Here’s the OUR KIDS guide to Montessori elementary schools—your introduction to child-centred education at the primary level. Montessori elementary programs emphasize independence, curiosity, and hands-on exploration, allowing children to learn at their own pace while developing strong academic and personal foundations.
On this page, we feature accredited and certified Montessori elementary schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Pickering, and Scarborough, as well as schools across Ontario and throughout Canada.
For more than 30 years, OUR KIDS has provided families with trusted insights into private and independent schools. On OurKids.net, you’ll find detailed school profiles, parent reviews, comparison tools, and expert articles to help guide your decision. For a more comprehensive guide to Montessori education, including an in-depth discussion of the Montessori philosophy, method, and curriculum, read our guide to Montessori schools.
Montessori elementary schools include kids aged 6 to 12, the equivalent of grade 1 to 6 in most schools. There are a lot of Montessori elementary schools in Canada. Almost all of these are private. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, learning environment, curricular approach, and program offerings. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. This list can be filtered for several features, including location and special needs support.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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"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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"Our Beyond the Books approach prioritizes academic success & personal growth, using success to nurture students' confidence & self-esteem to develop a willingness to take risks in the classroom & school activities.
—From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —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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Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East "Clanmore Montessori offers a warm, inclusive community where children learn with purpose. Our caring educators and mixed‑age environments help students grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy." —From the school
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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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Toronto, Ontario "Hopscotch Montessori Toronto is an international boutique school that nurtures global citizens aged 0-12. We foster child-driven independence, academic discovery, creative exploration, and a sustainability mindset." —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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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore Road/Southdown "Parents can expect higher academic exposure and research-supported learning strategies to develop intellectual, character, and a social-emotional skills for a personal edge. Kindness and respect for others are valued." —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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Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. "Century Private School is located in Richmond Hill, and our campus occupies 12 acres of land. Our programs 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 Cawthra Road/QEW "Our mission is to empower students to become compassionate and engaged citizens who are capable of using their academic, artistic, and environmental knowledge to effect positive change in their communities." —From the school
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Toronto / Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario Ellerslie/Yonge St "TFMS offers bilingual education in English and French from Pre-K to Gr. 8. Spanish is introduced as a second language from Gr. 1–8. Small classes and Christian values support each child’s full development and growth." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Major Mackenzie/Bayview Avenue "Richmond Hill Montessori Private School is a co-ed day school offering programs from Montessori to Grade 8. Small classes from 16-20 students support personalized learning, strong relationships and character growth." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave South "Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school that provides education to students in JK Grades 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 18 students." —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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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "Lauremont School 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 for life." —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 12. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child." —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 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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Toronto, Ontario Mt Pleasant Rd/Eglinton Ave "Authentic AMI Montessori learning with experienced educators, purposeful environments, and strong foundations in literacy, math, and French. Children build independence, focus, and confidence." —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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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "CMPS is a faith-based, academically rigorous community blending Montessori and traditional methods to inspire a love of learning, strong character, and confident leadership from Preschool to Grade 12." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario "Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
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Whitby, Ontario "With bright, modern classrooms, passionate accredited teachers, and an inclusive approach to tuition, Kendalwood fosters curiosity, independence, and academic excellence." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "Alive Montessori is a warm, safe and loving community where caring teachers support each child through small class sizes and individualized programs. We nurture independence, confidence, curiosity and a love of learning." —From the school
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Pickering, Ontario Kingston/Altona "At École Montessori, students become bilingual critical thinkers through a rich French Montessori curriculum that fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning." —From the school
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Brantford, Ontario Fairview Drive/North Park Street "Since 1996, strong academics, small classes, & dedicated teachers have created a nurturing environment where every child feels supported. We inspire well-rounded learners who become confident, compassionate students." —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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Pickering, Ontario whites/kingston road "Montessori Learning Centre is a non-denominational, inclusive school that has been serving families for 40 years. We recognize and honour religious and cultural events as part of our whole-life educational philosophy." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Dundas St. E./Trafalgar Crossing "Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing is a thoughtfully prepared learning community grounded in Montessori pedagogy, fostering academic excellence, independence, and holistic child development." —From the school
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Markham / Stouffville, Ontario Woodbine Ave/Major Mackenzie Dr E "Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs for infants to grade 6 in our healthy and safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/16th Avenue "Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade 8 in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students." —From the school
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Brampton, Ontario "KMSchool offers accredited Montessori education from 18 months to Grade 12, blending academic excellence with ethnic language, culture, and faith to nurture well-rounded, curious, and culturally grounded students." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "LDVA provides foundational education and challenges students to develop to their full potential. Officially recognized by the Italian Government, our unique curriculum incorporates Italian language and culture." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Bayview/Sheppard "Bannockburn provides a strong academic foundation anchored in the principles of the Montessori philosophy that supports your child’s intellectual, moral, social, and emotional development in a nurturing environment." —From the school
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Barrie, Ontario "Barrie Montessori offers programs from 18 months to Grade 8, combining hands-on learning, academic excellence, and character development in a nurturing environment that exceeds Ontario standards." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori delivers an enriched Montessori program that builds strong academic foundations, critical thinking, and independence, while developing adaptive, future-ready skills in a supportive community." —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 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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Toronto, Ontario Finch Avenue/Islington Avenue "Nile Academy offers small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, while also following the Ontario Curriculum, ensuring our students are well prepared for the rest of their educational pursuits here in Canada." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Appleby/Britannia "Evergreen Academy redefines education through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and small classes where children are truly known, challenged, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." —From the school
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Coquitlam, British Columbia "An authentic Montessori school, COI offers each child the space and support to grow and thrive academically as well as to develop the social-emotional skills that will help them have a successful and fulfilled life." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairview Street "Inspiring Independent Minds with Purpose and Integrity! Positive school culture begins with passionate educators and a commitment to excellence. At FGMS children are guided with dignity because they are capable of more." —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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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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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 "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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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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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 Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "Our goal is to guide children with respect and understanding, nurturing a lifelong love of learning. We strive to create a supportive environment that fosters intellectual, social, and moral growth." —From the school
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Milton, Ontario Main St W/Bronte St N "Our Montessori classrooms form vibrant communities where children uncover their learning potential and receive ongoing, personalized support for their academic, social, and emotional development." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —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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Kanata, Ontario • Kanata, Province 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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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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Mississauga, Ontario "Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station." —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.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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"St. George's School in Vancouver offers university-preparatory program to Canadian and International boarding students from Grade 8 to 12. The School's mission: Building Fine Young Men. One Boy at a Time.
—From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers an accelerated, enriched curriculum in a supportive, family-focused environment, where students thrive, lead, and develop a lifelong love of learning." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario ""Alderwood Academy nurtures the heart, mind, and soul of every child through holistic education rooted in love, culture, and Catholic values—where learning becomes a joyful journey."" —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue "Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an IB Continuum World School offering a Montessori Pre-School program, IB Elementary School, High School and optional IB Diploma Programme." —From the school
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Brampton, Ontario Torbram/Clark "Tall Pines School is focused on post education success. As an IB World School, we go beyond academics to nurture character development while developing critical thinkers today that thrive in the uncertainty of tomorrow." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street "Ashwood Glen, an IB World School from JK to Gr, 1-8, fosters leadership, global citizenship, & a growth mindset. Our warm, inclusive community & personalized approach empower confident, future-ready students to thrive!" —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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Etobicoke, Ontario Royal York/Eglington "Christian, nature-immersed education forming the whole child through academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and real-world learning. We raise self-starting leaders rooted in truth, purpose, and absolute freedom." —From the school
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For general advice on how to choose and assess private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and expert advice guide. For advice on choosing Montessori schools (including elementary schools), see our Montessori choosing guide. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.
Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school, at any level. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Halton-Peel. These expos allow you to speak with lots of private schools in Canada, many of which are elementary schools and some of which are Montessori schools. Find a Montessori elementary school near you.
Attending open houses can be a great way to learn more about schools, including Montessori elementary schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.
| School name | Date | Location |
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Kanata Montessori | August 05, 2026 12:00 am |
The cost of Montessori elementary schools tends to be lower than the cost of other private elementary schools. Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general. Tuition for private elementary schools can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year.
Some Montessori elementary schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Others provide merit-based aid, such as scholarships. You can learn more about financial aid in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori elementary schools:
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
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Meadow Green Christian Academy | $18,490 | JK - 8 | ||
Academie Providence | $11,600 to $13,300 | 35% | 1 - 8 | $40 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $5,500 |
St. George's School | $33,300 to $34,300 | 8% | 4 - 12 | $17,500 |
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $32,000 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
Somerset Academy | $16,000 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Lauremont School | $31,800 to $37,790 | Preschool - 12 | ||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | $15,840 to $16,785 | K - 7 | ||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | $19,600 | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Bannockburn Independent School | $29,100 | 6% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $12,150 |
Aurora Montessori School | $21,888 to $25,280 | Preschool - 8 | $4,000 | |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $4,620 to $19,495 | 1 - 8 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Meadow Green Christian Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Academie Providence | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 20 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Bond Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
St. George's School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 22 | No support | |||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Hopscotch Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 20 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Century Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Monarch Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Western Heights Montessori Academy | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Lauremont School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Alderwood Academy | Progressive | Reggio Emilia | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 12 | No support | Light integration | |
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Manor Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Indirect Support | |||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 22 | No support | ||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School | Montessori | Supportive | Indirect Support | |||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | ||
Tall Pines School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Supportive | 14 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 25 | No support | ||
Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 18 to 30 | No support | Light integration | ||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | No support | ||||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
KMSchool | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 24 to 30 | Resource Assistance | |||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
Bannockburn Independent School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Head Start Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Nile Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | |
Evergreen Academy | Montessori | Reggio Emilia | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Children of Integrity Montessori Academy | Montessori | 14 to 18 | Indirect Support | |||||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | ||||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Stirling Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
The New School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate Candidate | Student-paced | Supportive | 8 to 12 | No support | Light integration | |
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Reggio Emilia | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 23 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration |
Legend:
Meadow Green Christian Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Academie Providence | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. George's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hopscotch Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monarch Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lauremont School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alderwood Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Manor Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tall Pines School | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
KMSchool | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn Independent School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Head Start Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nile Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Evergreen Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Integrity Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stirling Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
The New School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy |
Montessori schools, based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori, are designed to accommodate the growing child. Elementary schools follow this approach as well.
Montessori elementary schools have mixed-age classrooms with extensive self-directed learning, student-to-student teaching, interaction, and concrete learning. This environment helps students stay focused and engaged while developing cognitive and social skills.
These schools serve children aged 6 to 12. Often, there are two classes: a lower elementary class for ages 6-9 and a higher elementary class for ages 9-12. In smaller schools, there may be a single class covering ages 6-12.
For more discussion of Montessori elementary schools, see our main Montessori school guide.
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 depends on kids' unique traits, such as mental and academic focus, social tendencies, and activity level.
To customize over 350 school profiles with insights unique to your child’s traits, create a child profile through an Our Kids user account.
Elementary schools, like preschools, emphasize concrete learning. Children work with various materials to develop skills and concepts, and engage in practical life activities. In the upper years, learning becomes more abstract, refining reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
Students have significant freedom to choose their curriculum and work at their own pace. Most elementary classes include a three-hour, uninterrupted work period, during which students focus on chosen tasks free from distractions—a hallmark of the Montessori method.
Elementary schools focus on core academic subjects and skills, including reading, writing, math, and science. Time is also devoted to creative writing and art projects, alongside character education that fosters independence, responsibility, and honesty.
Unlike preschools, elementary Montessori teachers sometimes provide direct instruction, particularly at upper levels. Lessons are usually given to small groups rather than the entire class, and often involve interactive “great lessons” on topics like the origin of life. Teachers work closely with students one-on-one or in small groups, ensuring special guidance and attention where needed.
Much of the time, children work independently or in small groups. Older students may teach and mentor younger peers, reinforcing learning for both. Projects are often interdisciplinary, covering multiple subjects.
Montessori schools offer a first-rate education with numerous benefits. Elementary students gain important academic skills, follow an engaging self-directed curriculum, develop social skills, build independence and self-sufficiency, and learn practical skills and character traits.
Montessori elementary schools work especially well for motivated children with strong work ethics, though they may be less suitable for students who prefer traditional classrooms and standard curricula. These schools are popular worldwide, though interpretations of the Montessori philosophy and teaching method can vary.
For more details, see our Montessori benefits guide.