The regions Westmont offers busing from are:
Additional notes: Transportation is provided for out-trips and regular pick up and drop off for high school students.
"Westmont inspires students by nurturing their interests, meeting their developmental needs, and accommodating their learning paces, all while adhering to Maria Montessori's principles. As our community's needs have shifted, the school has grown and adapted, always mindful of the changing world. We embrace classroom technology, complementing this digital engagement with the natural beauty of the 143 acres of forest, streams, and ocean frontage adjacent to our 8-acre campus."
At Westmont, experiential learning begins in pre-k and elementary with a focus on experiences in nature and self-directed use of hands-on tools. This expands in middle school with projects that integrate multiple subjects and require high-performance teamwork.
In our new High School program, projects are tackled through the design thinking model. We bring students to the world by creating learning experiences in progressive environments that offer knowledge from the real world, not a textbook.
Stepping into the unique world of Montessori education can be an enlightening journey, yet it may present initial uncertainties for families accustomed to the conventional approach. Our program intentionally shifts away from several elements characteristic of traditional education, which may raise questions about coverage and comprehensiveness. We understand it might be challenging to see how we encompass a full curriculum through a lens different from what you're used to. Furthermore, our distinctive method of assessment—moving beyond the realm of standardized tests and grades—requires a fresh perspective to fully grasp its effectiveness in capturing a child's progress and capabilities.
Montessori education is celebrated for its tailored approach, emphasizing personal responsibility and independence in learning. It is a common misconception that our educators spend their day directing each student's activities. Instead, we encourage a nurturing environment empowering children.
Westmont Montessori School's dedication to the Montessori philosophy and experiential learning has been shaped by pivotal moments such as the move to our current campus , allowing us to integrate nature into our curriculum. Implementing British Columbia's new curriculum has reinforced our commitment to academic excellence and whole-child development. Our decision to extend programs through Grade 12 has allowed us to emphasize real-world, project-based learning that prepares students for a rapidly changing world, shaping the diverse and inclusive community we have today.
Ideal Montessori students are curious, self-motivated learners who thrive in less structured environments. They benefit from a hands-on approach and can work independently as well as collaboratively. Adaptability to mixed-age classrooms and comfort with peer-learning are also key traits. Parents who are willing to embrace and extend Montessori principles at home will help in fostering a consistent learning experience. Children who are self-directed and take initiative in exploring their interests often excel in the Montessori setting, as do those who appreciate a non-competitive academic atmosphere that focuses on personal growth over grades.
While the Montessori method offers a unique, enriching learning experience, it might not suit everyone. Families who prefer traditional academic structures with standardized tests and formal grading may find Montessori's student-led, observational assessment approach challenging. This method also relies on less structure and a flexible environment, which may be difficult for those accustomed to regimented learning. Additionally, Montessori classrooms feature mixed-age groups and focus on self-paced learning, potentially clashing with expectations for age-specific instruction and competitive academic settings. Ultimately, while Montessori has substantial benefits, families should choose an educational path that aligns with their values and expectations.
- Tailored education
- Academic excellence
- Whole child development
- Stunning nature campus
- Best of BC’s new curriculum. “Best implementation of BC’s new curriculum I’ve seen” – Ministry of Education Inspector
- Caring and supportive community. It makes all the difference in a young person’s development.
- Passion for learning. Our method ignites a fire for deep, lifelong learning. How? Choice within boundaries.
- Mentorship for life. From K-12 our students learn how to lead and be led.
We are well-known for a caring and supportive environment. Our program allows students at all levels to achieve high levels of academic and personal growth while pursuing their interests.
What parents often overlook from Westmont's program is the development of "soft skills" that are not addressed in traditional education models. These skills are hard to quantify but easy to identify. They can be seen in the courtesy and respect a student displays in public settings, in the self-direction and self-discipline when a student completes homework without prompting, or when a high-schooler recognizes and willingly helps a pre-schooler on the playground.
We choose to be an independent organization so we can remain nimble and able to adopt and adapt new programs as our community needs them. Our autonomy gives us the freedom to partner with innovators and experts as we identify new areas of interest for our students and new opportunities to learn from some of the most interesting people and organizations in the world.
We have invested significantly in creating a maker space to allow middle and high school students to advance their technological skills with cutting edge equipment. This investment has a marked impact on the students' ability to explore concepts in their academics and express their learning in remarkable ways.
Our school will see a significant increase in our middle and high school student populations along with a significant investment in capital infrastructure to support their academic pursuits.
Hear directly from Westmont Montessori School community as they share insights.
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