Alternative schools are mission-oriented
Learn more about alternative schools
By his own admission, Gaby Israel was skeptical about sending his daughter Danielle, then in Grade 3, to an alternative school. Read more
By his own admission, Gaby Israel was skeptical about sending his daughter Danielle, then in Grade 3, to an alternative school. Read more
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
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.
"The York School is a co-ed JK-Grade 12 IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose.
—From the school
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"Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. Our inquiry approach fosters and develops critical thinking, student agency and globally minded citizens.
—From the school
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"At Upper Canada College tradition, excellence and innovation meet. UCC inspires boys to lead lives of leadership, service and impact through transformative learning experiences that develop head, heart and humanity.
—From the school
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"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls in JK-Grade 12, developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age.
—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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 Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario "SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration in a caring and inclusive community. Through its IB curriculum and rich co-curricular programming, SJK guides students to discover their unique talents and passions." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road "Elmwood School is Ottawa’s leading school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. With high academic standards, small classes, and a supportive environment, each girl is known, challenged, and empowered to reach her" —From the school
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 Brampton, Ontario Sunforest Drive/Bovaird Drive E "Rowntree is Brampton's Top Choice Private School year after year. Focusing on excellence, leadership, and inclusivity, each child develops academic strengths in both traditional and 21st Century skills." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd "There’s a different energy at SJA. As a leading IB World School and university prep school, SJA creates an atmosphere of acceptance that allows us to challenge students to take ownership of their own success." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Davenport Rd/Spadina Rd "Waldorf education is 'schooling with heart'. Students and parents love our class sizes, strong teacher relationships, incredible curriculum, unique opportunities and arts-infused academics!" —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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 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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 Mississauga, Ontario Derry/Millcreek "Lynn-Rose School is a premier private school for grades PK-12 that prepares students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners. We foster global citizenship, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving world" —From the school
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 Richmond Hill, Ontario "Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio-inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP and MYP Authorized School for children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Richmond Rd./John Sutherland Dr. "We drive learners of all ages to ask questions, think critically, solve complex problems collaboratively, and act. Academic success is achieved via dynamic learning, differentiated teaching and meaningful assessments." —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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 Rothesay, New Brunswick Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd "Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support." —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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 Burlington, Ontario Appleby Line/Upper Middle Road "Discover Halton Waldorf School—where confidence, independence, and curiosity thrive. Nestled on five lush forested acres, our unique campus has nurtured young minds through Waldorf education since 1984." —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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 Thornhill, Ontario Bathurst St/Rutherford Rd "Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics, arts and movement while addressing the intellectual, physical, emotional and social aspects of child development from preschool to gr. 12." —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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 Ottawa, Ontario Bank Street/Marché Way "Our programs find the interaction of youth’s developmental characteristics, the Ontario curriculum, and the requirements of the adult world to create the focussed engagement that naturally leads to personal excellence." —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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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"It wasn't like, 'OK, they can convince me in a week or so,'" he recalls. "I was trying to challenge it over, and over, and over again."
Gaby Israel had to be convinced that when he enrolled his daughter in Toronto Waldorf School, an alternative school that focuses on social and emotional development in addition to academics, Danielle would be able to thrive.
By the end of his first parent-teacher meeting, he had his answer.
"We saw the teachers, and that actually was the turning point for me," he says. "You feel as if they're on some kind of a mission. They're very much like mentors, not like teachers."
Though dedicated teachers can be found in schools of all varieties, Queen's University Professor of Education Rena Upitis says the didactic nature of alternative education lends itself to more zealous educators.
"There is more of an 'evangelical' tone to the rhetoric that some teachers in alternative schools adopt—and in those cases, being 'on a mission' seems an accurate observation," she says. "My experience is that this is more likely to occur in the alternative schools where a particular philosophical, pedagogical, and worldview is embedded in the schooling."
Toronto Waldorf is just one example of an alternative school, that can differ from traditional schools in focus, style of teaching, pedagogy, and subject matter. For example, rather than focusing strictly on academics, Toronto Waldorf takes what it calls a "deeper perspective" on education, striving to develop children intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Danielle recently graduated from Toronto Waldorf, having spent nine years at the school and transitioning from its "lower school" elementary program to its "upper school" or high school. Having thrived during her time at a Waldorf school, she attributes her success at the school as much to her peers as to pedagogy.
"Because our class is so small, we're a family," she says of her classmates "So it's nice going from one family to the next (each morning)."
While Waldorf's "deeper perspective" has helped Danielle thrive, Upitis notes that choosing an alternative school is a subjective process. Each one takes a unique approach, which may suit some students while failing others. It's a matter of finding the right philosophy and the right school for your child.
"Waldorf is not for every child," she offers as an example.
In addition, Danielle benefited from remaining at Toronto Waldorf through elementary and high school, rather than making the transition to a new school that many students make after Grade 8.
"There can be difficulties transitioning to other schooling systems from Waldorf schools," Upitis says, "and the 'evangelical' tone can also be off-putting for some."
But having recently been accepted to Jerusalem's Hebrew University—her first choice—Danielle has proven herself an accomplished student. According to her father, she owes at least part of her success to the fact that she found the right fit within a particular form of alternative education.
"It took me a while to understand that," Gaby Israel says.
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