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Trusted by families since 1998.
Clanmore Montessori School logo
OUR KIDS REPORT:

Clanmore Montessori School

Grades Nursery/Toddler — 8 — Oakville, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Clanmore Montessori School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • Grades
    Nursery/Toddler — 8
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    Varies
  • Tuition
    $11,000 to 23,000/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Special Needs Support
    No support
  • Enrolment
    185 day students
  • Curriculum
    Montessori
  • Associations
    , OIS
  • LOCATION
    Oakville, ON (View address)

The big picture on Clanmore Montessori School

We summarized the school ourselves

“Let’s talk this out under the magnolia tree,” is the Clanmore version of, “we need to have a talk.” How great is that? Certainly, from the magnolia tree on up, there’s a lot to love here. The Clanmore building, as well as the context it sits within, is gorgeous. The home was built in 1904, and the school bought it in 1998 from descendants of the original owner. Which, frankly, just feels right for some reason. Atmosphere, is an important aspect of Montessori education, and all of the additions and adjustments to the structure have been undertaken with that in mind. It sits on the edge of the Joshua’s Creek Conservation area, and the school rightly makes use of that location within its programming. The curriculum hews to a close reading of Maria Montessori’s intentions, the attention to student-guided instruction prime among them.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Located in southeast Oakville near Mississauga, Lake Ontario, and a local conservation area, Clanmore Montessori Private School is housed in a restored historic farmhouse with an environmentally innovative addition. We offer authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Middle School, led by caring, highly trained educators who support each child’s individual potential. An Accredited Member School of Montessori Canada since 2011. Licensed."

  • In-house catered lunch program, prepared fresh daily by our chef.
  • Our most recent addition has a living, green roof. One of the largest in Oakville.
  • On-site co-curricular offerings.
  • One of the first Montessori Toddler Programs in Canada and the first to be CCMA accredited.
  • One of few schools to have an authentic Montessori Middle School program.
  • Summer camp on offer for students 4 and up.
  • School is owned and led by a team of Montessori trained staff, including administration.
  • Extended hours for working parents.
  • Beautiful aesthetics, including original art, flowers, lots of natural light.
  • Member of Oakville Independent Schools

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

Clanmore literally means "big family" in Irish Gaelic. Community permeates every aspect of what we do. Our classrooms are mulit-aged student communities, our parent community is an intergral partner in school life at Clanmore and our older students are mentors and leaders not only in their own programs but for the school as a whole. We care deeply for all community members as we stand by, cheer on, support, and collaborate with each other.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

Clanmore has a very conscious approach in terms of incorporating technology. Limited computer access occurs at the Upper Elementary Level (the equivalent of grades 4-6) with strict parameters. Our MIddle School students each have access to an individual device, but again, the parameters of use are clearly set-out, including periods during the day when devices are locked away.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

Clanmore's founding stemmed from a desire for the owners to offer the school experience they had always wanted for their own children. It was a very personal passion project, and the school is still infused with that passion. A successful first year saw the school purchase and re-locate to an historic farmhouse property which could be customized to best meet the need of our students. A first addition was added to the original building to accommodate growing demand from our community. The demand for additional classroom space continued as did an interest from our families for expansion into the middle school years. In response, the school added a second addition. We are proud to be one of the few Montessori schools offering a full spectrum Montessori curriculum (Toddler to Middle School). especially for those of our families committed to supporting Montessori education for as many of their children's developing years as possible.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Students who thrive in an environment which supports freedom (within limits) and who enjoy being actively engaged in their learning. Students who do not need constant direction and a learning curriculum which is fixed and highly structured.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

As a Montessori School, we empower our students to be active participants in their learning. Clanmore, therefore, is not an ideal fit for families looking for a more traditional, teacher-directed approach.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Families often comment on the authenticity and breadth of our Montessori programming along with the strong qualifications of our staff as a factor that attracts attention. Beyond this, the beauty of our buildings both inside and out, and the surrounding natural environment are also appreciated. There is an attention to detail and thoughtfulness in all that we do. Families feel respected and feel confident and comfortable that their children are in good care when choosing Clanmore.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

Clanmore stands out for its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Students and families alike feel that they are approached as individuals. and not just a cog in the wheel. The school clearly cares about its community and lives up to its name: Clanmore = Big Family in Gaelic.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

The independent and individualized learning environments allow for the development of competence and confidence, but more than this, the children can move at their own pace in each aspect of their development. Children with strong leadership skills, for example, can confidently capitalize upon this strength while spending more time on areas that come less readily. Children who have mastered something may mentor a peer, even if that peer is a little older than they are.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

The children have a big voice in our school, be it in fundraising initiatives, the idea of the installation of a lower handrail for younger children, or the design of our school crest. The children are listened to and conversed with. They know they are integral members of our community and that with that comes important responsibility. They are encouraged to always speak up, to share their thoughts and ideas, and to advocate for themselves and others.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Our last significant change was our physical expansion in 2013, allowing us to offer more classroom space and a middle school program. We also now have a beautiful gymnasium and a second kitchen. We also redesigned our website and launched in 2023. Our new site is more user-friendly and offers our parents a private portal.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Fundamentally the school will not change, which is one of our strengths. We adhere to a philosophy that we are firmly committed to. That said, we regularly reflect upon all areas of the school with our goal being continual improvement.


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Clanmore Montessori School: Parent Review from Diane and Julian Hogeterp

Watch our parent interview with Diane and Julian Hogeterp to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Clanmore Montessori School.
Clanmore Montessori School, Parent Video Review from Diane and Julian Hogeterp

Clanmore Montessori School: Parent Review from Pauline Cheng

Watch our parent interview with Pauline Cheng to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Clanmore Montessori School.
Clanmore Montessori School, Parent Video Review from Pauline Cheng

Clanmore Montessori School: Parent Review from Sheridan McLelland

Watch our parent interview with Sheridan McLelland to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Clanmore Montessori School.
Clanmore Montessori School, Parent Video Review from Sheridan McLelland

Alumnus, Emily Johnson (2018)

(5)

When I was a student at Clanmore one of the many phrases that we had was "the little school with the big heart". Although the school has grown ten times over, they still are able to keep this atmosphere at its core. The teachers at Clanmore have a fantastic ability to connect with students, and create a learning plan that best suits every individual. This kind of experience is difficult to come by. The teachers and faculty at Clanmore have really mastered creating a wholesome experience that makes coming to school so positive and special. If you are looking for a place that your child can grow, learn, and develop into a magnificent individual... Clanmore is most definitley the place.

Parent, Karen Kafel (2018)

(5)

She loves going to school. She loves the activities, the kids and the teachers. She begs me every morning, even on the weekends, to go to school.
See all reviews (5 total)

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