The big picture on Richmond Hill Montessori Private School
We summarized the school ourselves
RHMS was established in 1986, and has grown considerably over the years to where it sits now with an annual student population of 600. That’s big in the world of private schooling, particularly given that the program only covers preschool through Grade 8. Size can be a strength, to be sure, and Richmond Hill is a prime example of that. The program is broad and deep, with extensive curricular and extracurricular offerings. The campus has been developed throughout the life of the school, and today is an example, in every way, of how good a facility school can be, both aesthetically and practically. Classroom appointments are up to date throughout, including in-class technology that incorporates a full range of instructional devices and applications. All resources are applied in sympathy with the core program of the school and the values that undergird it. And, despite the size of the student population as a whole, the segmentation of the primary and elementary programs, in consort with the low student to teacher ratios, the lived experience of the school is quite close-knit and personal. Over the past three decades plus RHMS has done a lot, and in all the right ways, and the school certainly lives up to its reputation.
We questioned the school administration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Celebrating 40 years, Richmond Hill Montessori Private School provides a progressive learning environment for students from Preschool to Grade 8. Rooted in Montessori principles in the early years and progressing into an enriched elementary program, we offer a balanced approach that emphasizes both academic achievement and personal development. Our graduates are well prepared for the transition to higher levels of education and continue as capable, self-directed learners."
Complimentary Before/After School
CAT 4/5 Annual Testing
Innovative curriculum with proven learning tools
Low student to teacher ratio
Specialty certified teachers
Daily onsite homework support
Single grade Elementary classes
Award winning choir, athletics, and science competitions
Over 25 extra-curricular programs
Comprehensive Computer Program
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
Specialization is a key component of RHMS. One key area of specialization at RHMS is the STEM Program. It is a meaningful cross circular platform of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This program encourages students to be creative, take risks, engage in hands-on learning and hone their problem-solving skills. This program also serves to help mentor our students for future careers in STEM fields.
"Specialization is a key component of RHMS. One key area of specialization at RHMS is the STEM Program. It is a meaningful cross circular platform of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This program encourages students to be creative, take risks, engage in hands-on learning and hone their problem-solving skills. This program also serves to help mentor our students for future careers in STEM fields."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
RHMS students love to learn. They are engaged by critical thinking, hands-on learning, and the inquisitive nature of the school’s program which allows them to make real world connections. Students demonstrate a growth mindset while also exhibiting the character traits of respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness and integrity.
"RHMS students love to learn. They are engaged by critical thinking, hands-on learning, and the inquisitive nature of the school’s program which allows them to make real world connections. Students demonstrate a growth mindset while also exhibiting the character traits of respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness and integrity."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Why choose RHMS? We provide a positive learning environment, we retain an outstanding staff, we cultivate active community leaders, we inspire a healthy lifestyle, we deliver an innovative curriculum and most of all we empower children.
"Why choose RHMS? We provide a positive learning environment, we retain an outstanding staff, we cultivate active community leaders, we inspire a healthy lifestyle, we deliver an innovative curriculum and most of all we empower children."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
RHMS is an enriched elementary program with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our commitment to learning is evident through our highly trained and knowledgeable teachers, cutting edge resources, impressive facilities, and innovative curriculum. This coupled with the caring, compassionate and supportive community is what creates a school environment that truly fosters a love of learning.
"RHMS is an enriched elementary program with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our commitment to learning is evident through our highly trained and knowledgeable teachers, cutting edge resources, impressive facilities, and innovative curriculum. This coupled with the caring, compassionate and supportive community is what creates a school environment that truly fosters a love of learning."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
RHMS takes the standard curriculum and enriches and extends it. Our teachers research and carefully select the most effective text and resource materials that will enhance in class discussions and hands-on learning in every discipline. This way our RHMS student’s enjoy unique and exciting learning that will last a lifetime.
"RHMS takes the standard curriculum and enriches and extends it. Our teachers research and carefully select the most effective text and resource materials that will enhance in class discussions and hands-on learning in every discipline. This way our RHMS student’s enjoy unique and exciting learning that will last a lifetime."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
One of our most important goals at RHMS is to foster the development of responsible global citizens. Simply put, we encourage our students to be good people. Starting with their immediate community and then going beyond. This goal begins with modeling examples of ways to do so and then working together with students on a variety of good will initiatives.
"One of our most important goals at RHMS is to foster the development of responsible global citizens. Simply put, we encourage our students to be good people. Starting with their immediate community and then going beyond. This goal begins with modeling examples of ways to do so and then working together with students on a variety of good will initiatives."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Specialization is a key component of RHMS. Children benefit from receiving instruction from teachers who specialize in their subject area. As our curriculum expands , so does the number of specialized staff.
RHMS has significantly invested in the rollout out of a 1:1 student device program to ensure that students and teachers have access to not only the latest technology and educational platforms to engage students but also to equip students with the technological skills that they will need in the years to come.
RHMS continues to focus on innovative curriculum, ensuring we are always at the forefront of STEM education. Our STEM Program is a meaningful cross circular platform of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that encourages students to be creative, take thoughtful risks, engage in hands-on learning and hone their problem-solving skills.
"Specialization is a key component of RHMS. Children benefit from receiving instruction from teachers who specialize in their subject area. As our curriculum expands , so does the number of specialized staff.
RHMS has significantly invested in the rollout out of a 1:1 student device program to ensure that students and teachers have access to not only the latest technology and educational platforms to engage students but also to equip students with the technological skills that they will need in the years to come.
RHMS continues to focus on innovative curriculum, ensuring we are always at the forefront of STEM education. Our STEM Program is a meaningful cross circular platform of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that encourages students to be creative, take thoughtful risks, engage in hands-on learning and hone their problem-solving skills."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
JK (current),JK (current) — As a current parent with two children at RHMS—one in the Montessori program and one in the enriched elementary program—our experience has been very positive. My children are happy, feel safe, and genuinely look forward to going to school each day. The smaller class sizes make a noticeable difference. Teachers really know each student and provide individualized support, which has helped build both confidence and academic progress. The school is also consistently clean and well-maintained, which adds to the overall sense of care and attention to detail. My eldest especially enjoys the hands-on learning opportunities, including STEM activities, field trips, and extracurricular clubs. The athletic program has also been a highlight, with strong coaching that emphasizes both skill development and teamwork. Most importantly, my children have built meaningful friendships and feel a strong sense of community both inside and outside the classroom.
Dig deeper into Richmond Hill Montessori Private School