REVIEW OF Richmond Hill Montessori Private School BY parent, Tiffany Lin

(5) Student Experience

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.

Why Richmond Hill Montessori Private School?

We chose Richmond Hill Montessori Private School because of its balance between academics and whole-child development. We wanted a school that would challenge our children while also nurturing independence, curiosity, and confidence. The Montessori Foundation, combined with the enriched elementary program, really stood out compared to other schools we considered. What ultimately made the decision clear was the sense of community, the professionalism of the staff, the smaller class sizes and the range of opportunities available—from leadership and athletics to STEM-focused learning. It felt like a place where our children would not only learn, but truly thrive.

Expectations vs. Reality

The school has met our expectations in providing a well-rounded and engaging educational experience. The structured programs, variety of opportunities, and supportive environment have all delivered. One area where it has exceeded expectations is in how much our children have grown in independence and initiative. We’ve seen a noticeable change—especially in our child who was previously more reserved—now becoming more confident and willing to take initiative in their learning. Overall, our experience has closely matched what we were hoping to find when we first enrolled.

Your Advice

I would recommend taking the time to visit the school and speak directly with staff. You quickly get a sense of how intentional they are in supporting each child’s growth. Also, the range of opportunities—including before- and after-care, clubs, and athletics—really adds to the overall experience. It’s a great option for families looking for a private school in the Richmond Hill area. It’s especially a good fit for families looking for a structured but nurturing environment where children are encouraged to become independent and engaged learners.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership team is approachable and responsive, and clearly focused on maintaining a positive school environment. Communication with parents is consistent and professional, which helps build a strong connection between home and school.

(5) Teaching

Teachers at RHMS are knowledgeable and engaged, with strong training in their areas of expertise and a clear commitment to ongoing professional development. It’s evident that they stay current in their teaching practices and bring that into the classroom in a meaningful way. They create thoughtful, engaging lessons and remain actively involved in guiding and supporting student learning. They communicate expectations clearly and provide helpful, constructive feedback, which allows both students and parents to stay informed and better understand progress over time. We’ve also appreciated how accessible and responsive teachers are. The parent connection sessions were a great opportunity to better understand the classroom experience and connect more closely with our child’s learning this year.

(5) Academics

The academic program is well-rounded, with a strong focus on foundational skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. One standout is the STEM program. My eldest has really enjoyed learning text-based coding this year—it’s been both challenging and engaging, and we’ve seen that carry into how they approach problem-solving in other subjects. The math program has also stood out for its focus not just on getting the right answer, but on understanding the process and being able to clearly communicate thinking. This approach has helped build a deeper, more lasting understanding. The writing program has also been exceptional, with a clear focus on helping students communicate their ideas and thinking effectively. Seeing my eldest write a structured five-paragraph essay and express their personal opinions with clarity has been especially impressive. Overall, we feel confident that the program is preparing our children well for the future.

(5) Extracurriculars

RHMS offers a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, including band, choir, STEM, athletics, and student council. Students are encouraged to participate and try new things, which helps support well-rounded development. As the school continues to grow, we would love to see even more extracurricular options and variety, especially in the younger grades. That said, what’s currently offered has been very positive.

(5) Students

Kindness and mutual respect are clearly emphasized. There is a strong sense of community, and it’s easy to see friendships forming that will last beyond the school years.

(5) School Life

Student life at RHMS is very positive. My children enjoy going to school and feel comfortable and supported in their environment. There is a healthy balance between academics, social development, and extracurricular involvement, which keeps them engaged and motivated. Overall, my children are very happy here.

(N/A) Community

The parent community is welcoming and supportive. There are opportunities to be involved, and communication from the school helps parents stay informed and connected. School events and activities help build a strong sense of community among families. While there is always room for more involvement opportunities, our experience has been very positive.

(5) School Location

The school is located in a quiet part of Richmond Hill, backing onto the David Dunlap Observatory, which gives it a calm and spacious feel. While the campus itself is self-contained, students do have opportunities to go offsite throughout the year. There are a number of organized outings, including nature walks through the DDO, a school-wide track event at York University, swimming lessons, and field trips to places like the ROM, McMichael Art Gallery, and Kortright Centre. These experiences add variety and allow students to connect their learning beyond the classroom.

(5) Admissions

Our experience with the admissions process was smooth and straightforward. The Registrar is professional, responsive, and helpful in answering questions, which makes the process feel much less stressful. My advice would be to visit the school, ask questions, and take the time to understand how the Montessori program transitions into the enriched elementary years, as that is a key part of what makes the school unique. Overall, we felt supported throughout the process and confident in our decision.