On this page, we list Montessori preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, and daycares in Canada. We also cover Montessori preschool costs, tuition, philosophy, and curriculum.
For a far more comprehensive guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of the Montessori education method, start with our introductory guide.
Montessori preschools and daycares include toddler programs (ages 0-3) and primary schools (ages 3-6). There are lots of Montessori preschools in Canada, almost all of which are private. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, learning environment, curriculum, and activities. The preschools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features, including programming, special needs support, location, and cost.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 19
"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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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for students’ academic & personal growth, nurturing students' confidence & self-esteem and willingness to take risks through the classroom & organized activities.
—From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "Lauremont School is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation for life." —From the school
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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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Meet them at the Expo
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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Meet them at the Expo
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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Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra Road/QEW "Our mission is to empower students to become compassionate and engaged citizens who are capable of using their academic, artistic, and environmental knowledge to effect positive change in their communities." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. "Century Private School is located in Richmond Hill, and our campus occupies 12 acres of land. Our programs runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students." —From the school
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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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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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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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Brantford, Ontario Fairview Drive/North Park Street "Braemar House School is a nurturing community where academic excellence meets innovative learning. With small classes and enriched education, we cultivate well-rounded, confident, and compassionate students." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairview Street "Fairview Glen Montessori offers academically stimulating education for children 18 mo.-14 yrs. Our collaborative and supportive community, also specializes in French, Music, Visual Arts and Phys-Ed programs." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine Ave/Major Mackenzie Dr E "Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs for infants to grade 6 in our healthy and safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
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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Meet them at the Expo
Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Pkwy/Millcreek Drive "Western Heights offers an enriched Montessori program that fosters a love of learning. The school actively engages its close-knit parent community to offer an enriched curriculum that adapts to each student's needs." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Finch Avenue/Islington Avenue "Nile Academy offers small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, while also following the Ontario Curriculum, ensuring our students are well prepared for the rest of their educational pursuits here in Canada." —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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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "Please bring your child for a free trial and 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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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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Meet them at the Expo
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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Whitchurch-stouffville, Ontario Ninth Line/Main Street "Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in North York, and Toddler programs in Stouffville. Its average class size is 15 students." —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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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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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 is a non denominational, inclusive school in operation for 40 years. We acknowledge religious and cultural events supporting our whole life philosophy education." —From the school
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Vaughan, Ontario Major Mackenzie/400 "Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum." —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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Brantford, Ontario Charlotte St/Chatham St "Located in Brantford, Ontario, Montessori House of Children provides excellent programs for grades Nursery to 3 and helps young children reach their learning potential with both independent and self-directed learning." —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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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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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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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario St/Matheson Blvd E "ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers 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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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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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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Meet them at the Expo
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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Meet them at the Expo
North York, Ontario Bayview/Sheppard "Bannockburn provides a strong academic foundation anchored in the principles of the Montessori philosophy that supports your child’s intellectual, moral, social, and emotional development in a nurturing environment." —From the school
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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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Toronto, Ontario Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "LDVA provides foundational education and challenges students to develop to their full potential. Officially recognized by the Italian Government, our unique curriculum incorporates Italian language and culture." —From the school
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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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Some schools aren't Montessori schools, but use a Montessori approach for their preschool or daycare program. This approach gives young learners plenty of freedom to choose tasks and activities that interest them, which promotes their independence and confidence. It also strongly emphasizes concrete learning, where children work with lots of hands-on materials, and do practical life activities. Children usually work independently or in small groups in these programs.
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Meet them at the Expo
Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairveiw Street "Ashwood Glen, an IB World School from JK to Gr, 1-8, fosters leadership, global citizenship, & a growth mindset. Our warm, inclusive community & personalized approach empower confident, future-ready students to thrive!" —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Leslie/Elgin Mills "In addition to providing high-quality Montessori education, YMS offers French and Music, on-site after-school classes, off-site field trips, theme-based summer camp, parent education workshops, and family social events." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
Newmarket, Ontario "Grace Christian Montessori School acknowledges each child as a masterpiece of God, unleashing their potential through a holistic blend of Montessori principles, STEAM, academic excellence, and biblical teachings." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario John/Richmond "At BBMS our prime goal is to ensure the overall health, safety and well-being of each child while in our care. We look forward to working together with families in the best interest of their children." —From the school
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North York, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "We follow the Montessori philosophy: connection before instruction. We customize, personalize, and honor the individuality of every child, nurturing growth through trust, respect, and thoughtful guidance." —From the school
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Oshawa, Ontario Wilson Road/Adelaide Ave "At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program caters to children from 1.5 to 5 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
Markham, Ontario Kennedy Road/Steeles Avenue "Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an IB Continuum World School offering a Montessori Pre-School program, IB Elementary School, High School and optional IB Diploma Programme." —From the school
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Richmond, British Columbia "A Preparatory Daycare featuring over 100,000 sq ft of Academic, Arts and Athletic Facilities, all on site, at the new Belvedere Club in Richmond, BC." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers an accelerated, enriched curriculum in a supportive, family-focused environment, where students thrive, lead, and develop a lifelong love of learning." —From the school
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Oshawa, ON, Ontario "DMS is a Montessori school servicing children at the early childhood level. DMS offers authentic Montessori programming with the Montessori pedagogy at the core of the children's day." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available." —From the school
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For general advice on how to choose and evaluate private schools, check out our choosing a school guide and read advice from leading education experts. For advice on choosing Montessori schools, read our main Montessori school guide and our Montessori choosing guide. For advice on finding the right preschool, read our preschool choosing guide.
Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school, at any level. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Halton-Peel, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver. These expos allow you to learn about different types of private schools across the country, many of which are Montessori schools or have a Montessori program. Find a Montessori preschool near you.
Another great tool in your school and preschool search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is the ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori schools, and other topics of interests. Take advantage of our community of parents, education experts, and school officials to get your questions answered.
Attending open houses can also be an effective way to learn more about schools and preschools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits.
| School name | Date | Location |
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Hillfield Strathallan College | October 02, 2025 5:30 pm | Hillfield Strathallan College 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton ON L9C 1G3 |
Clanmore Montessori School | October 25, 2025 10:00 am | |
Hillfield Strathallan College | November 13, 2025 5:30 pm | Hillfield Strathallan College 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton ON L9C 1G3 |
Northstar Montessori Private School | November 22, 2025 10:00 am | Northstar Montessori Private School 4900 Tomken Road Mississauga Ontario L4W 1J8 |
Northstar Montessori Private School | January 24, 2026 10:00 am | Northstar Montessori Private School 4900 Tomken Road Mississauga Ontario L4W 1J8 |
Northstar Montessori Private School | February 07, 2026 10:00 am | Northstar Montessori Private School 4900 Tomken Road Mississauga Ontario L4W 1J8 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | March 04, 2026 5:30 pm | Hillfield Strathallan College 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton ON L9C 1G3 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | April 01, 2026 5:30 pm | Hillfield Strathallan College 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton ON L9C 1G3 |
Hillfield Strathallan College | May 07, 2026 5:30 pm | Hillfield Strathallan College 299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton ON L9C 1G3 |
The cost of Montessori preschools tends to be lower than the cost of other private preschools, nursery schools, daycares, and kindergartens. In fact, Montessori preschools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general.
Private school tuition can range from $5,000 to over $25,000 per year. Preschool (Montessori) tends to be closer to the lower end of this scale. You can learn more in our preschool costs guide.
Some preschools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. And some offer merit-based aid, in the form of scholarships. You can learn more about financial aid in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for Montessori preschools across Canada. This includes Montessori preschools in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa, Victoria, Mississauga, and Brampton.
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
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Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
Lauremont School | $31,800 to $37,790 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $32,000 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
Academie Providence | $11,600 to $13,300 | 35% | 1 - 8 | $40 |
Alive Montessori & Private School | $15,500 to $16,500 | |||
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $15,420 to $15,840 | |||
Delano Academy & Delano High | $17,600 to $23,600 | 4% | 1 - 12 | |
ABC Montessori | $4,576 to $11,650 | |||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | $15,840 to $16,785 | K - 7 | ||
Bannockburn | $28,120 | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $4,620 to $18,925 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | $18,300 | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Hillfield Strathallan College | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Bond Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
Lauremont School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Westside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 24 | No support | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Monarch Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Century Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
York Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Grace Christian Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Indirect Support | ||||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Academie Providence | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 20 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
Fairview Glen Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | ||||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | No support | ||||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 23 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Nile Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | |
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Blue Butterfly Montessori School | Indirect Support | |||||||
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Miracle Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | Indirect Support | |||||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | ||||
Delano Academy & Delano High | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 22 | No support | ||
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |||
Belvedere Academy | Indirect Support | |||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | ||||
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
DMS Montessori Preschool and Daycare Inc. | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | |||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | |||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support |
Legend:
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lauremont School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monarch Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
York Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Grace Christian Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Academie Providence | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nile Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Blue Butterfly Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Miracle Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Delano Academy & Delano High | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori House of Children | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Belvedere Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
North Star Montessori Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
DMS Montessori Preschool and Daycare Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School |
In Ontario, there are Montessori preschools in Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Burlington, Oakville, Ottawa, Pickering, and Scarborough. Elsewhere in Canada, you can find casa programs in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria, among other cities. Most of these preschools are certified by a world-recognized accrediting institute, such as the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) or the American Montessori Internationale (AMI).
Other countries also offer this Montessori preschool, including Poland. If you're interested in a Polish Montessori preschool, read our guide: przedszkola Montessori w Polsce (or in English, Montessori preschools).
But, what is the Montessori preschool approach? And how is this approach different from other preschool and daycare programs?
Montessori preschool, like elementary, middle, and high school, is meant to accommodate the growing child. They have mixed-age and interactive classrooms which allow children to grow cognitively and socially, and become more independent and responsible.
Preschool (Montessori) is for infants, toddlers, and older children. It's usually divided up into two programs: toddler rooms (Montessori daycare) and primary schools. Each program uses a distinct method and focuses on a special set of skills (with some overlap).
Montessori toddler programs, sometimes referred to as Montessori daycare or nursery programs, have children from birth (or 18 months) to age 3. These programs are often “play based”: they have lots of social activity. Similar to Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, children start interacting with other kids here, and start to develop social skills, such as listening, cooperation, and self-control. They also start to walk, talk, and engage in physical play.
That said, toddler programs (also referred to as "toddler preschool") also focus on some basic cognitive skills. Quite a bit of time is allotted for concrete learning and practical life activities. Though most toddlers don’t engage in long, uninterrupted work, they’re curious and love to explore. The Montessori classroom is set up to build on this curiosity.
There are many Montessori primary classes, or what are sometimes called “casa dei bambini,” meaning “the children’s house.” These classes are for kids aged 3 to 6. Montessori Casa schools start to prepare kids for grade school.
Montessori primary classes start to focus more on academics. Kids do lots of concrete learning, using many different Montessori materials. They also work on their speech, and start reading, writing, and math. Teachers sometimes give short lessons to kids at this level, but mostly they guide them and help them focus on their work.
Montessori students also start working for longer periods of uninterrupted time in Casa Montessori schools. They also start to develop intense focus and concentration. This is one of the benchmarks for moving on to elementary school.
There are four main areas of the primary school Montessori curriculum:
Practical life: Kids take care of themselves, the environment, and learn grace and courtesy. They also work on their physical coordination. This is meant to improve their organization, social skills, and sense of responsibility.
Sensory exploration: Kids order, classify, and describe sensory impressions of length, width, temperature, mass, colour, pitch, and the like.
Math: In Montessori math, kids use manipulative materials to learn different math concepts. These include number, symbol, sequence, and operations.
Language arts: Kids work on speech, written expression, reading, grammar, and the creative arts. They learn to express their thoughts and feelings orally and in writing.
For more details about the Montessori preschool curriculum and the Montessori teaching methods (preschool), read our preschool curriculum guide, comparison of Montessori to other preschools, and our guides to kindergarten and daycare. You can also check out our guides to Montessori curriculum and teaching approaches.
Montessori preschool, at both the toddler and primary level, has a lot of benefits. It can foster independence, responsibility, and social skills. And, its focus on sensory exploration and cognitive learning can be very engaging for many kids. And, most Montessori preschools, like Waldorf and Reggio Emilia preschools have dedicated (and certified) teachers, who promote children's learning with a structured classroom, individualized lesson plans, and engaging materials.
Montessori preschools work especially well for kids who are strong listeners, have good attention spans, and are motivated to learn. On the other hand, kids with severe learning, developmental, behavioural disorders, or other special needs, may need extra support.
For more details, see our article on Montessori benefits. To learn about the pros and cons of preschool in general, read our guide.
Tuition for Montessori schools and preschools across Canada continues to decline. You will find some accredited programs which cost $6,000 or less per year. There are also other ways to afford a Montessori school or preschool. They include:
If you can show the school that you are in clear need of financial aid, you may be eligible for a bursary. Charitable or community organizations may also assist you in paying for a preschool (Montessori or otherwise).
In some Canadian provinces, paying for a religiously-affiliated Montessori preschool qualifies as a charitable donation. This means you'll receive a tax break for it.
Many private schools, including some Montessori schools, have sibling discounts that increase with each child that you send to them.
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.
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