Montessori vs. Waldorf preschools and daycares
Comparing Montessori and Waldorf preschools and daycares
Find a list of schoolsWhich is better for your child: a Montessori or Waldorf preschool? And what is the difference between the Montessori and Waldorf preschool approach?
Below, we compare Waldorf to Montessori preschools. This should give you a strong sense of their similarities and differences. To learn more about preschool and daycare programs in general, check out our introductory guide to preschool education.
Montessori preschools
At their core, Montessori preschools are child- or student-focused. They place children front and centre.
On the Montessori approach, children have a unique developmental path. This means, among other things, that they should be given an opportunity to learn in developmentally appropriate ways, and build confidence in doing so.
In preschool (Montessori), kids work in a decentralized learning environment, usually by themselves or in small groups with peers of different ages. They often collaborate, with each other and their teachers. Montessori doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, kids have quite a bit of freedom to choose their own projects and work at their own pace.
Montessori preschools, like all Montessori schools, have mixed-age classrooms. This makes for a dynamic learning environment, with lots of interaction, collaboration, and child-to-child teaching. And this helps children to grow cognitively and socially, and become more independent and responsible.
Montessori preschools are for infants, toddlers, and older kids. They're usually divided up into two programs: toddler preschool and primary school. Each program uses a distinct method and focuses on a special set of skills (with some overlap).
Waldorf preschools
Waldorf preschools have a flexible approach. Children often have the freedom to pursue their own activities. While they do have daily schedules and routines, kids can often pursue their interests and passions.
Many students find this approach rewarding. When given freedom, they often choose tasks that challenge and excite them. This can spark their natural curiosity and inspire a love of learning.
Moreover, Waldorf preschools don’t focus much on traditional academics. In fact, they normally delay the learning of math, reading, and other subjects until grade 1. Waldorf preschools, like all Waldorf schools, aim to educate the whole child: “head, heart, and hands.” Teachers educate children’s cognitive, active, and emotional sides.
There is a special focus in Waldorf on art, imagination, and creativity. In preschool, young children are given plenty of time for free play, artistic work (e.g., drawing, painting, and modelling), circle time (songs, games, and stories), and outdoor recess. This promotes imaginative learning and leads to lots of pretend play. It also allows children to develop important social skills.
Montessori vs. Waldorf preschools
Main similarities
- Child-centred: Both programs allow children to mostly select their own tasks and activities.
- Multi-age classrooms: Both programs have mixed-age classrooms, where kids have the same teacher for several years. In Montessori, it’s usually for three years. In Waldorf, it can be for up to six years.
- Love of learning: Both programs aim to inspire a love of learning.
Main differences
- Work and play: Montessori focuses more on task-oriented work. This separates it from many other preschool approaches, including Waldorf. Waldorf has a more play-based approach.
- Art and imagination: Waldorf focuses a lot on art, imagination, and creativity. There is less of an emphasis on these things in Montessori schools.
- Concrete learning: Montessori has more concrete learning than Waldorf (although Waldorf does have hands-on activities, like woodworking). Waldorf focuses more on imaginative learning than Montessori.
- Routine: Waldorf offers all children a consistent routine. For instance, certain activities, such as painting and woodworking, are reserved for certain days of the week.
- Nature: Waldorf focuses more on nature and the environment (though most Montessori preschools focus on these as well).
To learn more about the similarities and differences between various types of preschools, read our comparison guides. In separate articles, we compare Montessori to Reggio Emilia, Waldorf to Reggio Emilia, academic to play-based, Montessori to play-based, and Montessori to academic preschools. If you want to compare specific schools one-to-one, visit our compare hub. You can also read our guide to preschool questions.
Preschool questions (read our in-depth answers) |
Answers to the question “What is the difference between Montessori and Waldorf preschools?” from school officials
“Waldorf and Montessori both use a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, and both recognize and respect a child’s need for daily routine. They also both believe in child-initiated activity. The Montessori approach believes that children should work with manipulatives that will teach them concepts, with the teachers available to guide them in this learning. The Waldorf approach supports child-initiated play to cultivate healthy growth and learning in a range of areas, from gross and fine motor skills to the development of imagination and creativity.” Lylli Anthon, faculty chair of Halton Waldorf school, a Waldorf school in Burlington, Ontario
“Montessori is an integrated approach whose aim is to fulfill the needs of the whole child. Waldorf, like Montessori, aspires to educate the whole child, though concepts can be taught in a variety of ways.” Marcel Pereira, director of Century Private School, a Montessori school in Richmond Hill, Ontario
In the spotlight:
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Association Montessori Internationale Schools
In Canada, participation in AMI (Canada’s) MQA program ensures that a school is committed to the principles of Montessori pedagogy while aligning with current child development research (through the AMI Scientific Pedagogy Group). [Read more]
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What does it mean to be socially engaged?
Rosthern Junior College High School has been answering that question for more than 100 years. [Read more]
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From 18 months to 18 years, HSC is where I grow into my best self.
From the moment a student walks onto the 50+ acre campus in Hamilton, Ontario, their journey begins. They grow up in a strong, healthy community whose members share their zest for learning. [Read more]
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Teaching girls to change the world
We spoke with Tara Silver about what girls need, how girls learn, and how the Linden School has pioneered in all of that. [Read more]
Start here: Five steps to finding the perfect school.
List of Montessori and Waldorf preschools
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 $34,500
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
550
Avg. Class:
10 to 15
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CMS provides a quality Montessori education for Casa and Elementary students. Set on beautiful campuses children are inspired to learn their role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony.
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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 in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds.
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We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects.
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Small class sizes and our unique curriculum - infused with Arts, Movement, Outdoor Education - create deeper connections across subjects, at all child development stages. Parents describe us as “schooling with heart".
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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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TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary.
We give students a head start in their educational journey by insuring they "Love to Learn"!
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Schoolhouse Montessori provides a nurturing environment to support children in academics and self-discovery. Committed to provide high quality, inclusive early learning programs in Mississauga.
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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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Blaisdale Montessori School is the premier Montessori school in the Durham area. Offering an outstanding learning environment. Choose from one of 7 campuses in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Bowmanville.
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Peel Montessori School and our Carrington College division students are encouraged to be engaged, inquisitive learners who think for themselves, display character strength, and learn to succeed on their own merits.
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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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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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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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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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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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Western Heights offers an enriched Montessori program that fosters a love of learning. The school actively engages its close-knit parent community to offer an enriched curriculum that adapts to each student's needs.
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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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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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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years.
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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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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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The Clover School's 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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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 - 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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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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Guidepost is a new Montessori school coming to Toronto, serving children from 10 weeks to 12 years old. We offer year-round programming and rolling admissions into our programs to meet the needs of every family.
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CHMS offers authentic supportive, vibrant, child centered AMI Montessori that is perfect for curious, inquisitive students looking to thrive in a social, hands on, collaborative, challenging environment.
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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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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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Halton Waldorf School offers an education that fosters confidence, independence and intelligence. Located on five forested acres, the school has been uniquely designed to support the goals of Waldorf education. Est 1984
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UMS offers year advanced programs from pre-school to grade eight. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child.
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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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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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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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Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from 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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Our goal at AGMS is to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of global citizens. We provide a pristine, child-centered and supportive learning environment for each child to reach their full potential.
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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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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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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!
SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!
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Calgary Waldorf School’s rich and challenging curriculum carefully balances academic, artistic and practical activities to stimulate intelligence and encourage creativity.
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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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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students.
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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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Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students to Grade 8 with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills.
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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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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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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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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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Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.
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École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French private school dedicated to transforming your child into a BILINGUAL critical thinker with our enriched curriculum that fosters the genius within each student.
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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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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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Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students.
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Series: Preschools
Sub-types
Articles
- Questions to ask preschools and daycares
- What makes for the best preschool?
- What are the most common types of preschool programs?
- Daycare and childcare
- Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia preschools
- Waldorf vs. Reggio Emilia preschools
- Montessori vs. play-based preschools
- Montessori vs. academic preschools
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