Here’s the OUR KIDS guide to Montessori preschools in Canada—your introduction to early childhood education rooted in the Montessori philosophy. Montessori preschools, nurseries, kindergartens, and daycares focus on independence, hands-on exploration, and self-directed learning, giving young children the foundation to develop confidence, curiosity, and essential life skills.
On this page, we list Montessori preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and daycares across Canada. In addition to school listings, we also highlight key information about Montessori preschool tuition, program costs, philosophy, and curriculum.
For more than 30 years, OUR KIDS has connected families with private and independent schools, sharing trusted insights into what makes each program unique. On OurKids.net, you’ll find detailed school profiles, reviews, comparison tools, and expert resources to guide your decision. For a far more comprehensive overview of Montessori education, including an in-depth discussion of the Montessori method, start with our guide to Montessori schools.
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.
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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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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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 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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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 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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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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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, 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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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 Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "At Alive Montessori, Grades 1–6 students develop independence, curiosity, and strong academic foundations through hands-on Montessori learning, personalized instruction, and a supportive school family." —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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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West Vancouver, British Columbia "A Montessori environment nurturing independence and curiosity through a 3-year cycle of hands-on learning, guided discovery, and enrichment including French, music, and outdoor play." —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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Oakville, Ontario Lakeshore Road East/Bel Air Drive "Established in 1968, Dearcroft Montessori is Oakville's original Montessori school, offering authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Junior High in a warm, 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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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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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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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 / 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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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence Ave./Bathurst St. "The Clover School offers an authentic Montessori education across two Toronto locations for Toddler to Grade 6, rooted in community, academic excellence, and whole-child development where every child is truly known." —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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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Newmarket, Ontario "Grace Christian Montessori School acknowledges each child as a masterpiece of God, unleashing their potential through a holistic blend of Montessori principles, STEAM, academic excellence, and biblical teachings." —From the school
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North York, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "We follow the Montessori philosophy: connection before instruction. We customize, personalize, and honor the individuality of every child, nurturing growth through trust, respect, and thoughtful guidance." —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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Richmond Hill, Ontario Leslie/Elgin Mills "In addition to providing high-quality Montessori education, YMS offers French and Music, on-site after-school classes, off-site field trips, theme-based summer camp, parent education workshops, and family social events." —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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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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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario St/Matheson Blvd E "ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier schools. We offer montessori and traditional childcare programs from pre-CASA to Senior CASA with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts." —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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Markham / Unionville, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program caters to children from 1.5 to 5 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Gatehouse Montessori School | July 17, 2026 1:30 pm | School 1305 Taylor Way West Vancouver British Columbia V7T2Y7 |
Kanata Montessori | August 05, 2026 12:00 am | |
Gatehouse Montessori School | August 05, 2026 1:30 pm | School 1305 Taylor Way West Vancouver British Columbia V7T2Y7 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | November 07, 2026 10:00 am | Beach Campus/ Wood Glen Campus 65 Glen Manor Drive /31 Wood Glen Road Toronto ON M4E 3V3 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | January 23, 2027 10:00 am | Beach Campus/ Wood Glen Campus 65 Glen Manor Drive /31 Wood Glen Road Toronto ON M4E 3V3 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | April 10, 2027 10:00 am | Beach Campus/ Wood Glen Campus 65 Glen Manor Drive /31 Wood Glen Road Toronto ON M4E 3V3 |
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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Academie Providence | $11,600 to $13,300 | 35% | 1 - 8 | $40 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $5,500 |
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $32,000 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
Aurora Montessori School | $21,888 to $25,280 | Preschool - 8 | $4,000 | |
Grace Christian Montessori School | $17,900 to $18,900 | 5% | Nursery/Toddler - K | $7,560 |
Bannockburn Independent School | $29,100 | 6% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $12,150 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $4,620 to $19,495 | 1 - 8 | ||
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | $19,600 | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $15,420 to $15,840 | |||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | $15,840 to $16,785 | K - 7 | ||
Lauremont School | $31,800 to $37,790 | Preschool - 12 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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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 | |
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Monarch Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Hopscotch Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 20 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Century Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | ||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | No support | ||||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Head Start Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Reggio Emilia | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 23 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | |
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Manor Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 25 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | ||
Children of Integrity Montessori Academy | Montessori | 14 to 18 | Indirect Support | |||||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Grace Christian Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Indirect Support | ||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 25 | No support | ||
Bannockburn Independent School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School | Montessori | Supportive | Indirect Support | |||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 12 to 30 | No support | Light integration | ||
Gatehouse Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | Indirect Support | ||||
Miracle Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | Indirect Support | |||||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
KMSchool | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 24 to 30 | Resource Assistance | |||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
York Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | |||||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | |||
Tall Pines School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Supportive | 14 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
Stirling Montessori Academy | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
ABC Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Light integration | ||||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 22 | No support | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | ||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Lauremont School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration |
Legend:
Academie Providence | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monarch Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hopscotch Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Head Start Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Manor Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Integrity Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Grace Christian Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn Independent School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gatehouse Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Miracle Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
KMSchool | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
York Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tall Pines School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stirling Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lauremont School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School |
In Ontario, there are Montessori preschools in Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Burlington, Oakville, Ottawa, Pickering, and Scarborough. Outside Ontario, you can find casa programs in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria, among other cities. Most of these preschools are certified by a recognized accrediting institute, such as the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) or the American Montessori Internationale (AMI).
Montessori preschools are also available in other countries, including Poland. For Polish Montessori preschools, see przedszkola Montessori w Polsce (English version: Montessori preschools).
The Montessori approach is designed to accommodate the growing child. Classrooms are mixed-age and interactive, allowing children to grow cognitively and socially while becoming more independent and responsible.
Preschool is typically divided into two programs: toddler rooms (Montessori daycare) and primary schools. Each program focuses on a distinct set of skills, with some overlap.
Montessori toddler programs, sometimes called Montessori daycare or nursery programs, serve children from birth (or 18 months) to age 3. These programs are play-based with a strong focus on social interaction. Children begin developing skills like listening, cooperation, and self-control while engaging in physical play and exploring their environment.
Toddler programs also introduce basic cognitive skills and practical life activities. While toddlers do not usually engage in long periods of work, their natural curiosity is supported by an environment designed to encourage exploration.
Montessori primary classes, or “casa dei bambini” (children’s house), serve children aged 3 to 6 and prepare them for grade school. These classes emphasize concrete learning, including reading, writing, math, and speech development. Teachers guide students rather than provide long lessons.
Children begin working in longer uninterrupted periods, developing concentration and focus—important benchmarks for elementary school readiness.
The Montessori primary curriculum focuses on four main areas:
Practical life: Developing self-care, environmental awareness, coordination, social skills, and responsibility.
Sensory exploration: Ordering, classifying, and describing sensory impressions like length, width, mass, color, pitch, and temperature.
Math: Using manipulative materials to learn number, symbol, sequence, and operations.
Language arts: Developing speech, reading, writing, grammar, and creative expression.
For more on Montessori preschool curriculum and methods, see the preschool curriculum guide, Montessori vs other preschools, and guides on kindergarten and daycare. Additional resources include Montessori curriculum and teaching approaches.
Montessori preschools foster independence, responsibility, and social skills. Sensory exploration and cognitive learning engage children, supported by dedicated, certified teachers who use structured classrooms, individualized plans, and stimulating materials.
Montessori preschools are particularly suitable for children with strong listening skills, good attention spans, and motivation to learn. Children with severe learning, developmental, or behavioral disorders may need additional support. For more details, see Montessori benefits and preschool pros and cons.
Tuition varies across Canada, with some accredited programs costing $6,000 or less per year. Other ways to afford Montessori preschool include demonstrating financial need, seeking assistance from charitable organizations, qualifying for tax breaks in certain provinces, or using sibling discounts.
Child-specific advice on choosing a Montessori school
Read child-specific insights on school choice, including Montessori schools. Choosing the right school depends on each child’s traits, such as mental focus, academic focus, social tendencies, and activity level.
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