• Private Schools
• Advice Guide

That’s why choosing the right school isn’t just about convenience—it’s about setting the stage for a lifetime of confident, joyful learning. For many Richmond Hill area families, York Montessori School (YMS) offers exactly that.

A commitment to authentic Montessori

One of the most defining qualities of York Montessori School is its commitment to delivering a genuine, high-quality Montessori experience. Unlike many schools that adapt or blend different early childhood methods, YMS stays true to the original philosophy—carefully prepared environments, mixed-age classrooms, and a deep respect for each child’s individual pace.

To maintain this integrity, the school made the conscious decision not to enroll in the CWELCC (Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care) system. While CWELCC offers financial support to parents, it also requires participating schools to make adjustments that, in many cases, compromise core elements of the Montessori model. By choosing independence, YMS is able to keep its focus fully on program quality and Montessori principles—a decision that many parents deeply value when selecting the school for their children.

Preparation for Top Independent Schools

Families who choose York Montessori School often do so with an eye toward the future. YMS is widely regarded as a strong preparatory school, giving children the academic foundation, independence, and self-regulation skills that selective independent schools look for during admissions for grades 1, 2, and 3.

Graduates of York Montessori routinely perform well during entrance assessments and classroom observations, distinguishing themselves through their confidence, readiness, and familiarity with purposeful, self-directed learning. Local independent schools—including Richland Academy, Holy Trinity School (HTS), and Lauremont—speak highly of YMS students and warmly welcome them into their early grades.

Parents appreciate knowing that while YMS offers a warm, nurturing early childhood environment, it also equips children with the skills and habits that make the transition to private and independent school both smooth and successful.

What parents say about York Montessori School

Parents consistently describe York Montessori as nurturing, structured, and supportive—with a strong emphasis on communication and partnership. In dozens of heartfelt reviews over this past year alone, families highlight what stands out most:

• The caring and attentive teachers
• The growth in their child’s independence, confidence, and love of learning
• The honesty and transparency from the school when discussing each child’s development
• The sense that YMS is more than a school—it’s a community

My two kids have been to four different schools and YMS is by far the best. My son’s main teacher communicated with us regularly to keep us up to date with my son’s progress. She worked with us and incorporated my son’s speech therapy homework into his daily lessons. She saw my son’s potential and encouraged him to complete JK and SK level math and reading when he was only 3! —Xiaoxi He

“We feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this school. The staff go above and beyond to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where our daughter feels valued and excited to learn every day.” — Christina & David Babirad

“When we first enrolled our son, we planned to stay until he turned four. But the warmth, dedication, and incredible learning environment made us extend his enrollment for two more years.” — Reena Minsasria

A school that listens—and leads

While no school can be the perfect fit for every child, YMS is praised for its willingness to work closely with families, observe each child carefully, and offer proactive support.  What’s most notable is how many families describe the school’s responsive, caring approach—and the positive outcomes that follow.

“My son was attending another Montessori program before YMS and I was kept in the dark (teachers told me “everything is great” when reality was my son was struggling). The York Montessori team held meetings, regularly called, and always kept in touch. They have gone above and beyond for our little boy. My son loves school now, he comes home and he wants to show me what new things he learned. It’s what school should be.” — Denise Lia

"My kids were very well prepared for Grade 1. Not only did my son and daughter received great academic enrichment, but it’s the genuine love and care from all of the teachers that makes YMS a truly wonderful Montessori. —Harry Leung

A Place Where Kids—and Parents—Feel at Home

At the end of the day, what speaks loudest is the day-to-day experience: children who are excited to go to school, and parents who feel supported and informed.

"My son started in the toddler class, and we’ve been so happy with his progress. He had attended another daycare previously, so we quickly noticed the difference! The teachers and staff are warm, inclusive, and genuinely care about the kids. My son loves them, and it's evident how much he’s learned." — Alison Gui

"The staff is extremely experienced, friendly, and truly dedicated to creating a positive environment. Our daughter is absolutely loving it and thriving both academically and socially. We highly recommend YMS!" — Yasmine Mehrabnia

York Montessori is for parents looking for: 

• An authentic Montessori program delivered by certified and deeply experienced educators
• A structured, respectful learning environment that nurtures independence, emotional maturity, and strong work habits
• Honest, proactive and transparent communication about their child’s progress
• A nurturing early-years experience that also prepares children for success in competitive independent school admissions
• A reputation for graduates who transition smoothly and are well-received by leading schools, both private and public. 
• A close-knit, collaborative community where families and educators partner in each child’s growth
• A leadership team committed to program quality over policy compliance, reflected in the school’s decision not to participate in CWELCC

YMS may not be the right fit if you're looking for: 

• A traditional daycare model with more play-based or unstructured learning
• A subsidized tuition model through CWELCC or government programs
• A program that downplays challenges instead of working collaboratively to address them
• A school where academic or developmental feedback is limited to surface-level updates
• A fast-paced, academically accelerated environment that doesn’t allow time for individual growth and self-regulation

Read our Report on York Montessori School and see how it compares to other schools in Richmond Hill and the York Region.