Education methods, both old staples and newly-minted, are always under the microscope of parents, educators and experts. It is important children are getting the education that best suits what will help them find success. And equally important a critical eye be placed on education to hold methods, philosophies and techniques are held to rigid standards.
When parents are looking to spend above the taxes they pay into the public school system annually, they tend to want to have their concerns and criticisms answered before investing that money. Not only that, but proponents of one form of education method may not agree with how another operates, therefore criticisms can arise.
The Montessori method has been the subject of criticism throughout the years and has been willing to openly address what people see as problems or disadvantages of Montessori education.
And through explanation Montessori educators and experts are able to respond to the criticism with why the method is shaped the way it is - and why they believe is the best way to shape young minds.
Sure, the interaction in Montessori classrooms differs from that of a regular day public school or a non-Montessori based school, however, the interaction students have is far more meaningful. The prepared environment used in the classroom allows for students to interact more freely, rather than at set times of the day like it would be in a traditionally-styled classroom.
Similar to Waldorf, interaction is more spontaneous and far less structured – while still being structured by the way teachers set up their classrooms. Montessori students are viewed as individuals and the method respects that by removing the rigidness and structure that is found in traditional classrooms.
A child’s true potential can be activated in the early years of their lives (up to age six is said to be the most formative years for children), and for a child, learning is a natural thing. Even in idle play, children are learning about social interaction, sharing, counting, and the basics that will make up the foundation they will take into the classroom.
Montessori doesn’t take childhoods away, but enriches them through early education that helps ignite a child’s development. In these early years, children learn with great ease and by giving them a Montessori classroom in which to interact and learn, they will develop at a more rapid rate. This is productive for both advanced learners and those who sometimes struggle.
Children love to imitate the world they see moving around them and Montessori takes advantage of the chance to help him or her function in their environment. Activities focused on sensory development at an early age will help to build a foundation for intellectual growth later in their lives: hand-eye control, small and large muscle control and the refinement of skills later needed for reading and writing.
In some ways, these two points contradict themselves: how can there be too much freedom and too much structure at the same time. How a student interacts with the environment will help answer both these criticism.
“A place for everything and everything in its place” is part of Montessori’s classroom philosophy. The method in itself is not structured, as students are free to learn as they want and about what they are curious about at any given moment. However, in order best achieve this freedom, teachers will structure classrooms in a certain way to maximize student potential.
The child is able to freely function within the structured class, and each child gains security in knowing things will be in the same place each time. In many ways, the freedom and class structure work in a collaborative manner.
This is completely untrue. Montessori schools, like private schools, don’t choose students based on how much money, fame or prestige a family has: they want the best students that will help create the best education and social environments for their students.
Many schools have worked to improve accessibility for students from the full-range of socio-economic statuses. If you want your child to be enrolled at a Montessori school, in Toronto, Ontario, or elsewhere, there are a number of steps you can take to help make sure you can afford to cost of tuition and make a dream become a reality.
This is true: there is no research that definitively proves that Montessori education is better than any other education, public or private. For a number of reasons this can be hard to determine: mostly because of a number of variables that cannot be controlled in scientific study.
However, students who attend Montessori schools are more than likely to come out better prepared for life: more organized approaches to life and learning; development of independence; self-discipline and a keen interest in learning.
All educational approaches face criticism and vigorous research for and against that specific type of education. And the Montessori approach, similarly, has pros and cons. Moreover, it might not be the right fit for your child. It’s about finding a school and a method that works for what you and your child need.
Even when choosing a Montessori school, it’s important to find the school as they can vary in many ways. So be sure to be diligent in your research in order to find the best school to help your child achieve success.
On OurKids.net, you can find Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. You can also find our guides to preschool, daycare, as well as preschool programs, benefits, curriculum, and costs.
(Note: the information above was, in part, extracted from The Essential Montessori: An Introduction to the Woman, the Method, and the Movement, by Elizabeth G. Hainstock.)
The step to Grade 9 is widely seen as unique, and it is. That said, the move to middle school is important, too. Perhaps even more so. [Read more]
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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.
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Conveniently located in Midtown Toronto, our Junior and Elementary campuses are a popular choice for families seeking exceptional childcare and the very best Montessori education for their children.
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Royal Cachet Montessori School is a Montessori school that offers programs from nursery to grade three in Markham. Its average class size is five to 15 students.
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An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children.
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Guidepost Montessori at Toronto is among a growing network of schools across the world. We serve children from infant to 12 and are located in the GTA, in proximity to many parks and sights for the children to explore.
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Clanmore Montessori School in southeast Oakville offers a full spectrum, co-ed Montessori program from Toddler to Middle School. Tuition starts at $8,250. CCMA accredited. Member Oakville Independent Schools. Licenced.
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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.
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Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's four campuses are located in Markham, Unionville and Thornhill.
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Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12.
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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 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school, and voted the BEST private school in Brampton. We offer a structured programme that is ahead of the Ministry set guidelines.
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Century Montessori Schools in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with class sizes as low as 12 students.
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An independent school that offers an individualized self-directed learning approach for tomorrow's leaders. Bursary programs available to qualified applicants. JK to Grade 12, Alberta Curriculum.
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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.
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OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment.
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Pine Lake Montessori School pursues teaching with a one on one method that respects and nurtures children and allows them to achieve their fullest potential.
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Ellington Montessori School offers small class sizes and individualized programs from pre-school to grade eight. Our holistic approach to education helps prepare students for success in today's rapidly changing world.
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Peel Montessori School offers an enriched, personalized program. Emphasis is on strong academics, and the development of personal excellence (leadership skills, creativity) in a supportive, family-like environment.
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Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum.
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Tall Pines School in Brampton provides enhanced Montessori and traditional classes from Infant to Grade Eight, is the longest accredited CCMA Montessori school in Canada, and is a leader in 21st Century education.
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Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students.
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Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program.
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For over 25 years, the Montessori Country School provides a first-class accredited curriculum for students 12 months through grade 6. The sprawling 10 acre campus offers a unique indoor and outdoor learning experience.
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Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students.
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Northstar Montessori offers authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Mississauga. We pride ourselves on strong character development and supporting life long learners! Now, Swim program is now included.
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Shining Light Montessori is the community you've searched for -- where children feel comfortable, with teachers who care. Our children learn, build their confidence, reach their potential, & let their lights shine!
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MJDS inspires a lifetime love for learning in a nurturing environment that fosters respect for oneself, the community and the world, guided by the shared values of Judaism and Montessori education.
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Authentic Montessori Preschool. Students completing our 3 year program at The Maria Montessori School test extremely well. We balance academics, exploration and skills guided by your child's natural interests.
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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School is a Toronto Christian Montessori school with grades from nursery to 12. Tuition begins at $13,500.
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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!
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Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school that provides education to students in Grades 1 to 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 10 to 18 students.
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Kaban Montessori School in west Mississauga/Erin Mills is a CCMA accredited school for children aged 6 months to 12 years. Come for a tour, you'll love it!
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Central Montessori Schools in Toronto offers instruction from nursery to grade six, with enrolment of 900 day students and tuition starting at $5,900.
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Maria Montessori School is an AMI accredited Montessori school in Toronto that offers programs for children 18 months to twelve years.
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Town Centre Montessori Private Schools offers programs from pre-school to grade 12/University Prep and is located in Markham.
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The School offers authentic Montessori education, individualized learning, accommodations to meet each child’s needs, hands-on learning, enriched curriculum, and outdoor exploration.
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Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students.
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Unionville Montessori School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 to 22 students.
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Our schools offer a maximum class size of 16 students for ages 4 & up. Tours are offered daily and new students are welcome to visit for a day.
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Aurora Montessori School offers an extensive, nurturing, enriched program for 395 day students from Toddler to Grade 8 including an Outdoor Ed Classroom and the option to earn an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math.
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We provide infant, toddler, preschool and CASA programs for your child. Our CASA program is based on the curriculum developed by Maria Montessori. We are located in Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and Toronto.
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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.
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We take inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy where each child is born creative, intuitive, resourceful, & has a strong potential for development from a very young age.Full-time care (7:30am-6pm). Tour anytime.
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Wishing Well Schools has an academically advanced program from 18 months to Grade 8. Montessori program from 18 months to 6 years old, accelerated academic program from Grade 1 to 8 with 21st c. teaching and learning.
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Montessori School of Wellington in Guelph is the only CCMA accredited school in Guelph and the number one choice for children's education and life skill
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Sunrise Montessori School in Markham offers both English and French Immersion programs from Infant (0 months) to Grade 8.
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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Humberside Montessori Schools a montessori private school in Toronto. It offers programs from nursery to grade eight.
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The Montessori School of Calgary offers a preschool through Grade 6 program led by experienced guides and teachers who support each child with trust, respect, and proven academic success.
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Since 2002, J. Addison has provided a stimulating education for students. Located at the corner of Woodbine and Valleywood Drive in Markham, ON, Canada, you will find our state-of-the-art 58,000 sq. ft. facility.
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Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.
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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.
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Braemar House School is a not-for-profit elementary school that proves each day that children thrive in a nurturing environment that offers personalized attention.
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The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for his/her uniqueness and is taught accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program.
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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.
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ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. The school offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5.
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Liberty Prep offers programs from Toddler - Gr. 6 in downtown Toronto. Our environment combines a beautifully renovated building with well-trained and passionate teachers. Reach out to discover what we do differently.
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Housed in the elegant colonial mansion, Harrop House in the beautiful town of Milton, Ontario. Offering low teacher to child ratios with an emphasis on personal and social development of each child.
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St. Peter's ACHS College School in Amherstburg, Ont. is a day/residency school for boys grades 1-8 who love Sports and the Outdoors. Tuition starts at $8,900. and is a member of OFIS. We put "FUN" back into learning.
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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.
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Cedar Ridge High School is an independent high school, grades 7 to 12, in Kanata, Ontario. Our school offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a focus on leadership, innovation, student engagement and academics.
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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students.
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Ellesmere Montessori School prepares children for a lifetime of creative and purposeful learning based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.
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An inspected and accredited private secondary school offering high school credit courses in small classes or online, leading to high school diploma
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Toronto French Montessori offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in North York. Its average class size is 15 students.
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AIS Montessori & Elementary School offers authentic Chinese Immersion program in GTA area.Its average class is 15 students.
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Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students.
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Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach.
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Montessori Country School has provided a first-class academic experience to students in an environment that is distinguished by its compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to the individual child.
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The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one - the period from birth to the age of six. Choose Central Montessori Schools.
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Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten.
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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.
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