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Stirling Montessori Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Stirling Montessori: Montessori
Stirling Montessori has a Montessori approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Montessori?]
What Stirling Montessori says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our programs are designed to nurture each student’s unique strengths and support their natural love of learning. Rooted in Montessori principles, our curriculum meets students’ developmental needs through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Our dedicated and experienced staff bring integrity, warmth, and a deep commitment to every student and family in our community. Our primary goal is to unlock each student’s academic potential while fostering a lasting appreciation and love for learning. In our warm and nurturing classrooms, children are encouraged and challenged to reach their fullest potential.
Montessori offered:
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Montessori toddler | |
| Casa | |
| Elementary | |
| Middle School | |
| High School |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Stirling Montessori: Equal Balance
Stirling Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Stirling Montessori says:
Math is taught using a concrete, hands-on approach that helps children deeply understand mathematical concepts. Specialized Montessori materials and manipulatives—such as number rods, golden beads, and spindle boxes—allow children to explore numbers and quantities in a tactile and meaningful way. This method introduces abstract concepts gradually, beginning with concrete experiences. Children learn number recognition, quantity, place value, and basic operations through purposeful, self-directed activities that build a strong foundation and confidence in math.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
In our elementary program, we use programs such as Math Makes Sense, Jump Math and Problem Solver.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Stirling Montessori: Balanced Literacy
Stirling Montessori has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Stirling Montessori says:
In a Montessori classroom, the foundation for early reading is built through a rich, language-filled environment that nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and love for words. From an early age, children are introduced to classified cards, helping them build vocabulary by learning the names of familiar objects in their environment. As their language skills develop, they begin working with phonetic sounds using the sandpaper letters, which leads to word building with the moveable alphabet and reading simple three-letter (CVC) words. Once children are ready, they enter our structured reading program, progressing through carefully sequenced readers that focus on phonetics, phonograms, and eventually compound words. This multisensory and individualized approach ensures that each child gains the confidence and skills needed for fluent reading.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Stirling Montessori: Equal balance
Stirling Montessori has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Stirling Montessori: Equal Balance
Stirling Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Stirling Montessori: Equal Balance
Stirling Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Stirling Montessori: Expanding Communities
Stirling Montessori has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Stirling Montessori: Communicative
Stirling Montessori has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Stirling Montessori: Creative
Stirling Montessori has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Stirling Montessori: Light integration
Stirling Montessori has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Stirling Montessori says:
At Stirling, physical education complements our Montessori curriculum by supporting each child’s physical, social, and emotional development. Our gym program emphasizes skill-building, coordination, and joyful movement in a non-competitive, inclusive environment. Students participate in structured activities that promote teamwork, body awareness, and a lifelong love of physical activity.
Sex and health education
What Stirling Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Stirling Montessori: Montessori
Stirling Montessori has a Montessori approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Montessori?]
What Stirling Montessori says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
At Stirling Montessori Academy, we provide an authentic Montessori experience led by highly trained Montessori educators in a warm, nurturing environment. Children learn at their own pace using hands-on materials, allowing them to advance as they are ready. Our enriched academic program is enhanced by visits from community partners like the Milton Library, the Humane Society, and Mad Science. We also offer engaging after-school clubs—including chess, STEM, yoga, and Spanish—that further support each child’s growth and love of learning.
Montessori Approach
Stirling Montessori Academy's Montessori approach. Learn about this school's class practices and policies as well as its curricular and teaching approach.
| Primary | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age groupings How children are grouped by age for each class.' |
3 to 6 | 6 to 9 | 9 to 12 |
| Uninterrupted work periods The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.' |
2.5 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Tests and assignments How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Occasionally (Moderate Orthodox) | Occasionally (Moderate Orthodox) |
| Graded work How often students have their work graded in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) |
| Arts and crafts The percentage of a typical student's day that is spent on arts and crafts in each class.' |
15% | 15% | 15% |
Overall approach
Moderately Orthodox
45% of schools
Schools that adhere to the original Montessori program and principles. On occasion, though, they supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
Classroom practices
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Whole-class lectures
Orthodox
Whole-class lectures should never be given. Students learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.
Moderately orthodox
Whole-class lectures should only be given occasionally (e.g., at the beginning of a term or unit). Students usually learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.
Moderately non-orthodox
Whole-class lectures should be given semi-regularly (e.g., at the beginning of a lesson or a week). While students often learn best through group and independent work, it's sometimes important for teachers to set the stage for and contextualize learning.
Non-orthodox
Whole-class lectures should be given often (e.g., every day). While group and independent learning is important, teachers need to provide lectures on a regular basis to provide the foundation for learning.
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Special education
Orthodox
External special education support isn't necessary. Core teachers can deal with all special education needs, by offering the relevant support for each student.
Moderately orthodox
External special education support is only rarely necessary. For instance, a psychologist might be brought in to help out a student with a severe developmental disorder.
Moderately non-orthodox
External special education support is quite important. Outside specialists are needed for a fairly wide range of special needs, such as developmental and learning disabilities.
Non-orthodox
External special education support is very important. Outside specialists are regularly brought in to support students with many different types of special needs, including developmental and learning disabilities, language and speech issues, behavioural issues, and advanced learning abilities.
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Specialist classes
Orthodox
We don't have any specialist teachers or classes. Core teachers are well-equipped to teach all subjects.
Moderately orthodox
We only use specialist teachers and classes in rare cases (for instance, to teach a second language). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach almost all subjects.
Moderately non-orthodox
We have a fairly wide range of specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, and art). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach most subjects.
Non-orthodox
We have many specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, art, gym, science, and math). It's important that students receive specialized instruction in many subjects.
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Modern-day technology
Orthodox
Modern-day technology is never used in the classroom. This can interfere with students' social and emotional development and can be a distraction.
Moderately orthodox
Modern-day technology is very rarely used in class, since it can be a distraction and interfere with development. Students at the upper levels, though, might be permitted to use a computer or a tablet to do research for a specific project.
Moderately non-orthodox
Modern-day technology is used in moderation since it can be a distraction. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, and multimedia projects.
Non-orthodox
Modern technology is used fairly regularly. For instance, computers and other digital media might be used for research, writing, multimedia projects, and to learn keyboarding skills. Teachers may sometimes also use digital media, such as interactive whiteboards, to teach lessons or introduce topics.
Teaching assistants
This school doesn't use teaching assistants.
Language
Learn about Stirling Montessori Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Stirling Montessori offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Stirling Montessori: Standard-enriched
Stirling Montessori has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Stirling Montessori says about their curriculum pace:
At Stirling we deliver a full Montessori curriculum where learning is centered around the interests, pace, and developmental needs of each individual child, rather than being dictated by a fixed, one-size-fits-all schedule or curriculum.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Stirling Montessori says about their flexible pacing:
Multi-age classrooms at both the Casa and Elementary levels offer our students opportunities to foster leadership, collaboration, and individualized learning. Younger students learn from older peers, while older students build confidence by mentoring. Children progress at their own pace, free from comparison or pressure.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Stirling Montessori: Supportive
Stirling Montessori has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Stirling Montessori says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Stirling Montessori says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Stirling Montessori offers No support
Stirling Montessori offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Stirling Montessori says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 6, Stirling Montessori students perform an average of 15 mins of homework per night.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stirling Montessori | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins |
| Site Average | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins |
What Stirling Montessori says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
