REVIEW OF Stirling Montessori Academy BY parent, Jacqueline Nunes

(5) Student Experience

Our experience has been deeply enriching. The school applies Montessori principles in such a complete and thoughtful way, and the teachers are exceptional — truly in tune with each child’s development. They know how to nurture each student’s strengths while gently guiding them through areas where they can grow. Class sizes feel ideal, allowing the teachers to really observe, support, and inspire. Academically, we love that the learning is individualized: the teachers work closely with our children to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help them reach their potential while connecting lessons to their own interests. The school community is another highlight. Stirling cultivates a warm, values‑based environment where children learn to collaborate, respect one another, and contribute meaningfully. We’ve been especially impressed with how intentionally the teachers support the social dynamics in the classroom — helping the students develop empathy, independence, and strong interpersonal skills. The growing range of extracurriculars complements the academic environment and encourages other forms of learning and exploration. And the administrators are present, approachable, and genuinely invested in the well‑being of the students and families.

Why Stirling Montessori Academy?

We chose Stirling because it places a strong emphasis on academics and individual development. We saw tremendous value in the Montessori approach, especially the way it nurtures independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. We also appreciate the school’s excellent communication with parents. We’ve consistently felt informed, supported, and included in our child’s learning journey, which made a meaningful difference in our decision to enrol both our children and continue with the school over the years.

Expectations vs. Reality

Stirling has exceeded our expectations. We have been consistently impressed by how skilled and insightful the teachers are in supporting academic growth and nurturing social development. Their understanding of our children, and how they guide them with such intention, has gone beyond what we anticipated.

Your Advice

The class sizes truly make a difference! The teachers have the space to give each student meaningful attention and support. When our children have excelled, the teachers have continued to challenge them — moving them through academic concepts at a pace that matches their readiness. And when our children have needed extra support, the teachers have been equally responsive and thoughtful in providing it. The teachers also create additional learning opportunities by building on each child’s interests, inspiring curiosity, and deeper inquiry. Beyond academics, they foster independence, self‑responsibility, and accountability in ways that have had a real impact on our children’s growth.

(5) School Leadership

The school administrators communicate often and effectively with both students and parents, ensuring everyone feels informed and supported. In our experience, they have been exceptionally responsive, addressing questions and concerns quickly and offering thoughtful, expert guidance when needed. We have only seen a positive, well‑managed school environment, and it’s clear that issues are handled fairly, calmly, and with the students’ best interests in mind. The administrators’ presence, professionalism, and openness create a sense of trust that truly strengthens the whole school community.

(5) Teaching

The teachers are exceptional — passionate and deeply knowledgeable about Montessori principles and academic content. What stands out most is how attentive they are to each child’s individual development, both academically and socially. The teachers also communicate clearly and often, providing thoughtful updates and constructive feedback that help us understand our children’s progress. Class sizes allow them to truly observe each student, and as a result, our children receive exactly what they need: meaningful challenges when they’re ready to move ahead, and caring, targeted support when they need extra guidance. Teachers regularly build on the children’s interests, creating additional learning opportunities that spark curiosity and encourage deeper inquiry. They also foster independence, self‑responsibility, and accountability — skills that we value just as much as academic growth.

(5) Academics

The academic program at Stirling combines a strong Montessori foundation with thoughtful, individualized instruction. We’ve seen an emphasis on core academic skills such as reading and math. The lessons are grounded in applied learning, true to Montessori philosophy, which helps the children truly understand concepts rather than simply memorize them. We especially appreciate that our children learn cursive, read books instead of relying on screens, and engage in work that builds real‑world skills. For younger students, the program emphasizes fine and gross motor development through hands‑on materials and purposeful movement, which we feel has been foundational to their academic and personal growth. Beyond the classroom, Stirling enhances the academic experience with opportunities for older children to engage in museum visits, art classes, swimming lessons, and other activities that broaden their understanding of the world. Frankly, we haven't encountered any significant academic weaknesses; if anything, the school has exceeded our expectations in both the quality of instruction and the care given to each child’s development.

(5) Extracurriculars

While the current school facilities are limited, Stirling strives to make up for this by engaging students in experiences beyond the classroom. The older children, in particular, spend significant time out in the community, doing gym class in local parks, taking art lessons at the Milton Arts Centre, going rock‑climbing at a nearby indoor gym, visiting the local library, and participating in nature walks and other hands‑on learning experiences. These activities not only enrich their education but also help them feel connected to the world around them. Stirling also provides after‑school clubs that support both fun and skill development, with offerings focused on language learning (French and Spanish) and hobbies such as chess and storybook writing/illustration. While we'd love to see Stirling grow into a facility where more of these activities could happen on‑site, we appreciate how resourceful and intentional the school has been. In many ways, having our children out in the community adds a valuable dimension to their experience and contributes to a truly well‑rounded education.

(5) Students

The student body has a warm, inclusive, and community‑minded feel. The school is small enough that all the students know each other, which creates a close-knit atmosphere where children feel safe and supported. Because of the multi‑age Montessori classrooms, the students naturally develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and collaboration. Older students model positive behaviour, and younger students look up to them. There is also a genuine sense of calm purpose in the classrooms. Students work together, help one another, and move through their day with a sense of independence and confidence that feels very consistent with Montessori philosophy. Teachers nurture these social dynamics intentionally, helping children develop the interpersonal skills that make the community so welcoming. Outside the classroom, the same positive spirit shows through. Students engage with the world around them politely and enthusiastically, reflecting the strong values emphasized at school.

(5) School Life

I believe the student life benefits enormously from the small class sizes and the close‑knit community. Our children have built strong relationships with their peers and teachers, and the atmosphere is warm, respectful, and calm. Social dynamics are intentionally nurtured by the teachers, helping students develop empathy, independence, and collaborative skills. As a result, the day‑to‑day experience for students is positive and purposeful. For prospective families, one insight that stands out is how genuinely the school lives its Montessori philosophy. The emphasis on independence, responsibility, and respect is not theoretical — it’s visible in how students behave, how teachers guide them, and how the school structures its day. The academic program is rigorous yet nurturing, and the community atmosphere is warm and authentic. Our children are thriving at Stirling — not just academically, but socially and personally.

(5) Community

The broader community feels engaged and genuinely invested in the children’s experience. Parents care deeply about their kids’ development, and that shared commitment contributes to a positive and supportive school atmosphere. Parents are welcomed into the life of the school, and we’ve appreciated the enrichment nights with guest speakers, parent meet‑and‑greets, classroom visits, and the spring concert, which is an annual highlight. Parents are also invited into the classroom for student‑led show‑and‑tells, such as the annual “French café,” where the children run a mock restaurant entirely in French. Experiences like these give parents a window into their child’s learning and confidence, and they strengthen the connection between home and school. We'd love to see more opportunities for involvement as the school continues to grow, such as volunteer roles or family‑oriented gatherings. Overall, the community is warm, invested, and moving in a positive direction.

(5) School Location

The location is excellent — it's central and accessible, which adds real value to the students’ day‑to‑day experience. The school has easy access to a wide range of nearby activities and services, and students regularly venture beyond the school grounds for library visits, swimming lessons at the community pool, time in local parks, etc. Rather than being an “island,” the school makes consistent and meaningful use of its surroundings. This helps the children feel connected to their community and creates rich opportunities for applied learning, physical activity, and exploration.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process is accessible and welcoming. From our experience, there were opportunities to learn about the school, meet the teachers, and speak with other parents, which made our decision‑making process feel informed. The administrators are approachable, and they are genuinely focused on supporting parents' decision‑making around whether the school is the right fit. I'd encourage prospective parents to take advantage of the opportunities Stirling provides to get to know the school community — attending information sessions, observing the classrooms, and chatting with current families. These interactions offer valuable insight into the culture, values, and day‑to‑day life at the school.