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Aurora Montessori School is considered as one of the premier Montessori schools in York Region, with an impressive school facility and a small town family feel. Our friendly, enthusiastic and nurturing staff, instill and inspire an everlasting love for learning in all students. Offering authentic Montessori from Toddlers through to Grade 8, our programs are designed with true philosophy and pedagogue to develop the whole child; academically, socially, emotionally, physically and creatively. When you visit our campus, you will find bright and airy classrooms, a computer lab, art room, music room and a core French program delivered to children aged 3 to 13. Aurora Montessori School's founder created this facility with Montessori learning in mind. It sits on a beautiful 14 acre property with an outdoor classroom, soccer pitch, marsh lands, an amphitheatre, gardens and much more. Imagine your children being motivated to realize their full potential in such a rich environment. Come and see why AMS could be your family's ideal choice in education.
AMS is a Montessori school, though in many ways it exceeds the expectations that parents might have of what a Montessori education offers. The programs are hands-on, community based, though the academic environment is large, both in terms of physical space and student population. As such the extra-curricular programs are robust, including sports as well as a fully development music program that includes group and individual instruction. Those things, in themselves, are a draw for many families. The grounds are extensive, with a porous interface between interior and outdoor learning spaces. The amphitheater is impressive, and likewise is a symbol of the school’s dedication to outdoor and environmental education. In all of that, the school’s name can risk being misleading. AMS isn’t your average Montessori school. It offers broad curricular and extracurricular programs, strong academics, and an overt attention to emotional and social development through the elementary grades.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Aurora Montessori School.
Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Aurora Montessori School.
Promotional videos for Aurora Montessori School.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Montessori toddler | |
| Casa | |
| Elementary | |
| Middle School | |
| High School |
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Gifted |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Toddler | Primary | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary | Middle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age groupings How children are grouped by age for each class.' |
1.5 to 3 | 2.5 to 6 | 6 to 9 | 9 to 12 | 12 to 14 |
| Uninterrupted work periods The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.' |
2 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Tests and assignments How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Never (Orthodox) | Occasionally (Moderate Orthodox) | Occasionally (Moderate Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) |
| Graded work How often students have their work graded in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Never (Orthodox) | Never (Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) | Regularly (Non-Orthodox) |
| Arts and crafts The percentage of a typical student's day that is spent on arts and crafts in each class.' |
5% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
Whole-class lectures should only be given occasionally (e.g., at the beginning of a term or unit). Students usually learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.
External special education support is only rarely necessary. For instance, a psychologist might be brought in to help out a student with a severe developmental disorder.
We have a fairly wide range of specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, and art). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach most subjects.
Modern-day technology is used in moderation since it can be a distraction. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, and multimedia projects.
Overall approach : Which option best describes your overall curricular approach?
Schools that adhere to the original Montessori program and principles. On occasion, though, they supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
| Flexible pacing style | offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
Aurora Montessori School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton | ||
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Downhill skiing | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Ice Skating | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Running | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Foreign Language Club |
| Math Club |
| Outdoor Club |
| Outdoor Education |
| Poetry/Literature club |
| Science Club |
| Student Council |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Art Club |
| Band |
| Chess Club |
| Choir |
| Community Service |
| Computer Club |
| Debate Club |
| Drama Club |
| Environmental Club |
Discounts
| Discount Type | Enrollment Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd child (sibling) | all students | $600 |
| 3rd child (sibling) | all students | $1,200 |
| 4th child (sibling) | all students | $1,750 |
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | PS to 8 |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 5% |
| Average aid package size | $3,000 |
| Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid | 5% |
| Total aid available | $100,000 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
Letter of Request for financial assistance
Application to Apple Financial
Final recommendation from AF
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 8 | Coed | Day | 370 |
| Total enrollment | 370 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 31 |
| Average class size | 15 to 24 |
| Gender (grades) | Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 8 (Coed) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | 0 |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | NS - 8 | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | ||
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: Rolling
Student Entry Points
| Student Type | NS | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Alumni Highlights
Below, find stories and testimonials about Aurora Montessori School.
After graduating from Aurora Montessori in 2008. I was accepted to Saint Andrew's College here in Aurora. In my Grade 9 year, I played U16 soccer and hockey for the school while maintaining an overall average of over 80%. In Grade 10, I played U16 football and hockey. We were fortunate to win the hockey championship last year. I also kept my average over 80% in all subjects. This year, Grade 11, I am playing varsity football and I hopefully will make the junior varsity hockey team. So far this year, my average is over 90% overall. Throughout high school I have also played AA hockey in Aurora. Last year we won the Minor Midget AA York Simcoe championship. This year, we moved from Willis Drive to Knole Haven Drive in Aurora. Our family has had a fairly busy time in the last few months. I owe a lot of the scholastic and sports success to the Montessori School where I learned to be a better student and a team player in both sports and life. I still keep in touch with the other students from the school, I look forward to reading about the other graduate student updates over the next few months.
...
My name is Rebecca Shaw and I am a second year student working towards my masters in Sociology at Trent University. I attended Aurora Montessori School from grades 4 -8 (1998-2003), which not only provided me with great experiences, but also with a foundation of knowledge and creativity that has allowed me to succeed throughout the rest of my schooling. With the help of AMS and its staff, I was able to realize some of my capabilities at a young age and work my hardest to achieve success rather than 'limit' my learning. AMS encouraged me to be involved in the community and treat others with respect. I remember volunteering at Resthaven Retirement Residence. I also remember field trips to Medieval Times and the Science Centre. AMS provided me with not only advanced academic knowledge, but also confidence that has assisted me throughout numerous aspects of my life. One of the biggest benefits of attending Aurora Montessori School for me was the encouragement to participate and ask questions in class. Some of my favourite things about AMS are the friendly atmosphere and fun learning environment, along with the fact that the teachers want their students to succeed and they hard to ensure their success. The small classes present a great opportunity to make close friends and really get to know your teachers.
...
My name is Karoline Antonsen, I have previously been attending AMS for eleven years. After graduation, I now attend Toronto Montessori School in Richmond Hill. It is an IB (International Baccalaureate) School, therefore the work is much harder. In my preparation for coming to TMS, I was doing more advanced math that would be done in grade nine at the academic level of a public high school during grade seven and eight. Also, much of the science and geography that I am currently doing relates back to what I was doing in grade seven and eight. This way, even thought the work I'm doing now is much harder, I feel that going to AMS has made it easier for me.
...High school is great. AMS has taken me on a spectacular journey, giving me learning skills, many friends to remember and the courage to stand up on my own feet and face the world. I am doing very well in my courses and hope to become a very successful woman.
...My time at Aurora Montessori was amazing! Mr. Vucko was my first teacher when I first came to AMS at 3 years old. I learned to read before I was five and my love for reading continues today. I made many lasting friends, and what I learned at AMS helps me every day in high school and the way I live my life has been influenced by my AMS experience. The teachers at AMS are fantastic and the Montessori methods, such as "the checkerboard" helped build a strong foundation in math, where I am getting straight A's in high school. The teachers integrate learning with fun, and this helped me learn through application. The clubs were a great way to have fun and learn new skills after school. My favorite time at AMS was grade 7 & 8 because Mr. Rossiter made learning an adventure, not a chore. I will never forget the camping trip up north and all of the hiking trips we took. I would recommend AMS to anybody who wants more than just school.
...
As a parent of two girls who have benefitted from an AMS education, I have observed many advantages the school has given our girls: an early education second to none, team spirit, and an obligation to help those in need in our community. What a wonderful start! I want our girls to grow and develop strong friendships, as well as a responsibility to others. AMS complements their home experience in developing their character, to help them develop into young women who are confident and learn how to make their own successes.
I can recollect the countless opportunities when I have been asked about “the Montessori Method” and what puts our educational merits apart from any other. It’s a dangerous thing to ask such open-ended questions with a subject so close to my heart. It allows me to speak at length about the wonders and beauties of the Montessori philosophy that I have loved all my life.
All genial classrooms share at least five characteristics that guide their instruction regardless of the content or grade level. These characteristics are freedom of choice, open-ended exploration, freedom from judgement, honouring every student’s experience and belief in every student’s genius.
At AMS, our bright “genial” classrooms, our prepared environments, our beautifully organized and displayed Montessori materials are combined with highly skilled teaching teams that lovingly nurture and guide our students to be geniuses in their own right. Genius is not solely measured by the IQ (a high score on an intelligence test, the virtuosity of an attained skill or the expertise of specific theories or practices), but also through curiosity, playfulness, imagination, wisdom, inventiveness, vitality, respectfulness, flexibility and joy, just to name a few.
We inspire genius and lifelong learners by endeavouring always to keep burning within them that light which is called intelligence, never to be extinguished. There are no limitations in the quality and quantity of knowledge in all aspects that each of our children can learn. Our geniuses thrive in every, and any, way imaginable.
What you see here is only a snippet of AMS. We encourage you to continue to peruse our website and contact the school, regardless of your interest in enrolment. We will answer any questions you may have about our school or the Montessori Method. If you’d like a guided tour of our facilities and classrooms please call and arrange an appointment. We would be delighted to provide you with a glimpse into the dynamic, safe, and loving environment that is Aurora Montessori School.
We look forward to meeting your family and working together to awaken your child’s genius to its fullest potential.
With warmest regards,
Kane Burg
Principal
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