Montessori schools versus traditional and progressive schools
Comparing Montessori schools to regular and progressive schools
Find a list of schoolsMontessori schools have a unique approach. They also have a number of unusual classroom practices.
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Montessori schools have a unique approach. They also have a number of unusual classroom practices.
This makes them part of the broad progressive movement in education. This movement contains different and sometimes conflicting ideas. But generally, it involves a focus on experiential learning, integrated curricula, personalized and collaborative learning, critical thinking, and problem solving, among other things.
Montessori schools, like Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, thus have classroom practices that tend to be rather different than regular or conventional schools. That said, a few of their classroom practices are suprisingly quite traditional (even more so than conventional schools).
Many Montessori classroom practices stray from the norm. As we’ve mentioned, many of these practices aren’t used in regular or conventional schools. Below, we list the Montessori classroom practices that are progressive, and that contrast with those of regular schools.
Progressive classroom practices |
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That said, Montessori education isn’t completely progressive. While it’s progressive in most ways, in some ways it’s not. As we can see below, a few of its standard classroom practices contrast with those of other progressive schools.
Montessori |
Progressive |
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*In more traditional Montessori schools
In short, Montessori education is progressive in many ways, and in some ways it isn’t. While it’s progressive, then, it has its own special place within the progressivist movement.
We can get a better sense of this by looking at its classroom practices more closely. As it turns out, for any standard Montessori classroom practice, it can be ranked on a scale from traditional to progressive. Below, we show roughly where each such practice fits on this scale.
Classroom practice |
1-Traditional |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6-Progressive |
Mixed-age groupings |
x |
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Self-directed learning |
x |
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Few whole-class lectures |
x |
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Minimal tests or assignments |
x |
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Minimal grades |
x |
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Minimal homework |
x |
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Integrated curriculum |
x |
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Experiential learning |
x |
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Uninterrupted work time |
x |
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Minimal unstructured learning |
x |
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Minimal creative arts projects |
x |
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Minimal modern-day technology |
x |
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High teacher-to-student ratio |
x |
Keep in mind, no school should be judged strictly based on how traditional or progressive its classroom practices are. What really matters is the fit between a school’s practices (not to mention its philosophy, culture, community feel, and the like) and your child.
To learn more about finding the right Montessori school, read our Montessori choosing guide and guide to Montessori questions. For more general advice on finding the right private school, check out the Our Kids choosing a school guide. If your child is younger, check out our preschool choosing guide.
Personalized education from toddler to teenager at Hillfield Strathallan College. [Read more]
Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$13,000 to $16,000
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
550
Avg. Class:
10 to 15
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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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An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children.
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Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs from infants to grade 3 in our healthy & safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Alder Ridge offers 21st century education. Our innovative learning initiatives are founded in the Montessori Philosophy. We offer a student led, self paced learning environment that holistically supports all areas.
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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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Peel Montessori School and Carrington College students are encouraged to be engaged, inquisitive learners who think for themselves, display strengthen of character, and learn to succeed on their own merits.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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Aurora Montessori offers an extensive, enriched program for day students to Grade 8 including an Outdoor Ed. Program, an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math and a bridge to elite private high schools.
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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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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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For more than 40 years Kanata Montessori has been graduating students with self-confidence, critical thinking skills, respect, high academic achievement and an international perspective.
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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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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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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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Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® World School and offers a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and IB High School.
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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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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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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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We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community.
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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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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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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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Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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For 38 years, Montessori Country School has provided a top rated CCMA accredited curriculum for students 15 months through grade 6 on two sprawling campuses, and an integrated virtual classroom for elementary students.
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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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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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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students.
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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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Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.
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Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students.
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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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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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A Catholic school that goes beyond academics to help our students realize and use their talents to their fullest potential, in order to become all that God has created them to be. Open to families of all faiths.
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Esprit Academy is a community and environment that cultivates independence and lifelong learning through individualized experiences that integrates and connects knowledge and skills.
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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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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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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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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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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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