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Toronto Montessori schools

Find the best Montessori schools and programs in Toronto and the GTA.

On this page, we cover Montessori schools in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This includes Montessori schools in downtown Toronto (such as the Annex and Bloor West), midtown (such as St. Clair West and Forest Hill), North York, Scarborough, Vaughan, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Markham, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, and Aurora. Many of these schools are accredited by the CCMA or the AMI. 

For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of the Montessori philosophy, approach, and curriculum, start with our introductory guide.

There are lots of Montessori schools in Toronto. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, approach, program offerings, and special needs support. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features.

2. Choosing a school

Our Montessori school guide has specific advice for choosing Montessori schools. For general advice on how to choose and assess private schools, check out our choosing a school guide, as well as expert advice on choosing a school. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.

Private school expos

Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school. The Toronto private school expo is our biggest one: it allows you to speak with more than 70 private schools—all in one place. If you live in the west end of Toronto, visit our Halton-Peel expo. At this expo, you'll find Montessori schools and preschools from Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and across the GTA. Find a Montessori school near you.

Parent discussion forum

Another important resource in your school search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is an ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori education and private schools, in Toronto, Ontario, and elsewhere. Our community of parents, educational experts, school officials, and alumni can help answer your questions and stimulate your thinking.

Open house events

Attending open houses is a great way to learn more about a school and get a feel for the environment. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits and our choosing guide. For specific questions to ask Montessori schools, click here.

3. Tuition at Toronto Montessori schools

The cost of Montessori schools in Toronto tends to be lower than the cost of other private schools in Toronto. In fact, Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general.

Private school tuition can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year. There are no public Montessori schools in Toronto. That said, some public schools use certain Montessori principles and materials.

Many Toronto Montessori schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Others, though not as many, offer scholarships, which are given based on merit—for instance, in academics or athletics. You can learn more about need- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can also read our guide on preschool costs.

Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori schools in Toronto and the GTA:

Academics

Special needs support

Toronto boasts lots of Montessori schools. This includes private schools in downtown Toronto, the Annex, North York, Forest Hill, Midtown, Rosedale, High Park, and Richmond Hill. There are also nearby schools in Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Brantford, Unionville, Stouffville, and Vaughan.
 
Toronto has Montessori preschools (and daycares), elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Most of these schools are certified or accredited by a world recognized institute, such as the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) or the Association Montessori International (AMI). They also typically have dedicated teachers, trained by the AMI or the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher education (MACTE) 

Montessori school philosophy

The Montessori philosophy is unique and progressive. Montessori schools have mixed-age classrooms, with lots of student-to-student teaching. Students often work independently and in groups. And, the Montessori curriculum is tailored to the learning needs of each student.

Toronto Montessori schools are no exception to this rule. Although there's some variation between these schools in terms of approach, they tend to have the same basic philosophy of education. They implement this philosophy using several classroom policies and practices, which are discussed below (for more detailed discussion, read our comprehensive Montessori education guide).

Minimal direct instruction: Montessori teachers rarely lecture to the whole class or large groups of kids. When they do give lectures, they tend to be engaging and interactive. Typically, though, teachers merely guide kids, and connect them with meaningful work, even at the preschool or casa level.

Self-directed learning: Students have lots of freedom in their studies. With the guidance of the teacher, they often choose their own tasks and determine the pace of their studies.  

Concrete learning: Students work with lots of concrete materials, and do lots of practical life activities, to learn different skills and concepts (especially at the lower levels). At the upper levels, though, there’s more focus on abstract learning.

Integrated curriculum: Subjects are usually taught in an interdisciplinary way, rather than in isolation. For instance, students may be given what's called a great lesson on the beginning of life. In this lesson, they'll learn about science, history, religion, and other subjects.  

Uninterrupted work periods: Montessori students are given plenty of time to work on specific tasks in the classroom, free of interruptions. In elementary schools, they’re often given at least one 3-hour, uninterrupted work period. 

Montessori activities: Almost all class time is spent on structured activities and tasks. Students aren’t typically given free-play time in class, except sometimes at the lower levels (such as in preschool or nursery school). Some time is scheduled for outdoor recess in Montessori schools, though this may be less than in traditional or mainstream schools.

Minimal tests, assignments, and grades: Tests, assignments, and grades are almost never given at the primary or elementary level (or in preschool). Montessori high schools, on the other hand, are required to have graded work (and to give course credits) to meet provincial curricular requirements and prepare students for university or college.

Minimal homework: Homework is almost never assigned, though students may be allowed to bring some work home. This gives students more independence and preserves precious family time.

Montessori school curriculum

In Montessori schools, in Toronto and the GTA (including North York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke), learning is very hands-on. Students work with lots of concrete materials, and they’re encouraged to solve problems on their own—without the teacher’s help. For most subjects, textbooks aren’t used (at least at the lower levels), and teachers don’t try to impart information to students. 

This approach is similar to the inquiry or discovery model of instruction. It’s very different, on the other hand, from more traditional models—models that focus more on direct instruction and memorization. The inquiry model of instruction is more common in progressive schools, and the traditional model is more common in mainstream schools.

To learn how the Montessori method evolves from preschool to high school, read our guide to the Montessori teaching approach.

Benefits of a Montessori education

A Montessori education has numerous benefits. Its individualized curriculum can be very challenging and stimulating. And, it’s teaching and curricular approach promotes independence, concentration, discipline, and good work habits.

Moreover, there’s some evidence that concrete learning—which is one of its big focuses —benefits many students. Research has shown that the Montessori focus on practical life and sensory activities can lead to faster learning, as well as improved focus and engagement.

Montessori schools work especially well for children who are highly motivated and have good work habits. They also can be a good fit for children with special needs, including children who are gifted and have learning disabilities. (To learn more, read our guide to Montessori and special needs.) On the other hand, they’re sometimes not a great fit for children who prefer a traditional classroom structure and a standard curriculum.

If you’re looking at Montessori for your child, be sure to look for a school that’s the right fit. Luckily, in Toronto, there are lots of top schools and preschool programs to choose from, most of which are certified or accredited and have dedicated teachers with rigorous training.

Maria Montessori and the Montessori method

Maria Montessori introduced the Montessori method for child education in 1907. She believed that education during a child's formative years is crucial to their development and future success. Maria Montessori observed that children absorb knowledge like a sponge, and that every child has an innate desire to learn.

Similar to Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, Montessori schools enable children to acquire the skills necessary for a practical and valuable life. They also develop the motor and social skills of even the youngest students.

Choosing a Montessori school in Toronto

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions of each of the Toronto Montessori schools you're interested in, until you find the right fit. You want what’s best for your child. So, before choosing a Montessori school in the GTA, take these questions into consideration:

• Do the school's values, goals, and priorities match those of your family?
• Does the school have a caring and supportive learning environment?
• Will the school work with your child’s learning and academic style?
• Will your child’s academic ability be the right fit?
• What is the school’s reputation and accreditation?
• Does the school offer preschool and daycare, and if so, what are its preschool and daycare approaches, and what is it's preschool curriculum?