Accelerated change, unimaginable opportunities, unforeseeable challenges: The future our students face will demand creativity of the highest order. How can today's schools help students meet what tomorrow brings?
Educators must shift from an over-emphasis on academic ability to a balanced whole personality approach that includes and respects individual talents and nurtures creativity. For too long, we have disregarded the gentle spirit of the child, reaping negative consequences that are all too apparent, not only in our local neighbourhoods but around the world. A school system must develop each child's unique capabilities, allowing all young people to build purposeful, fulfilling lives.
For 100 years, the Montessori method has worked to meet the needs of the whole child. It has much for educators to ponder and discuss but has often fallen short in influence. The latest psychological and neurological research about creativity and the nature of learning and human development support Dr. Maria Montessori's insights. However, misconception, misunderstanding and confusion exist inside and outside of the Montessori community about the method, leading to concerns and uncertainties about its relevance today.
What are we to make of the Montessori approach for the 21st century?
Dr. Montessori, the first female doctor in Italy, began to rethink schooling in 1907, in a poor neighbourhood in Rome. She abandoned traditional practices motivated by theories for a method based on direct observation. Her approach was both scientific and empirical, with children as her guide. She was practical, led by her desire to help children, not theorize about them; a century later the Montessori experiment continues, gaining relevancy and scientific support with each passing year.
The Montessori method is a way to observe the child to discover his or her unique creative personality, needs and talents. To meet these individual needs, a prepared learning environment respects the child's choices, curiosity and interests and welcomes a diversity of learning styles. The aim is concentration and contemplation working together to reveal the personality in its natural statejoyous, peaceful, kind, purposeful, compassionate and creative.
For the Montessori educator, working to reveal the personality in its natural state is equivalent to unlocking the creative potential of the individual. In practice, it challenges one to identify and recognize those obstacles that impede self-construction and to work to mitigate them. Creativity doesn't need to be taught, simply supported. When conditions support the personality, the imagination is ignited and creativity flourishes spontaneously.
Key to the method's success is immersing the child in a Montessori prepared environment that is student-centred (especially in preschool). In Education for a New World, Dr. Montessori writes: "Scientific observation has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment." Research over time continues to support her findings, but many schools still lag in putting her approach into significant practice.
Authentic Montessori classrooms look and feel like a cross between an art studio and a science lab. They are inspiring work environments for the creative process: rich, dynamic arenas filled with hands-on activity where students feel comfortable and in control.
The Montessori method is not just for gifted children. The best Montessori classrooms are inclusive, with all children seen as gifted, with thinkers, doers, dancers, artists, scientists and writers learning side by side. High academic and creative achievement that often accompany Montessori education are natural outcomes of a student-centred approach that celebrates the infinite ways one can learn and express oneself. When we view each other not as we are but as what we can become, the classroom gains a positive and infectious energy that banishes boredom.
The Dalai Lama, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and supporter of the Montessori philosophy, wrote:
One of the most important and unique features of human beings that distinguishes us from animals is our ability to think creatively as a result of our human intelligence. In order to fully explore the human potential for creativity, it is important to comprehend the reality of any given situation. If we understand the reality of any given situation, we will know what we must give up and what we have to adopt. Mistakes are committed when we act without fully understanding what is true.
Dr. Montessori would wholeheartedly agree. After the Second World War, her concern for peace intensified as she witnessed first-hand the undesirable and destructive side of creativity in the name of science and progress. Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, she spent much of her later years travelling around the world to deliver a simple message: In meeting the needs of the child, the needs of the world would also be met.
For children aged 6 to 12, she advocated the study of "Cosmic Education," which can be best described as a gradual discovery of the interrelatedness of all things in the present, in the past and in the future. With vast and penetrating insight, she foresaw the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Cosmic education supports the type of learning needed to know what to give up and what to adopt.
Ultimately Dr. Montessori's aim was to help humanity find its highest potential and, like a true visionary, her message was not of despair but one of hope: Times have changed, and science has made great progress, and so has our work; but our principles have only been confirmed, and along with them our conviction that mankind can hope for a solution to its problems, among which the most urgent are those of peace and unity, only by turning its attention and energies to the discovery of the child and to the development of the great potentialities of the human personality in the course of its formation.
As the centenary year wraps up and Montessori supporters around the world pack up the party and reflect on how far the Montessori movement has come, many are rolling up their sleeves in anticipation of the work and optimism needed for the next 100 years.
The Montessori community can confidently move forward knowing that the Montessori method is in line with what current research shows about children's development and how they learn, as well as creativity and the conditions under which it thrives. A Montessori education is not only valid in today's modern context but it is gaining relevancy and meaning in light of the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Dr. Montessori's aim was to help humanity find its highest potential and, like a true visionary, her message was not of despair but one of hope:
Times have changed, and science has made great progress, and so has our work; but our principles have only been confirmed, and along with them our conviction that mankind can hope for a solution to its problems, among which the most urgent are those of peace and unity, only by turning its attention and energies to the discovery of the child and to the development of the great potentialities of the human personality in the course of its formation.
As the centenary year wraps up and Montessori supporters around the world pack up the party and reflect on how far the Montessori movement has come, many are rolling up their sleeves in anticipation of the work and optimism needed for the next 100 years.
I believe we can move forward confidently knowing that the Montessori method is in line with what current research shows about children's development and how they learn, as well as creativity and the conditions under which it thrives. A Montessori education is not only valid in today's modern context, but it is gaining relevancy and meaning in light of the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$13,000 to $34,500
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
550
Avg. Class:
10 to 15
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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 by insuring they "Love to Learn"!
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An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds.
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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.
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We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects.
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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.
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CMS provides a quality Montessori education for Casa and Elementary students. Set on beautiful campuses children are inspired to learn their role in protecting the global environment and fostering peace and harmony.
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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.
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Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students.
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Blaisdale Montessori School is the premier Montessori school in the Durham area. Offering an outstanding learning environment. Choose from one of 7 campuses in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Bowmanville.
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The Element nurtures focused, engaged and internally motivated students who strive to do their best. The Element High School provides conditions that will put youth ‘in their element,’ in school and beyond.
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ABA based curriculum provides instructional and learning opportunities for students with autism or learning disabilities using the latest evidence-based educational practices.
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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. Our structured enriched programme cultivates character, leadership, respect and cultural diversity while developing each child’s 21st century skills and a STEM mindset.
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Schoolhouse Montessori provides a nurturing environment to support children in academics and self-discovery. Committed to provide high quality, inclusive early learning programs in Mississauga.
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Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school that provides education to students in Grades 1 to 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 10 to 18 students.
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Peel Montessori School and our Carrington College division students are encouraged to be engaged, inquisitive learners who think for themselves, display character strength, and learn to succeed on their own merits.
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OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment.
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Maria Montessori School is one of the longest established AMI accredited Montessori school's in Canada. We offer accredited programs for children 18 months to 12 years and hire only AMI certified teaching staff.
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Richmond Hill Montessori Private School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 20 students.
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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.
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Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's four campuses are located in Markham, Unionville and Thornhill.
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Guidepost is a new Montessori school coming to Toronto, 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.
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ATI delivers a powerful education for independence, to develop curious, self-motivated adolescents who thrive in school and in life.
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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!
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Esprit Academy is a community and environment that cultivates independence and lifelong learning through individualized experiences that integrates and connects knowledge and skills.
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Situated on seven acres of rolling parkland and gardens, Country Garden Montessori Academy in Newmarket is a co-ed private day school for students in grades PS-12. The school provides a family atmosphere and is committed the intellectual growth and emotional well-being of students.
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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.
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Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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For more than 40 years, Kanata Montessori has been graduating students with self-confidence, critical thinking skills, respect, high academic achievement, and an international perspective.
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UMS offers year advanced programs from pre-school to grade eight. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child.
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Since 2002, J. Addison has provided a stimulating education for students. Located at the corner of Woodbine and Valleywood Drive in Markham, ON, Canada, you will find our state-of-the-art 58,000 sq. ft. facility.
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The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for his/her uniqueness and is taught accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program.
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Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students.
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Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten.
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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!
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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.
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MJDS inspires a lifetime love for learning in a nurturing environment that fosters respect for oneself, the community and the world, guided by the shared values of Judaism and Montessori education.
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Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs from infants to grade 3 in our healthy & safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed.
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Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students up to Grade 8 with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Academic Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills.
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Kaban Montessori School in west Mississauga/Erin Mills is a CCMA accredited school for children aged 6 months to 12 years. Come for a tour, you'll love it!
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Our goal at AGMS is to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of global citizens. We provide a pristine, child-centered and supportive learning environment for each child to reach their full potential.
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Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment that helps individuals reach their potential.
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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.
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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.
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Braemar House School is a not-for-profit elementary school that proves each day that children thrive in a nurturing environment that offers personalized attention.
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Authentic Montessori Preschool. Students completing our 3 year program at The Maria Montessori School test extremely well. We balance academics, exploration and skills guided by your child's natural interests.
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Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® World School and offers a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme.
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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.
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Alder Ridge offers 21st century education. Our innovative learning initiatives are founded in the Montessori Philosophy. We offer a student led, self paced learning environment that holistically supports all areas.
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Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Trinity Montessori School offers programs from toddler to grade six in Markham, Ontario. Its average class size is nine students.
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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.
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Located in Brantford, Ontario, Montessori House of Children (MHC) provides excellent programs for grades Nursery to 3 and helps young children reach their learning potential with both independent and self-directed learning. MHC also offers support for students with learning differences.
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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.
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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.
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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. We also offer March Break and Summer Camps for working parents.
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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.
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Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students.
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