REVIEW OF Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing BY Alum, natasha stasiuk

(3.5) Overall Experience

Attending Dearcroft Montessori (there was only one campus, but I am so happy and blessed that they have expanded the campuses to 3 of them now!) It was such a meaningful experience for me. It provided a nurturing environment where I was able to grow academically and personally. The teachers were incredibly supportive and encouraging, helping me build self-confidence even when I didn’t feel it myself. The small class sizes and excellent student-to-teacher ratios allowed for personalized attention, which made a huge difference in my learning journey. Now, as I complete my school placement at Dearcroft, Returning to give back to the school that gave me so much has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I would recommend Dearcroft Montessori to anyone looking for a school send their kid to!❤️💕 Thank you to the Dearcroft Family! ❤️

Looking Back

What stands out most from my time at Dearcroft Montessori is how meaningful and supportive the experience truly was. When I attended, there was only one campus, and it makes me so happy and grateful to see how Dearcroft has grown to three campuses today. Dearcroft provided a nurturing environment where I was able to grow both academically and personally. The teachers were incredibly supportive and encouraging, always helping me build self-confidence even when I didn’t feel it myself. The small class sizes and strong student-to-teacher ratios allowed for personalized attention, which made a huge difference in my learning journey. Now, as I complete my school placement at Dearcroft, returning to give back to the school that gave me so much has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I would highly recommend Dearcroft Montessori to any family looking for a school for their child. ❤️💕

Current Perspective

I completed my school placement at Dearcroft Montessori and am now working part-time as a supply teacher. In addition, I’m part of the Dearcroft alumni social media team, helping share and celebrate the school’s community and experiences.

Your Advice

One honest piece of advice I would give someone considering Dearcroft Montessori is to trust the process and fully embrace the Montessori approach. It can feel different from traditional schooling at first, especially if you’re used to rigid structures or grades, but that difference is truly a strength. I wish someone had told me just how much the environment would shape my confidence, independence, and sense of self over time. As a student, I didn’t always realize how intentional the teaching methods, small class sizes, and individualized support were I just knew I felt safe, supported, and understood. Now, looking back (and returning as a staff member), I see how much effort the teachers put into truly knowing each child and helping them grow at their own pace. My advice is to be open-minded, patient, and engaged. Dearcroft isn’t just a school it’s a community that genuinely invests in its students and their futures.

(3.5) School Leadership

Reflecting back on my time at Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing, what stands out most about the school leadership and administration is how present, respectful, and student-focused they were. As a student, I always felt that the administration genuinely cared about us, not just academically, but as individuals. They took the time to listen, understand different perspectives, and treat students with dignity. Because of this, the administration was widely respected by students. That respect came from feeling respected in return, which created a strong sense of trust and safety within the school community.

(3.5) Teaching

The teaching at Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing was one of the strongest and most meaningful parts of my experience there. I was very happy with the quality of instruction I received throughout my time as a student. The teachers were not only knowledgeable in their subject areas but also deeply passionate about teaching and genuinely invested in their students’ success. They took the time to understand individual learning styles, strengths, and challenges, which made learning feel personalized and supportive. The teacher–student dynamic was respectful, warm, and encouraging, creating an environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Teachers communicated clearly, provided constructive feedback, and consistently encouraged growth and independence. Their passion for learning was contagious and helped foster curiosity, confidence, and a true love of learning while motivating students to do their best.

(4.5) Academics

The academic program at Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing was thoughtfully designed to support both academic growth and personal development. The school’s greatest academic strength was its individualized, Montessori-based approach, which allowed students to learn at their own pace while still being appropriately challenged. Small class sizes and strong student-to-teacher ratios meant students received personalized attention, clear guidance, and consistent support. The academic culture was collaborative rather than competitive. Students were encouraged to focus on personal growth, curiosity, and mastery instead of comparison. This created a collegial, respectful atmosphere where students supported one another and felt comfortable asking questions or making mistakes. I always felt both challenged and supported academically, which helped build confidence and independence. The program prepared me well for my next steps by teaching strong foundational skills, self-advocacy, time management, and a love of learning. The emphasis on critical thinking, responsibility, and independence has been especially valuable beyond academics. For prospective families, Dearcroft offers an academic environment that values the whole child and prioritizes long-term growth over short-term pressure.

(5) Extracurriculars

The extracurricular program at Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing was a strong complement to the academic experience and played an important role in developing well-rounded students. There were many opportunities for students to get involved, including activities such as hockey, art club, and other interest-based programs. The atmosphere around extracurriculars was positive, inclusive, and encouraging rather than overly competitive. Students could participate to challenge themselves, but there were also plenty of opportunities to join simply for fun, enjoyment, and personal growth. These activities provided meaningful development outside the classroom by helping students build confidence, teamwork, creativity, and social skills. Participation was encouraged without pressure, allowing students to explore their interests at their own pace. Overall, Dearcroft did a great job of supporting the whole child by offering extracurriculars that balanced academics, physical activity, and creativity. For prospective families, the extracurricular program reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, confident, and engaged learners.

(4.5) Students

The student body at Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing was close-knit, supportive, and diverse. While the school was smaller in size compared to larger public schools, this created a strong sense of community and connection among students. Looking back, what stands out most is the positive, respectful, and collaborative atmosphere—students genuinely cared about one another and were willing to help each other succeed. The “typical” student was curious, motivated, and independent, reflecting the Montessori approach, but there was a wide range of personalities, strengths, and learning styles represented in the school. Students who showed kindness, respect, responsibility, and a willingness to support others earned the most admiration from their peers. Shared values included cooperation, respect, and a focus on personal growth rather than competition. The student body was ethnically and socio-economically diverse, and this diversity was embraced within the community. Students interacted well with one another, forming friendships across ages and backgrounds, and the overall dynamic was inclusive, collaborative, and supportive, helping foster a strong sense of belonging.

(4.5) School Life

The overall quality of student life at Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing was excellent, and I genuinely loved going to school there. The supportive and nurturing environment, small class sizes, and close connections with teachers and peers all contributed to a positive experience. Students felt valued, respected, and encouraged to explore their interests, which created a sense of confidence, independence, and belonging. The collaborative, non-competitive atmosphere helped reduce stress while still motivating students to do their best, and most students were happy, engaged, and passionate about learning and extracurricular activities. If there was one area for improvement, it could be expanding even more opportunities for creative or interest-based programs to further enrich student life. Overall, Dearcroft fostered a welcoming, encouraging, and stimulating environment that balanced academics, personal growth, and social development, giving students a fulfilling and enjoyable school experience.

(4.5) Community

What stands out most about the broader community at Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing is how inclusive, supportive, and connected it is. Parents are actively welcomed and encouraged to be involved in school life, whether through volunteering, attending events, or participating in school initiatives. This creates a strong partnership between home and school, which reinforces the positive environment for students. My experience with the alumni community has been very rewarding. Returning to the school as part of the alumni social media team and as a supply teacher has allowed me to give back while staying connected to the school I love. The alumni network is supportive and engaged, celebrating the achievements of past students and helping maintain lifelong connections. While I have kept in touch with some former classmates, the alumni program provides an excellent way to stay connected with the broader Dearcroft community and continue feeling part of its close-knit, nurturing environment.

(4.5) School Location

What stands out about the surrounding neighbourhood and community of Dearcroft Montessori is that it’s welcoming, safe, and well-suited for families. The school’s location at Trafalgar Crossing provides a calm, accessible environment that balances convenience with a sense of community. While students did occasionally venture beyond the school grounds for field trips or local activities, the school itself felt like a strong, supportive rather then being way on its on. I also think it’s fantastic that Dearcroft has expanded to three campuses across Oakville. This makes the school accessible to families in different parts of the town while maintaining the same high-quality Montessori education and supportive community. Each campus offers the same nurturing environment and strong academic and extracurricular programs, giving more students the opportunity to benefit from Dearcroft’s approach without needing to travel far.

(5) Admissions

My advice to someone planning on applying to Dearcroft Montessori would be to focus on finding the right fit for your child rather than just the prestige of a private school. From my own experience with the application process, I found the admissions officers to be supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping families determine if Dearcroft was the best environment for their child. The process felt welcoming rather than overly stressful, and they took the time to answer questions and ensure the school would meet each child’s individual needs. I understand that private schools can be expensive, but Dearcroft Montessori is truly one of the best options in Oakville, whether a child has a disability or not. The school’s individualized approach allows students to learn at their own pace while receiving support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow academically, socially, and personally.