential. Each child is seen, heard, and respected. French, music, and phys-ed round out a program which includes plenty of time outdoors.
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River Valley is an inclusive school that harnesses the innate curiosity in children to ensure that every student will flourish academically and socially.
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The Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal is a multilingual (German, English and French), private, co-educational school serving students from preschool to grade 12.
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Fern Hill School is a private school for Preschool through Grade 8 offering enriched learning that is delivered by subject-specific teachers. Our school is regarded as one of the pre-eminent elementary schools in Canada.
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Bayview Glen is co-ed, multi-denominational and diverse. Our student, faculty and staff community mirror the diversity of our city. We have a culture of balance and openness that includes valuing different perspectives.
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Kidz Kare offers a wide range of services that help with all parents' needs. Our flexibility in childcare services is what sets us apart from all other schools.
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Diverse, warm community. Small classes. Exceptional phonics program to build early literacy. Collaborative, multi-strategy approach to math. Public speaking, the arts, outdoor ed, mindfulness, community engagement.
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Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment that helps individuals reach their potential.
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Mulgrave School offers programmes from Preschool to Grade 12 in West Vancouver to all genders. Its average class size is 20 students with teacher to student ratios of 1:8.
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Fern Hill School provides an enriched, engaging & academic program for Preschool to Grade 8. We offer a structured approach that focuses on developing intellectual curiosity, creativity & confidence.
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Early Learning Centre to Grade 12. Discipline. Character. Respect. Complete your child's academic and spiritual foundation. Discover why PCA students excel!
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Our goal is to nurture curious spirits, which is why we value a multilingual pedagogy that encourages both French immersion and a wide selection of langage courses, while promoting cultural exchange.
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By proposing the learning excellence of the French Ministry of Education strongly anchored in Toronto life and Canadian culture, our school offers students the best of both cultures.
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Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, STEM, and artistic achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6 (offered on site/ online)
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Oakville Christian School is committed to instilling confidence in young lives during their formative years, and cultivating in its students solid Christian character traits and values.
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The German International School Toronto offers a unique blended German and Ontarian curriculum. GIST also offers a ChARAKTER education in small class sizes and with individual learning support.
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King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade 12 which includes the IB Program. Preschool, Pre- Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary Programs offered.
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Collège Bourget is a day & boarding school situated between Montreal & Ottawa. The school offers Quebec's french program from Grade 7 till Grade 11 and english program from Grade 10 till Grade 12.
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Keystone is a private bilingual school located in downtown Toronto. We see teaching and learning as a journey, where students are active participants who grow and develop both, academically and socially.
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Kuper Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eleven in Kirkland. Its average class size is 22 students.
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Little Owl Preschool, Elementary and Middle School creates motivated, confident, and happy problem-solving individuals. We invite your child to become a Little Owl student.
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Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary Grades, including Core & Advanced French. Tuition starts at $3,250.
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At Banbury, we teach and mentor each child individually. Students are happy and engaged in learning. We believe in small class sizes with multi-aged groups. 98% of our grads continue with post-secondary education.
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Wesley Christian Academy offers programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Markham. As we are a Christian school, we share our beliefs with all our students but we warmly welcome families from ALL faiths and backgrounds!
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Founded in 1912, Montverde Academy is an elite college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies with a distinct student population from over 80 countries worldwide.
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Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650.
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At Hitherfield we believe that every child is unique, and has their own strengths and interests. With individualized programming, Hitherfield continues to nurture growth, success and confidence in all of our students.
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Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same.
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Our focus is to provide every child with the opportunity to recover from another year of COVID disruptions. Max of 8 to 10 students per class enables us to get children back on track with their learning.
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St. Clement's Early Learning School
70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1H2
At SCELS we believe giving children an early education will build a solid foundation to prepare them for their next school setting.
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The close-knit community at Star delivers on Learn to Love to Learn™ with project-based, cross-curricular and experiential learning. Our Five Pillars of Child Development guide learning experiences for students in K-8.
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Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning.
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Walden International School, Oakville, offers enriched, child-centred, academic programs from Pre-K through Grade 8. Class sizes up to 18 students depending on grade level.
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RCA is committed to providing its students with the opportunity to learn in a safe, caring, Christian environment. Class sizes are limited (16 max.) to ensure individual attention and personalized teaching.
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The Giles School has small class sizes, leadership programs and intensive STEM learning that support both immersion and introductory language programming in English, French and Mandarin.
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