On this page, we cover private Montessori elementary schools. This includes accredited and certified schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Pickering, and Scarborough, Ontario, and across Canada.
For a more comprehensive guide to Montessori education, including an extensive discussion of the Montessori philosophy, method, and teaching and curricular approaches, read our introductory guide.
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.
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance for life." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Spadina Ave/College Street "Authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori Schools located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa, Elementary and Adolescent children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Dundas "TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary. We give students a head start in their educational journey, instilling a "Love of Learning!"" —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East "Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. "Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore Road/Southdown "Peel Montessori and Carrington College div. students learn above grade level for subjects of strength. Individualized curriculum, advanced academic strategies, and character development give students a personal edge." —From the school
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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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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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Scarborough, Ontario Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue "Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario St/Matheson Blvd E "ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts." —From the school
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Brantford, Ontario Fairview Drive/North Park Street "Braemar House School is a not-for-profit elementary school that proves each day that children thrive in a nurturing environment." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum in a nurturing environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario 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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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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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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Pickering, Ontario Kingston/Altona "École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French private school dedicated to transforming your child into a bilingual critical thinker with our enriched curriculum that fosters the genius within each student." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!" —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Denison/Warden "Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!" —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 10. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child." —From the school
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Port Perry, Ontario Reach St/Old Simcoe Rd "CHMS offers authentic supportive, vibrant, child centered AMI Montessori that is perfect for curious, inquisitive students looking to thrive in a social, hands on, collaborative, challenging environment." —From the school
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Newmarket, Ontario "LMMH was established in 2003, the school offers a unique French Immersion Program as well as an English Program for children from 2 ½ to 13 years of age. Our students also learn to ski, golf, play tennis and more." —From the school
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North 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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Toronto, Ontario Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development." —From the school
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Fredericton, New Brunswick "The main objective of FMA is to provide your child with a planned and stimulating environment in order for them to be able to reach their own individual and highest learning potential while honouring the whole child." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "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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Mississauga, Ontario "Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience" —From the school
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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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Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!" —From the school
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Hamilton, Ontario Garth Street/Fennell Avenue West "Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering academic programs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Major Mackenzie/Bayview Avenue "Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students." —From the school
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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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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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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/16th Avenue "Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning." —From the school
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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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Kanata, Ontario Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive "For 50 years, Kanata Montessori has offered excellent learning environments for students to grow emotionally, socially and academically into a positive global citizen." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bloor/Spadina "Guidepost is a new Montessori school coming to Toronto [Annex], serving children from 10 weeks to 12 years old. We offer year-round programming and rolling admissions into our programs to meet the needs of every family." —From the school
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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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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 Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "Leonardo Da Vinci Academy provides exceptional schooling for the formative years. Our unique curriculum aims to instil a love of learning and challenges students to develop their full potential." —From the school
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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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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 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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Pickering, Ontario whites/kingston road "Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational, inclusive school that offers programs from Pre-school to Grade eight. We acknowledge and celebrate religious and cultural events as part of our cultural program." —From the school
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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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Some schools aren't Montessori schools, but use a Montessori approach for their preschool or daycare program. This approach gives young learners plenty of freedom to choose tasks and activities that interest them, which promotes their independence and confidence. It also strongly emphasizes concrete learning, where children work with lots of hands-on materials, and do practical life activities. Children usually work independently or in small groups in these programs.
"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for success in class & beyond; nurturing the growth of students' confidence & self-esteem, to take risks when learning, to reach their personal & academic potential.
—From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street "Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum." —From the school
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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 13 to 18 students." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers a comprehensive academic program catering to a wide age range, spanning from 18 months to Grade 8. Our curriculum includes a Montessori program designed for children aged 18 months to 6 years." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue "Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® Continuum School offering a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme." —From the school
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For general advice on how to choose and 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.
Another great resource in your search for the right school is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is an ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori schools and elementary schools. Our community of parents, education experts, and school officials can help answer your questions.
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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Trinity Montessori School | April 27, 2024 10:00 am | Trinity Montessori School 9211 Woodbine Ave Markham ON L3R0K1 |
Town Centre Private Schools | April 27, 2024 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R7P3 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | May 02, 2024 5:30 pm | 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton Ontario L9C 1G2 |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | May 10, 2024 10:00 am | Leonardo Da Vinci Academy 901 Lawrence Avenue West Toronto Ontario M6A 1C3 |
Town Centre Private Schools | June 08, 2024 10:00 am | Town Centre Private Schools 155 Clayton Drive Markham Ontario L3R7P3 |
Wishing Well Schools | October 19, 2024 10:00 am |
The cost of Montessori elementary schools tends to be lower than the cost of other private elementary schools. In fact, Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general. Private school tuition 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 offer merit-based aid, that is, 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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TMS | $26,750 to $32,700 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $32,000 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
Bannockburn | $27,300 | |||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | $15,840 to $16,785 | K - 7 | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Meadow Green Academy | $15,990 | |||
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
Somerset Academy | $14,300 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Guidepost Montessori | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | |||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | $18,300 | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $6,183 to $18,375 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Bond Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
TMS | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Century Private School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | |
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | ||||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | 10 to 24 | No support | Medium integration | ||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Head Start Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 24 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
The Children's House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | No support | |||||
La Maison Montessori House | Montessori | No support | ||||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Fredericton Montessori Academy | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Meadow Green Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | ||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Guidepost Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 to 10 | No support | Light integration | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
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 | ||
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration |
Legend:
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
TMS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enquiring Minds Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Head Start Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Children's House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Maison Montessori House | ||||||||||||||||||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fredericton Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guidepost Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School |
Montessori schools, which are based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori, are meant to accommodate the growing child. Elementary schools are no exception to this rule.
Montessori elementary schools have mixed-age classrooms with lots of self-directed learning, student-to-student teaching, interaction, and concrete learning. This allows students to become focused and engaged in their studies. It also allows them to develop their cognitive and social skills.
Montessori elementary schools are for kids aged 6 to 12. Often, there are two classes: a lower elementary class with kids aged 6-9, and a higher elementary class with kids aged 9-12. Sometimes, though, there is only one class, with kids aged 6 to 12 (for instance, in smaller schools).
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 crucially depends on kids' unique traits, such as their 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, focus a great deal on concrete learning. Kids work with lots of concrete materials to learn skills and concepts. They also do many practical life activities. In the upper years, though, there tends to be more abstract learning. Kids start to refine their reasoning and problem-solving skills through these years.
Montessori students have lots of freedom to choose their curriculum and work at their own pace. Most elementary classes have a three-hour, uninterrupted work period. During this period, students can work on chosen tasks, free from distractions. This is a hallmark of the Montessori method.
That said, elementary schools do focus on core academic subjects and skills. These include reading, writing, math, and science. Time is also sometimes allotted for creating writing and art projects.
Elementary schools also focus on character education—on educating the whole child. Kids learn key practical skills, and crucial traits like independence, responsibility, and honesty.
Elementary schools, unlike preschools, offer some direct instruction. Especially in the upper levels, teachers sometimes give fairly long lectures or lessons. Usually, though, lectures tend to be given to smaller groups of students, rather than the whole class.
For instance, teachers sometimes give what are called great lessons on important moments in history, such as the the origin of life. These lessons tend to be more engaging and interactive than traditional lectures. And most of the time, teachers work with Montessori students on a one-on-one basis, or with very small groups of students. This ensures students receive special guidance and attention.
Much of the time, kids work alone or in small groups on different projects. These projects can be on a variety of subjects, and often are interdisciplinary. When working in groups, older kids can teach, mentor, and model appropriate behaviour to younger kids. This can be an effective way for kids to learn and reinforce their knowledge (both the older and younger kids).
Montessori schools offer a first-rate education. Elementary schools, in particular, have plenty of benefits. They include the following:
Montessori elementary schools work particularly well for kids who are motivated and have a good work ethic. On the other hand, they may not be a great fit for some kids who enjoy a traditional classroom and standard curriculum.
It should be no suprise that these schools have become so popular throughout the world. It's important to note, though, that schools differ in their interpretation of the Montessori philosophy and teaching method.
For more details, see our Montessori benefits guide.
