On this page, we list Montessori preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and daycares in Canada. We also cover Montessori preschool costs, tuition, philosophy, and curriculum.
For a far more comprehensive guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of the Montessori education method, start with our introductory guide.
Montessori preschools and daycares include toddler programs (ages 0-3) and primary schools (ages 3-6). There are lots of Montessori preschools in Canada, almost all of which are private. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, learning environment, curriculum, and activities. The preschools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features, including programming, special needs support, location, and cost.
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Toronto, Ontario Spadina Ave/College Street "Authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori Schools located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa, Elementary and Adolescent children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Dundas "TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary. We give students a head start in their educational journey, instilling a "Love of Learning!"" —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East "Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance for life." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "At Central Montessori School (CMS), young minds are inspired to be creative, innovative, and inquisitive. We cultivate bright, young leaders and strong communicators ready for the 21st century." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. "Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore Road/Southdown "Peel Montessori and Carrington College div. students learn above grade level for subjects of strength. Individualized curriculum, advanced academic strategies, and character development give students a personal edge." —From the school
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Scarborough, Ontario Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue "Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!" —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!" —From the school
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North York, Ontario Sheppard Avenue East/Victoria Park Avenue "Head Start Montessori was founded in 2002, on the premise that children need a warm, loving and authentic Montessori environment for them to grow into well-adjusted and peaceful beings. H.S.M. is a home away from home." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Denison/Warden "Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!" —From the school
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Pickering, Ontario whites/kingston road "Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational, inclusive school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Lakeshore Road East/Bel Air Drive "Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. We have three campuses in Oakville, delivering exceptional Montessori Programs." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/16th Avenue "Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students." —From the school
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Brantford, Ontario Charlotte St/Chatham St "Located in Brantford, Ontario, Montessori House of Children (MHC) provides excellent programs for grades Nursery to 3 and helps young children reach their learning potential with both independent and self-directed learning. MHC also offers support for students with learning differences." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario QEW/Ford Drive / Ninth Line "La Villa Montessori is an AMI recognized School that adheres to Dr. Montessori's principles. We provide a nurturing environment that fulfills the child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs." —From the school
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Brantford, Ontario Fairview Drive/North Park Street "Braemar House School is a not-for-profit elementary school that proves each day that children thrive in a nurturing environment." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Tomken Rd./Eglinton Ave. E "Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "Leonardo Da Vinci Academy provides exceptional schooling for the formative years. Our unique curriculum aims to instil a love of learning and challenges students to develop their full potential." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum in a nurturing environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Major Mackenzie/Bayview Avenue "Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students." —From the school
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Kanata, Ontario Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive "For 50 years, Kanata Montessori has offered excellent learning environments for students to grow emotionally, socially and academically into a positive global citizen." —From the school
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Hamilton, Ontario Garth Street/Fennell Avenue West "Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering academic programs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada." —From the school
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Pickering, Ontario Kingston/Altona "École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French private school dedicated to transforming your child into a bilingual critical thinker with our enriched curriculum that fosters the genius within each student." —From the school
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Whitby, Ontario Brock Street South/Dundas Streer West "The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Alta Vista Drive/Industrial Road "OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment." —From the school
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Newmarket, Ontario "LMMH was established in 2003, the school offers a unique French Immersion Program as well as an English Program for children from 2 ½ to 13 years of age. Our students also learn to ski, golf, play tennis and more." —From the school
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North York / Scarborough, Ontario Victoria Park/Lawrence "Nurturing innate love for learning, we offer independent educational chances for young children to cultivate lifelong knowledge and self discovery." —From the school
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Port Perry, Ontario Reach St/Old Simcoe Rd "CHMS offers authentic supportive, vibrant, child centered AMI Montessori that is perfect for curious, inquisitive students looking to thrive in a social, hands on, collaborative, challenging environment." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario St/Matheson Blvd E "ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience" —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia Keith Rd/Lynnmouth Ave "Collaborative and engaging, North Star's programs put students at the center of their learning and quest for knowledge." —From the school
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St. Catharines, Ontario Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street "We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bloor/Spadina "Guidepost is a new Montessori school coming to Toronto [Annex], serving children from 10 weeks to 12 years old. We offer year-round programming and rolling admissions into our programs to meet the needs of every family." —From the school
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Oshawa, Ontario Wilson Road/Adelaide Ave "At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment." —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 10. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence Ave./Bathurst St. "The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario 14th Ave/Kennedy "Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten." —From the school
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Fredericton, New Brunswick "The main objective of FMA is to provide your child with a planned and stimulating environment in order for them to be able to reach their own individual and highest learning potential while honouring the whole child." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Glen Erin/Dundas "Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west area of Mississauga . Our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential." —From the school
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Some schools aren't Montessori schools, but use a Montessori approach for their preschool or daycare program. This approach gives young learners plenty of freedom to choose tasks and activities that interest them, which promotes their independence and confidence. It also strongly emphasizes concrete learning, where children work with lots of hands-on materials, and do practical life activities. Children usually work independently or in small groups in these programs.
"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for success in class & beyond; nurturing the growth of students' confidence & self-esteem, to take risks when learning, to reach their personal & academic potential.
—From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street "Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lower Spadina/Bathurst "At Free Spirit MDT, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment. Learning in a intimate setting, we are able to take into consideration and encourage the free spirit of each child." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Prince Edward Dr N/Bloor Street West "Prince Edward Montessori School offers programs for various grades in Toronto. Its average class size is ten to 16 students. " —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available." —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers a comprehensive academic program catering to a wide age range, spanning from 18 months to Grade 8. Our curriculum includes a Montessori program designed for children aged 18 months to 6 years." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Pkwy/Millcreek Drive "Western Heights offers an enriched Montessori program that fosters a love of learning. The school actively engages its close-knit parent community to offer an enriched curriculum that adapts to each student's needs." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue "Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® Continuum School offering a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme." —From the school
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For general advice on how to choose and evaluate private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and read advice from leading education experts. For advice on choosing Montessori schools, read our main Montessori school guide and our Montessori choosing guide. For advice on finding the right preschool, read our preschool choosing guide.
Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school, at any level. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Halton-Peel, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver. These expos allow you to learn about different types of private schools across the country, many of which are Montessori schools or have a Montessori program. Find a Montessori preschool near you.
Another great tool in your school and preschool search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is the ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori schools, and other topics of interests. Take advantage of our community of parents, education experts, and school officials to get your questions answered.
Attending open houses can also be an effective way to learn more about schools and preschools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.
| School name | Date | Location |
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Ashwood Glen | April 24, 2024 11:30 am | Ashwood Glen 3430 Fairview St. Burlington ON L7N 2R5 |
Ashwood Glen | April 24, 2024 11:30 am | Ashwood Glen School 3430 Fairview Street Burlington Ontario L7N 2R5 |
Trinity Montessori School | April 27, 2024 10:00 am | Trinity Montessori School 9211 Woodbine Ave Markham ON L3R0K1 |
Town Centre Private Schools | April 27, 2024 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R7P3 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | May 02, 2024 5:30 pm | 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton Ontario L9C 1G2 |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | May 10, 2024 10:00 am | Leonardo Da Vinci Academy 901 Lawrence Avenue West Toronto Ontario M6A 1C3 |
Town Centre Private Schools | June 08, 2024 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R7P3 |
Wishing Well Schools | October 19, 2024 10:00 am |
The cost of Montessori preschools tends to be lower than the cost of other private preschools, nursery schools, daycares, and kindergartens. In fact, Montessori preschools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general.
Private school tuition can range from $5,000 to over $25,000 per year. Preschool (Montessori) tends to be closer to the lower end of this scale. You can learn more in our preschool costs guide.
Some preschools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. And some offer merit-based aid, in the form of scholarships. You can learn more about financial aid in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori preschools across Canada. This includes Montessori preschools in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa, Victoria, Mississauga, and Brampton.
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
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TMS | $26,750 to $32,700 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $32,000 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $6,183 to $18,375 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $15,420 to $15,840 | |||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | $18,300 | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Bannockburn | $27,300 | |||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 | |||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | $15,840 to $16,785 | K - 7 | ||
Guidepost Montessori | Nursery/Toddler - 8 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
Century Private School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 24 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Free Spirit Montessori Downtown | Student-paced | Supportive | 8 to 16 | Resource Assistance | ||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Prince Edward Montessori School | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 16 | No support | ||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | |||||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | ||||
Head Start Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | No support | |||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
La Maison Montessori House | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Curlew Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 20 to 24 | No support | Light integration | ||
The Children's House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | No support | |||||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
North Star Montessori Elementary School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Guidepost Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 to 10 | No support | Light integration | ||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Fredericton Montessori Academy | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support |
Legend:
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Free Spirit Montessori Downtown | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Prince Edward Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Head Start Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori House of Children | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Maison Montessori House | ||||||||||||||||||||
Curlew Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Children's House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guidepost Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fredericton Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School |
In Ontario, there are Montessori preschools in Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Burlington, Oakville, Ottawa, Pickering, and Scarborough. Elsewhere in Canada, you can find casa programs in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria, among other cities. Most of these preschools are certified by a world-recognized accrediting institute, such as the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) or the American Montessori Internationale (AMI).
Other countries also offer this Montessori preschool, including Poland. If you're interested in a Polish Montessori preschool, read our guide: przedszkola Montessori w Polsce (or in English, Montessori preschools).
But, what is the Montessori preschool approach? And how is this approach different from other preschool and daycare programs?
Montessori preschool, like elementary, middle, and high school, is meant to accommodate the growing child. They have mixed-age and interactive classrooms which allow children to grow cognitively and socially, and become more independent and responsible.
Preschool (Montessori) is for infants, toddlers, and older children. It's usually divided up into two programs: toddler rooms (Montessori daycare) and primary schools. Each program uses a distinct method and focuses on a special set of skills (with some overlap).
Montessori toddler programs, sometimes referred to as Montessori daycare or nursery programs, have children from birth (or 18 months) to age 3. These programs are often “play based”: they have lots of social activity. Similar to Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, children start interacting with other kids here, and start to develop social skills, such as listening, cooperation, and self-control. They also start to walk, talk, and engage in physical play.
That said, toddler programs (also referred to as "toddler preschool") also focus on some basic cognitive skills. Quite a bit of time is allotted for concrete learning and practical life activities. Though most toddlers don’t engage in long, uninterrupted work, they’re curious and love to explore. The Montessori classroom is set up to build on this curiosity.
There are many Montessori primary classes, or what are sometimes called “casa dei bambini,” meaning “the children’s house.” These classes are for kids aged 3 to 6. They start to prepare kids for grade school.
Primary classes start to focus more on academics. Kids do lots of concrete learning, using many different Montessori materials. They also work on their speech, and start reading, writing, and math. Teachers sometimes give short lessons to kids at this level, but mostly they guide them and help them focus on their work.
Montessori students also start working for longer periods of uninterrupted time in primary school. They also start to develop intense focus and concentration. This is one of the benchmarks for moving on to elementary school.
There are four main areas of the primary school Montessori curriculum:
Practical life: Kids take care of themselves, the environment, and learn grace and courtesy. They also work on their physical coordination. This is meant to improve their organization, social skills, and sense of responsibility.
Sensory exploration: Kids order, classify, and describe sensory impressions of length, width, temperature, mass, colour, pitch, and the like.
Math: In Montessori math, kids use manipulative materials to learn different math concepts. These include number, symbol, sequence, and operations.
Language arts: Kids work on speech, written expression, reading, grammar, and the creative arts. They learn to express their thoughts and feelings orally and in writing.
For more details about the Montessori preschool curriculum and the Montessori teaching methods (preschool), read our preschool curriculum guide, comparison of Montessori to other preschools, and our guides to kindergarten and daycare. You can also check out our guides to Montessori curriculum and teaching approaches.
Montessori preschool, at both the toddler and primary level, has a lot of benefits. It can foster independence, responsibility, and social skills. And, its focus on sensory exploration and cognitive learning can be very engaging for many kids. And, most Montessori preschools, like Waldorf and Reggio Emilia preschools have dedicated (and certified) teachers, who promote children's learning with a structured classroom, individualized lesson plans, and engaging materials.
Montessori preschools work especially well for kids who are strong listeners, have good attention spans, and are motivated to learn. On the other hand, kids with severe learning, developmental, behavioural disorders, or other special needs, may need extra support.
For more details, see our article on Montessori benefits. To learn about the pros and cons of preschool in general, read our guide.
Tuition for Montessori schools and preschools across Canada continues to decline. You will find some accredited programs which cost $6,000 or less per year. There are also other ways to afford a Montessori school or preschool. They include:
If you can show the school that you are in clear need of financial aid, you may be eligible for a bursary. Charitable or community organizations may also assist you in paying for a preschool (Montessori or otherwise).
In some Canadian provinces, paying for a religiously-affiliated Montessori preschool qualifies as a charitable donation. This means you'll receive a tax break for it.
Many private schools, including some Montessori schools, have sibling discounts that increase with each child that you send to them.
Child-specific advice on choosing a Montessori school
Read our child-specific insights on choosing the right school, including Montessori schools. We explore how choosing the right type of school crucially depends on kids' unique traits, such as their mental and academic focus, social tendencies, and activity level.
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