The Montessori approach
How Montessori education changes from preschool to high school
Find a list of schoolsMontessori schools have a unique approach. They also have a progressive curriculum.
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Montessori schools have a unique approach. They also have a progressive curriculum.
What's more, the Montessori approach is not only meant for preschool: daycare, nursery school, and kindergarten. It's curriculum is also suitable for elementary school. And it can work, sometimes very well, for middle and high school.
After all, Montessori education, at its core, is meant to accommodate the growing child. And the Montessori approach reflects this fact. Each level of school focuses on a core set of skills suited to each stage of development. These skills are listed below.
Toddler |
Primary |
Elementary |
Middle |
High |
Toilet training Walking Talking Social skills Independence Cognitive skills Cleaning up |
Reading Writing Math Language Independence Discipline Social skills Empathy |
Reading Writing Math Science Specialist subjects Self-direction Reasoning Social skills Responsibility |
Reading Math Science Specialist subjects Cultural literacy Note-taking Preparing for high school |
Math Science Specialist subjects Cultural literacy Test-taking Doing assignments Doing graded work Preparing for university Preparing for the work world |
Below, we describe the Montessori approach at each level. Keep in mind, though, schools vary in their approach. You should speak to schools directly to learn more about this. You can also read our Montessori choosing guide and guide to Montessori questions.
If you want to learn how the Montessori approach differs from some other alternative preschools, check out our comparison guides. We compare Montessori to Waldorf and Montessori to Reggio Emilia in separate articles (not to mention Waldorf to Reggio Emilia). We also compare these schools at all levels: Montessori to Waldorf, Montessori to Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf to Reggio Emilia.
Many Montessori schools have a toddler room. Some of these rooms have children from birth to age 3, and some from 18 months to 3 years.
Toddler programs, like many preschools, tend to be play-based. Toddlers often have their first contact with other children here. They start to develop social skills such as sharing, listening, and impulse control.
On the other hand, Montessori toddler programs are more learning-focused than mainstream preschool, nursery school, or daycare. Toddlers learn basic cognitive skills through concrete learning. They also start walking, talking, and developing independence.
Christina Sorbara is the mother of twins Romeo and Viviana (age 2.5), who are in the toddler program at Bannockburn Montessori school, in Toronto, Ontario. Her children’s independence and motor skills, she says, has grown by leaps and bounds.
“They really help kids learn to do things by themselves. One month into the program, Romeo and Viviana were putting on their own jackets. They put on their own shoes as well; this takes patience.”
Yet, she also values the focus on academics.
“It doesn’t feel like a daycare, where teachers are providing childcare. There’s a preschool curriculum, there’s a parent night. They talk to my children like real people.”
There’s less focus on cognitive skills at this level, though, than at higher levels. Most toddler programs don’t have long, uninterrupted work periods. Some time is allowed for focused learning, though.
There are many Montessori primary schools. These are sometimes called “Casa dei Bambini.” These schools start to prepare children for grade school.
Primary schools start to focus more on academics. The primary school curriculum involves a lot on concrete learning through practical life activities. Children use blocks, spindle boxes, coloured rods, sandpaper letters, pink towers, and other material. They also work on their speech and start reading, writing, and math. They refine these skills over the three years.
Teachers may give lessons to small groups of children at this level. They also help them with their work. Some primary schools have an uninterrupted work period, though it may be two hours instead of three. Children become more independent, self-directed, and responsible over the three years.
There are four main areas of the primary school curriculum: practical life, sensory exploration, language, and math. The classroom is divided up into these areas, with special materials for each.
Many primary schools also educate children in the creative arts, music, science, geography, and culture. Some have specialist classes and teachers for some of these subjects. Often, globes, maps, songs, and pictures of different cultures are provided to enhance learning.
To learn more about the Montessori preschool teaching approach, read our guide to Montessori preschools and comparison of Montessori to other preschools. You can also check out our guide to kindergarten and list of preschools.
Many Montessori schools offer elementary classes. The elementary program is often divided into two classes: one with students ages 6 to 9, and another with students ages 9 to 12. Since its curriculum covers all 6 of these years, sometimes these two classes are combined into one.
At this level, focus continues on concrete learning and promoting independence, discipline, and social skills. Most elementary classes have a three-hour uninterrupted work period. At the 6-9 level, though, it may be less than three hours.
There’s also more focus on academics at this level, especially language, reading, math, and science. Students start to move from the concrete to the abstract (and back to the concrete). They also build their reasoning and problem-solving skills through different tasks and projects. Many students find this both challenging and stimulating.
In an elementary class at Bannockburn School, this was abundantly clear. Several students seemed very focused on their tasks. One student worked intently on his math sheets, while another strived to solve what looked to be a manipulative puzzle. None of the students in class seemed fazed by the presence of a visitor.
Elementary schools offer more direct instruction and sit-down learning than preschools. Especially at the higher level, teachers sometimes give longer lessons to groups of students or the whole class. These are known as the great lessons.
The great lessons tend to be given near the start of the school term, and provide the basis for learning throughout the year. They are often on important moments in history such as the beginning of the world, the origin of life, or the story of numbers. They tend to be very engaging and interactive.
Elementary school students often work in small groups on different projects. These projects can be in geography, biology, history, language, science, music, art, and other subjects. Interdisciplinary work is also done, alone or in groups.
Sometimes project work is supplemented with field trips to the library, planetarium, botanical gardens, science centre, factory, hospital, and other places of interest. This allows students to feel connected with people and places, and inspires them to make contributions to the world.
Some elementary schools allot time for reading, creating writing exercises, and art projects. And some use computers, whiteboards, and tablets to enhance learning. Use is confined, though, to research tasks.
To learn more, check out our guide to Montessori elementary schools.
Montessori middle schools only began to emerge in Canada quite recently. They’re sometimes called “secondary schools” or “early secondary schools.” There are over 30 Montessori middle schools in Canada, most of which are in Ontario.
In middle school, focus continues on independence, self-directed learning, and cognitive skills. There’s also a lot of group work done at this level. Some middle schools, like elementary schools, also have field trips, after school programs, clubs, and sports teams. Some also use computers, tablets, and whiteboards to enhance learning.
There tends to be more lectures at this level, given to large groups of students or the whole class. In middle school, teachers also start to prepare students for high school, where they may not be in a Montessori school. Students may be given workbooks and worksheets and start to practice note-taking. They may also be given short assignments and tests, though they likely won’t be graded on these.
Pat Gere is the director of The Element, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s first Montessori secondary school. As she sees it, middle schools should be a kind of hybrid.
“Montessori middle schools should be the perfect blend of Montessori educational practices (including self-directed, project-based, and integrated learning) and mainstream middle school education (including note-taking, assignments, tests, and preparation for being graded).”
And The Element seems to offer the ideal learning environment to achieve this goal.
“The school has large rooms somewhat like a cross between a university library and a coffee shop,” says Gere. Lessons are “short and to the point, setting the stage for independent learning and giving direction, or for responding to the work that has been done through seminar and discussion.”
That said, some middle schools have a different approach. For instance, Dundas Valley Montessori school, in Dundas, Ontario, runs an Erdkinder or Earth school for students in grade 7 to 9. In this program, students live close to nature, on a five-acre plot of land.
Students take science, history, math, geography, and other subjects. But they learn the material through real life experiences in nature, the environment, and in the town. They also raise service dogs, make their own food, and do practical work such as building bikes. This can be a great way to learn for many, including students with special needs.
To be sure, there’s no right or wrong way to educate adolescents. As a parent, though, you’ll want to look at Montessori schools closely, to make sure you find the right fit for your growing child.
To learn more, check out our guide to Montessori middle schools.
Montessori high schools, like middle schools, only emerged in Canada in recent years. To this day, there are very few of them.
In high school, there’s still a lot of focus on independence, self-directed learning, and group work. There’s more focus on academics at this level, though. There also tends to be more direct instruction. Like middle school, students may have access to computers and tablets. They may also take part in blogs and other interesting online activities.
There’s also more textbook learning at this level. Often, though, each student has their own textbook(s), instead of there being one textbook for the entire class. And, students still have quite a bit of leeway to choose their work, and whether to work alone or in groups.
In high school, students start to complete assignments and write tests. They also start receiving grades.
Since they must prepare students for university or college, high schools give credits and grades for courses. They also have required courses in English, math, science, and other subjects. Like mainstream high schools, for students to graduate with a diploma, their curriculum must be sanctioned by the Ministry of Education in Ontario, Quebec, or some other province in Canada.
On the other hand, Montessori high schools have less whole-class lectures, sit-down learning, and homework (in fact, many schools don’t assign homework) than mainstream high schools. They also tend to assign few, if any, rote tasks. Like middle schools, then, they offer a blend of standard Montessori schooling and more mainstream schooling.
To learn more, read our guide to Montessori high schools.
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Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual.
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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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Our innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child.
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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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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 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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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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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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Guidepost Montessori at Toronto is a new Montessori school coming to the GTA. At Guidepost, we offer an authentic Montessori experience as well as a global education that extends beyond the classroom walls.
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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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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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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. Our structured enriched programme cultivates character, leadership, respect and cultural diversity while developing each child’s 21st century skills and a STEM mindset.
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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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Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our 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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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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Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum.
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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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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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Maria Montessori School is one of the longest established AMI accredited Montessori school's in Canada. We offer accredited programs for children 18 months to 12 years and hire only AMI certified teaching staff.
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ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts.
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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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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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Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.
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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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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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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students.
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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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Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development.
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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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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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Town Centre Montessori Private Schools, located in Markham, Ontario, is an IB Continuum World school and offers programs from pre-school to grade 12.
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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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Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.
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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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Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful 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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Humberside Montessori Schools a montessori private school in Toronto. It offers programs from nursery to grade eight.
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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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Northstar Montessori offers an authentic Montessori curriculum for Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference.
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UMS offers year advanced programs from pre-school to grade eight. Our hallmark is a clear focus on high expectations blending academic success with the character development of the individual child.
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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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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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Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!
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Clear Water Academy is a private Catholic school that stands ready to meet and expand the minds and passions the brightest students in Calgary and exchange students from around the world.
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Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.
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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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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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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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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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AIS Montessori & Elementary School offers authentic Chinese Immersion program in GTA area.Its average class is 15 students.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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CMS' aim is to prepare all children to reach their full potential (academically, artistically, & physically) and to play a responsible role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony.
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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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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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Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational, inclusive 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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CMS' aim is to prepare all children to reach their full potential (academically, artistically, & physically) and to play a responsible role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony.
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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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At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment. We also offer March Break and Summer Camps for working parents.
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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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