How we see Kawartha Montessori School
Kawartha Montessori School (KMS) sits on a 10-acre campus where kids learn and play outside as well as in the spacious, light-filled classrooms. From Preschool to Grade 8, the school offers a calm, warm, and welcoming environment. The Montessori curriculum nurtures independence, self-esteem, and empathy from an early age while providing a strong academic foundation. Teachers at KMS are caring and dedicated, and they work collaboratively to help kids thrive by connecting them with meaningful and interesting work. Parents love the community feel of the school and how it helps kids grow emotionally as well as academically.
How Kawartha Montessori School sees itself
"Kawartha Montessori School is the only fully accredited Montessori school in the region and has been in operation for 40 years. We are an independent, not-for-profit school whose stunning campus is located on 10 acres. Our exceptional staff provide an authentic Montessori education to children ages 2.5 to Grade 8, that nurtures independence, self-esteem, and empathy. We inspire curiosity, love of learning, and pursuit of academic excellence. KMS offers an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and respect."
"KMS prides itself on providing an authentic Montessori education. This includes lessons and experiences that teach to the whole child, putting equal emphasis on academic, social, and emotional development. Every child moves through the curriculum at their own pace, receiving 1-on-1 and small group lessons. Teachers assess and evaluate through consistent observation and provide frequent/continual anecdotal feedback to families."
"Families are drawn to our warm, nurturing, tight-knit community. They love our 10 acre property that is used for experiential and academic learning, physical activity, and leadership opportunities. Families appreciate our use of neighbouring Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park to enhance programming, as well as our bright, naturally-lit classrooms filled with authentic Montessori materials. Families choose KMS for our CCMA-accredited, rigorous academic program that teaches to the whole child."
"When families join KMS, they are joining a community. KMS is made up of dedicated staff who strive to establish partnerships with the families in order to meet the needs of all of its students. Parents participate in education sessions to understand the Montessori philosophy and how best to support their child(ren)’s educational journey. Every child’s experience at KMS is different, and it is our job to foster each child’s learning and help them to meet their full potential."
"KMS is accredited by the CCMA. This ensures that students at KMS learn in a carefully prepared, child-centered, mixed-age environment; progress at their own pace; participate in activity-based learning that highlights cooperation and collaboration; and learn to balance freedom and responsibility. KMS is also a licensed child care facility, which means we follow the rules set out in the CCEYA and its regulations, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in our care."
"1. KMS is the only CCMA-accredited Montessori school in the Kawarthas
2. We are an independent, not-for-profit school with a committed and knowledgeable Board of Directors
3. We are a small school in a country setting, only minutes from downtown Peterborough
4. We are a community of approximately 105 students
5. Every classroom has at least 2 teachers and a maximum of 25 students. Casa to UE has a Montessori-trained teacher in every classroom, many teachers also have OCT training"
How people from the school’s community see Kawartha Montessori School
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Carolyn Donaldson, Principal
B.A. (Hons), B.Ed., Montessori Casa Diploma, Registered ECE
From the moment you walk through our doors, I know you will find a school that is warm and welcoming. You will meet an incredible community of children, parents, and staff who work together and share a passion for learning.
We are the only Montessori school in the region that has met the highest standard of accreditation by the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators. To learn more about what it means to have a child in an accredited Montessori school feel free to contact the CCMA at www.ccma.ca. When a Montessori education is delivered authentically it does not require enhancements from other curricula or methods.
We at Kawartha Montessori School believe in delivering education that inspires a commitment to knowledge. We are a place where a child's curiosity thrives and their confidence flourishes through meaningful, focused work. Our staff are a strong, collaborative group who bring a dedication to learning and a love of children to everything they do.
We are proud to be the leader of Montessori education in the area for over 40 years!
I look forward to meeting you,
Carolyn Donaldson
Principal
If you’re considering a small school for your extroverted child, make sure it offers plenty of social opportunities, including the ability to seek out and interact with different peer groups. Since smaller schools have smaller and less diverse student populations than big schools, it can sometimes be more challenging for your child to find a like-minded group of friends—friends with similar interests, values, etc.
“It’s important to look at the social makeup of the school,” says Ruth Rumack of Ruth Rumack's Learning Space. "Is there enough variety that your child will have a group that they feel connected with? Because you want to have friends that are like-minded and you want to be in a social situation where you feel honoured and respected. Variety can also be found in extracurriculars, leadership programs, and sports activities, which tend to have kids with a wide range of personalities.”
Also, make sure a school’s teaching and learning approach is suitable for your social child. “For instance, a school focusing on individual learning instead of group learning may not play into your child’s strengths,” say Ann and Karen Wolff, Toronto-based education consultants at Wolff Educational Services. “You want to make sure the social, emotional, and academic realities of the classroom are a match for your child’s personality.”
Smaller schools often have small classrooms and tight-knit communities, which can make it easier for your introverted child to come out of their shell, make friends, and feel like they belong. Since they’re less socially overwhelming, your child should find it easier to navigate their social environment. And since they’re conducive to group work, small classes often have plenty of interaction, which can help your child develop critical interpersonal skills.
Of course, small schools normally have a less diverse student population than big schools, which can sometimes make it more challenging to find a group of like-minded peers—peers with similar personalities, interests, values, etc. This makes it especially important to ask a school about its extracurricular programs, which can help your introverted child establish an intimate social circle.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Kawartha Montessori School
Next steps to continue your research:
Continue researching Kawartha Montessori School with OurKids.net, or visit school website.