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.
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Clanmore Montessori School in southeast Oakville offers a full spectrum, co-ed Montessori program from Toddler to Middle School. Tuition starts at $8,250. CCMA accredited. Member Oakville Independent Schools. Licenced.
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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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Royal Cachet Montessori School is a Montessori school that offers programs from nursery to grade three in Markham. Its average class size is five to 15 students.
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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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Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12.
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Guidepost Montessori at Toronto is among a growing network of schools across the world. We serve children from infant to 12 and are located in Midtown, in proximity to many parks and sights for the children to explore.
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An authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori School located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa and Elementary children.
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Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering programs to students 18 months through Grade 12 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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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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Conveniently located in Midtown Toronto, our Junior and Elementary campuses are a popular choice for families seeking exceptional childcare and the very best Montessori education for their children.
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An independent school that offers an individualized self-directed learning approach for tomorrow's leaders. Bursary programs available to qualified applicants. JK to Grade 12, Alberta Curriculum.
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Century Montessori Schools in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with class sizes as low as 12 students.
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Ashwood Glen is located on a new purpose-built campus in Burlington, offering Pre-K– 8 education, and its Learning Program is based on the the IB framework, using the Ontario curriculum standards.
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Pine Lake Montessori School pursues teaching with a one on one method that respects and nurtures children and allows them to achieve their fullest potential.
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Peel Montessori School offers an enriched, personalized program. Emphasis is on strong academics, and the development of personal excellence (leadership skills, creativity) in a supportive, family-like environment.
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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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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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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school, and voted the BEST private school in Brampton. We offer a structured programme that is ahead of the Ministry set guidelines.
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Ellington Montessori School offers small class sizes and individualized programs from pre-school to grade eight. Our holistic approach to education helps prepare students for success in today's rapidly changing world.
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Montessori School of Wellington in Guelph is the only CCMA accredited school in Guelph and the number one choice for children's education and life skill
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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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La Villa Montessori School is dedicated to following the Montessori philosophy and to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment that fulfills a child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs.
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Sunrise Montessori School in Markham offers both English and French Immersion programs from Infant (0 months) to Grade 8.
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Trillium School is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Markham.
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The Montessori School of Calgary offers a preschool through Grade 6 program led by experienced guides and teachers who support each child with trust, respect, and proven academic success.
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ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. The school offers both Montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5.
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Northstar Montessori offers authentic Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Mississauga. We pride ourselves on strong character development and supporting life long learners! Now, Swim program is now included.
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Shining Light Montessori is the community you've searched for -- where children feel comfortable, with teachers who care. Our children learn, build their confidence, reach their potential, & let their lights shine!
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Unionville Montessori School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 to 22 students.
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Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students.
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Avalon provides quality programmes from kindergarten to Grade 8 in the heart of the Beach.
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An inspected and accredited private secondary school offering high school credit courses in small classes or online, leading to high school diploma
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Central Montessori Schools in Toronto offers instruction from nursery to grade six, with enrolment of 900 day students and tuition starting at $5,900.
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Toronto French Montessori offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in North York. Its average class size is 15 students.
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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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Wishing Well Schools has an academically advanced program from 18 months to Grade 8. Montessori program from 18 months to 6 years old, accelerated academic program from Grade 1 to 8 with 21st c. teaching and learning.
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The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one - the period from birth to the age of six. Choose Central Montessori Schools.
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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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Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students.
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Maria Montessori School is an AMI accredited Montessori school in Toronto that offers programs for children 18 months to twelve years.
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Liberty Prep offers programs from Toddler - Gr. 6 in downtown Toronto. Our environment combines a beautifully renovated building with well-trained and passionate teachers. Reach out to discover what we do differently.
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Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs from pre-school to grade eight. Its average class size is 18 students.
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Humberside Montessori Schools a montessori private school in Toronto. It offers programs from nursery to grade eight.
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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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Town Centre Montessori Private Schools offers programs from pre-school to grade 12/University Prep and is located in Markham.
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For over 25 years, the Montessori Country School provides a first-class accredited curriculum for students 12 months through grade 6. The sprawling 10 acre campus offers a unique indoor and outdoor learning experience.
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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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AIS Montessori & Elementary School offers authentic Chinese Immersion program in GTA area.Its average class is 15 students.
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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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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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Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers.
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St. Peter's ACHS College School in Amherstburg, Ont. is a day/residency school for boys grades 1-8 who love Sports and the Outdoors. Tuition starts at $8,900. and is a member of OFIS. We put "FUN" back into learning.
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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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Our schools offer a maximum class size of 16 students for ages 4 & up. Tours are offered daily and new students are welcome to visit for a day.
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Aurora Montessori School offers a comprehensive, nurturing and enriched program for Toddler to Grade 8. Our enrolment of 375 day students has an average class size of 15 to 24.
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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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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School is a Toronto Christian Montessori school with grades from nursery to 12. Tuition begins at $13,500.
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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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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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Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering is a non denominational 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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Tall Pines School in Brampton provides enhanced Montessori and traditional classes from Infant to Grade Eight, is the longest accredited CCMA Montessori school in Canada, and is a leader in 21st Century education.
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Housed in the elegant colonial mansion, Harrop House in the beautiful town of Milton, Ontario. Offering low teacher to child ratios with an emphasis on personal and social development of each child.
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Cedar Ridge High School is an independent high school, grades 7 to 12, in Kanata, Ontario. Our school offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a focus on leadership, innovation, student engagement and academics.
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Montessori Country School has provided a first-class academic experience to students in an environment that is distinguished by its compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to the individual child.
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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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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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Ellesmere Montessori School prepares children for a lifetime of creative and purposeful learning based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.
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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!
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School is a Christian Montessori school in Ottawa, Ontario, with classes from Infants to grade eight.
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We take inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy where each child is born creative, intuitive, resourceful, & has a strong potential for development from a very young age.Full-time care (7:30am-6pm). Tour anytime.
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The School offers authentic Montessori education, individualized learning, accommodations to meet each child’s needs, hands-on learning, enriched curriculum, and outdoor exploration.
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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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