Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S., Private school in Oshawa, ON

Durham was founded in 1984 in order to address learners who are at the top of their peer group and require an enriched program in order to reach their potentials. Families are drawn by the small class sizes—they average between 8 and 12 students—as well as the full grade continuum, from preschool through Grade 12. The nursery and primary levels are taught through a Montessori approach, and while it’s not carried through the upper grades, the values are nevertheless shared throughout the school. Students arrive to an academically inflected environment, and a peer group that shares a predilection to achievement. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a close-knit, challenging yet supportive instructional environment.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"G.B.M.S has Montessori programs for students age 18 months to age 5. D.E.P.S offers a challenging and diversified curricular program for students from Grade 1 to 8 following the Ontario Curriculum at an enriched level. At Durham Academy Secondary School we offer full time and part time grades 9 to 12 credit courses approved by the Ministry of Education. Our students achieve 100% University acceptance."

Rigorous Academics: We follow the Ontario Curriculum at an enrichment level.
Small class sizes
Qualified teachers who mentor throughout the day if a student needs assitance with an assignment
Full time or part time learning for secondary school
Our guidance office assists and directs in course selection and College/ University registration
Monthly field trips to enhance the curriculum
For the past 7 years we have had 100% University acceptance
Huge gymnasium at both locations, fully equipped
Excellent customer service
Home stay

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

Durham Elementary Private School and Durham Academy Secondary School boasts small class sizes averaging 10-14 students per class. Each grade receives a minimum of 3 field trips per semester to enhance the curriculum. Our teachers communicate with families daily offering excellent quality , academic attention and customer service. Students are given the opportunity to be teacher mentored before and after school hours. Our academic program is focused on preparing students for success and acceptance into post secondary education. Our Guidance office meets with each family to tailor courses to the students long term goals. Our schools offer a safe, secure and inclusive environment.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

Families receive 100% communication and customer service at our school. Parents questions are always answered in a timely manner. School life is enhanced with sports programs, clubs, yearly musical theatre production, band, community outreach, trips and visitors including post secondary schools. Our secondary School is open 8 am to 4 pm if a student needs assistance with an assignment or academic direction for course selection or post secondary goals

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

Great Beginnings Montessori School and Durham Elementary Private School was founded in 1984. Due to parent request Durham Academy Secondary School opened in 2016. Durham Academy has always boasted 100% University acceptance. The Principal has been at the school for 25 years. Since COVID, registration has doubled for all 3 schools. Our students have won awards through speech writing, math concerts and scholarships. This year our school has resumed having a choir and band.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Our school offers 200% customer service to the student and family from teachers and administration. We always go above and beyond in all areas. We help each student meet their potential in all areas such as academics, sports and the arts. We tailor courses , field trips and workshops outside the classroom to offer hands on activities that enrich the curriculum. Our parents always have a voice in their child's education and goals. Our school works as a team with the family.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

Safety, respect, good manners and social skills are important at our schools. We always review past report cards and OSR's to ensure we can meet each student's needs to ensure the teacher can balance each students needs.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

All 3 of our schools promote a very welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment. We deliver a strong Montessori program for ages 18 months to age 5. Our elementary and secondary schools teach the Ontario Curriculum at an enrichment level. We provide excellent individual support through teacher/ student mentoring to ensure our students meet their potential. Our campuses are located in residential neighborhood with green spaces and athletic facilities to compliment our academics. At Durham Academy academics and post secondary education is the focus.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

We believe that each family and student is special. We offer excellent customer service and go above and beyond in all areas. Our students receive awards and scholarships from other institutions. We boast 100% University acceptance. Our families love that they can enroll their child at age 3 and with our 3 schools can continue with us and enjoy the familiarity, support and results we offer until their child graduates in grade 12.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

Our schools offer flexible programs should a student require flexibility for sports or need to learn virtually. Our students receive French starting at age 3 by a qualified French teacher 3 times a week. We boast a strong music and physed program taught by specialized teachers . Our special presentations throughout the year showcase our students, achievements, meets strands of the curriculum and teach our students at a young age how to prepare and present to an audience. We offer flexibility for students who are involved in the arts or sports.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

Our school administration and faculty continuously communicate with families to keep them updated on their child's progress and daily events/ occurrences. Every child who attends our school is greeted at our doors each morning . If a child cannot physically come to school we offer the child to learn virtually and still be a part of the class. Our school boasts a warm, inclusive, welcoming school family environment.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

At Durham Elementary we do not have split classes. Each class is alone and we do not exceed 16 students per class. Last year we implemented a drop in sports program before and after school. Our amazing music teacher has started a choir and band. To add onto our indoor basketball court we now have an outdoor basket ball court students can access at recess.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Information not yet available.

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Parent, Sam Ravi (2026)

(5)

SK (current) — Our daughter has immense appreciation for the teaching staff here and the level of effort they put into her education. We have floated the idea several times to switch her school now that her foundation in education is solid, and she has refused every single request, citing the same reason: she loves her teachers from every year. She has had a steady turnover of her friends, all leaving for other schools, but she has stayed on. Our daughter appreciates the level of one-on-one attention she gets. She is never afraid to ask questions and is encouraged to participate even in areas of interest that she may not necessarily align with. She is a bit more artistic and musically inclined, but has, over time, evolved to appreciate the sciences, and we think that is strictly due to the efforts of the teachers in the school. We may love to see more hands-on classes like Shop class, which might be beneficial for kids in the future, but that isn't necessarily a deal breaker for us.

Parent, Michelle Meyer (2026)

(4.4)

Nursery/Toddler (current),SK (current),Gr. 3 (current) — Our experience with Durham Elementary Private School has been truly life-changing for our family. After difficult and discouraging experiences in the public school system, where both my son and daughter struggled and fell behind, we were searching for a place that would not only support them academically but also rebuild their confidence. From the moment they started, the dedicated and caring teachers made all the difference. They worked closely with my children to help them catch up on the curriculum, and before long, both were not just keeping up — they were thriving. The individualized attention and supportive environment completely transformed their outlook on learning. We briefly returned to the public system for high school after Grade 8, hoping for a different outcome, but unfortunately faced the same challenges as before. Returning to Durham Academy was the best decision we could have made. The staff once again helped our son get back on track academically, and most importantly, he is happy and excited about school again. We are beyond grateful for the incredible impact Durham has had on our children’s education and confidence. It has truly made all the difference.

Parent, T S (2026)

(4.3)

Nursery/Toddler (current),Nursery/Toddler (current) — Great school, supportive teachers. The school follows the Ontario curriculum. If a child needs help, teachers are willing to provide extra support. Also, teachers are willing to provide extra worksheets to help enrich or reinforce topics. It’s easy to communicate with the teachers via an app. They are very responsive. The classrooms are equipped with workbooks for different subjects. The children use these at school and for homework. The teachers provide good feedback and highlight areas of improvement or strength really well. Administration staff are very supportive and easy to communicate with. There are 2 campuses, and both are run smoothly. The staff respond to requests or concerns promptly. Customer service is exceptional. The buildings are set up well. The children are able to enjoy outdoor time daily. The principal is wonderful and supportive. All concerns are dealt with appropriately and professionally.

Parent, Joy Molina (2026)

(5)

JK (current) — My son has excelled at this school. His teachers challenge him, yet are very supportive. The school is welcoming and has a warm, friendly environment. It is a wonderful place for young children to learn and grow. They create fun and creative activities that help kids learn through play, stories, art, and music. The classrooms are clean, safe, and welcoming, which makes children feel comfortable and happy. I also appreciate how the school encourages kindness, sharing, and respect between classmates. Communication with parents is clear and helpful, so families feel included in their child’s learning. My child has become more confident, social, and excited about going to school every day. Overall, this school provides a positive, supportive environment that helps children build strong skills and happy memories for their future learning.

Parent, Carl M (2026)

(5)

Nursery/Toddler (current) — Our granddaughter attends Great Beginnings Montessori. The staff are always friendly and approachable. Each day we are given a daily journal entry of how the day went. The classroom is very welcoming, and our granddaughter absolutely loves being dropped off every morning. She is learning important social skills, playing with others, sharing, sitting at a table to eat, and so much more. The staff communicate with families on the class app, letting us know how the day is going, including sending photos. The Montessori curriculum has been introduced, which is building the educational foundation. Our granddaughter is thriving in this environment. The students are introduced to French and music by qualified teachers. We even get report cards three times a year, letting us know how things are going in all areas.

Parent, K G (2026)

(4.5)

Gr. 2 (current) — My child's experience at DEPS has been positive, fulfilling, and memorable. DEPS is such a close-knit community, making my child feel safe and welcomed. As a parent, I appreciate the open communication from staff and the dedication they show each day to educate and care for my child. The enriched Ontario curricular program that is taught at DEPS has allowed my child to grow at a comfortable pace for them. DEPS also offers a fantastic French program and even has a French concert each year to showcase what students have learned. There have been so many wonderful program enhancements, workshops, and presentations offered to students, which are not only educational experiences but times when fond memories are formed and values instilled. The level of professionalism, care, and attention to detail from the staff is very much appreciated!

Parent, Juliette Hunter (2026)

(4.9)

Gr. 1 (current) — Small class sizes and genuinely caring teachers make a real difference at Durham Elementary Private School. Each year, the school puts on beautiful Christmas and Spring concerts, complete with choirs and skits by the kids that are dynamic, thoughtful and well-rehearsed. The auditorium is lovely, and the main hall at the King Street location is both grand and welcoming. It’s a place you feel proud to walk through — especially when attending a concert with your family. The principal truly takes the time to know both students and parents by name — not just when there’s a concern, but because she genuinely cares about building relationships. She is open to new ideas and listens thoughtfully to parent feedback. We are proud to call Durham Elementary Private School our school, and we have complete confidence that our daughter is well cared for each and every day.

See all reviews (7 total)

Name
Email
Verify Code

	You can withdraw consent by unsubscribing anytime.

My Shortlist

BUILD YOUR SHORTLIST

EVALUATE YOUR SCHOOLS

TRACK IMPORTANT DATES

Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S.

School overview

Pages in this report

Analysis

Reviews

The big picture on Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S.

We summarized the school ourselves