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Toronto Montessori schools

Find the best Montessori schools in Toronto and the GTA.

Here’s OUR KIDS’ guide to Montessori schools in Toronto—your starting point for discovering child-centered education that nurtures independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. 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 Montessori Canada or the AMI.

Toronto offers a diverse selection of Montessori schools, including programs for toddlers through to adolescents. These schools emphasize self-directed learning, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on experiences. Tuition varies widely, depending on the school and program level.

For nearly 30 years, Our Kids has visited campuses, spoken with families and educators, and gathered firsthand insights into what makes each school unique. On OurKids.net, you’ll find verified profiles, authentic reviews, comparison tools, and expert guidance—all designed to help your family make a confident choice regarding Montessori in Toronto. For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of the Montessori philosophy, approach, and curriculum, start with our guide to Montessori.

2. How do I choose a Montessori 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.

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. What do Toronto Montessori schools cost?

Montessori schools in Toronto are generally more affordable than many other private schools in the city. They tend to fall on the lower end of private school tuition ranges, making them a comparatively accessible option for families.

How much is tuition at Montessori schools in Toronto?

• Private school tuition in Toronto ranges from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year
• Montessori schools usually fall on the lower side of this spectrum
• There are no fully public Montessori schools in Toronto, though some public schools incorporate Montessori-inspired methods and materials

Learn more about private school tuition.

Do Montessori schools in Toronto offer financial aid?

Yes. Many Montessori schools provide needs-based financial aid, including bursaries or tuition relief, to help families manage costs. Some schools also offer scholarships awarded on merit—such as academic or athletic achievement—though these are less common than needs-based aid.

Where can parents learn more?

• Explore guides on need- and merit-based financial aid for private schools
• Review resources on preschool costs in Toronto to better understand early education expenses

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

Academics

Special needs support

What kind of Montessori schools are there in Toronto?

In Toronto, there are several kinds of Montessori schools available for families. Options include preschools (and daycares), elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Most of these schools are certified or accredited by organizations such as Montessori Canada or the Association Montessori International (AMI). Teachers are generally trained through AMI or the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), ensuring a high level of expertise and adherence to Montessori standards.

What is the Montessori school philosophy?

The Montessori philosophy is progressive and child-centered. Classrooms have mixed ages, with students learning from one another, often working independently or in small groups. The curriculum is customized to each child’s learning needs. The best Toronto Montessori schools all follow these principles while adapting them through specific policies and practices. For a more detailed overview, see our Montessori education guide.

Minimal direct instruction: Teachers guide rather than lecture, connecting students with meaningful work, even at the casa or preschool level.

Self-directed learning: Students often choose their own tasks and set their own pace, with teachers offering guidance.

Concrete learning: Especially at lower levels, children use hands-on materials and practical life activities. Older students shift gradually to abstract concepts.

Integrated curriculum: Subjects are taught together, not in isolation. For example, the great lessons combine science, history, religion, and more.

Uninterrupted work periods: Elementary students often receive three-hour blocks of focused, independent work time without interruptions.

Montessori activities: Nearly all class time is spent on structured activities. Free play is limited to preschool or nursery school, though outdoor recess is scheduled.

Minimal tests, assignments, and grades: At the preschool and elementary levels, tests and grades are rare. Montessori high schools, however, provide graded work and credits to meet provincial requirements.

Minimal homework: Homework is rarely assigned, helping students maintain independence and family balance.

How does the Montessori curriculum work?

In Toronto and the GTA (including North York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke), Montessori education emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. Textbooks are rarely used in lower levels, and teachers encourage discovery rather than memorization. This approach is similar to the inquiry-based model, more common in progressive schools, and stands in contrast to the traditional model.

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

What are the benefits of Montessori education?

A Montessori education offers many benefits. The individualized curriculum promotes independence, focus, discipline, and strong work habits. Its emphasis on concrete learning and practical life activities has been shown to improve engagement and accelerate learning.

Montessori can be a strong fit for highly motivated children and those with good work habits. It also supports children with special needs, including gifted learners and those with learning disabilities. (For more, see our guide on Montessori and special needs.) However, it may not suit children who prefer traditional structure and standard curricula.

Toronto offers many certified Montessori schools and preschool programs, staffed by rigorously trained teachers, making it easier for parents to find a program that matches their child’s needs.

Who was Maria Montessori?

Maria Montessori founded the Montessori method in 1907. She believed that education in a child’s early years shapes their lifelong success. Montessori emphasized that children naturally absorb knowledge and have an innate desire to learn. Like Waldorf and Reggio Emilia approaches, Montessori fosters both academic skills and social development from a young age.

How to choose a Montessori school in Toronto

When selecting a Montessori school in Toronto or the GTA, parents should ask key questions to ensure the right fit:

• Do the school’s values, goals, and priorities align with your family’s?
• Is the learning environment caring and supportive?
• Does the school accommodate your child’s learning style?
• Is the academic level appropriate for your child?
• What is the school’s reputation and accreditation status?
• Does the school offer preschool or daycare, and what is its preschool curriculum?