On this page, we cover private Montessori schools in Ontario. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Whitby, Brantford, and Unionville.
For a more complete guide to Montessori education, including a detailed discussion of philosophy and classroom practices, start with our introductory guide.
There are lots of Montessori schools in Ontario, including in Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga. These schools vary in terms of their philosophy, program offerings, and special needs support. The schools listed below reflect this diversity. They can be filtered for a wide range of features.
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.
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
Meet them at the Expos
Mississauga, Ontario "Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
Mississauga, Ontario ""Alderwood Academy nurtures the heart, mind, and soul of every child through holistic education rooted in love, culture, and Catholic values—where learning becomes a joyful journey."" —From the school
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
Meet them at the Expos
Oakville, Ontario "Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Bank Street/Marché Way "Our programs find the interaction of youth’s developmental characteristics, the Ontario curriculum, and the requirements of the adult world to create the focussed engagement that naturally leads to personal excellence." —From the school
|
|
Mississauga, Ontario "Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station." —From the school
|
|
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
|
|
Mississauga, Ontario Dundas St W./Mississauga Rd. "The Erindale Academy is a private middle and high school located next to the University of Toronto Mississauga. We combine holistic education with critical innovation to make every student a success story." —From the school
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
Nepean, Ontario "R.I.S.E. Academy empowers youth with personalized, experiential learning rooted in equity and the UN SDGs.We focus on inquiry-based, culturally relevant education that fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact" —From the school
|
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.
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
Markham, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave South "Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school that provides education to students in JK Grades 8. Somerset Academy has an average class size of 13 to 18 students." —From the school
|
|
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
|
|
Etobicoke, Ontario Royal York/Eglington "Etobicoke, ON JK to 8 | Coed $13,500 International Baccalaureate, Christ-centered, nature-immersed, entrepreneurship-driven, academic excellence, real-world experiences, leadership development, holistic education." —From the school
|
|
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
|
|
Toronto, Ontario York Mills Road/Don Mills Road "Ace Acumen Heights is accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education, located in Ontario, Canada, with ten years of experience in providing quality education and modern teaching facilities." —From the school
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
Our Montessori choosing guide has specific advice for choosing Montessori schools. For advice on how to choose and assess private schools in general, check out our choosing a school guide and expert advice guide. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.
Private school expos are a great starting point for finding a school. In Ontario, we have private school expos in Toronto, Ottawa, and Oakvile. These expos allow you to speak with lots of private schools, including some Montessori schools—all in one place. Find a Montessori school near you.
Another useful resource in your school search is the Our Kids parent discussion forum. The forum is an ideal place to discuss options and debate topics related to Montessori education. Our community of parents, educational experts, school officials, and alumni can help answer your questions and lay out your options.
Open houses are another great way to learn more about schools. For general advice on open house visits, check out our guide on school visits. For specific questions to ask Montessori schools, see our Montessori questions guide.
| School name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
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 schools in Ontario tends to be lower than the cost of other private schools in Ontario. In fact, Montessori schools are usually on the lower side of private school tuition in general. Private school tuition can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 per year. There are no public Montessori schools in Ontario, though some public schools use certain Montessori principles.
Many schools offer needs-based financial aid, such as bursaries or tuition relief. Other schools, though not as many, offer scholarships, which are given based on merit. You can learn more about need- and merit-based financial aid in our dedicated guide. You can learn more about preschool costs, in our dedicated guide.
Below, you’ll find the range of costs for private Montessori schools in Ontario:
| Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hillfield Strathallan College | $19,349 to $32,052 | 10% | JK - 12 | $4,500 |
Lauremont School | $31,800 to $37,790 | Preschool - 12 | ||
Alive Montessori & Private School | $15,500 to $16,500 | |||
Academie Providence | $11,600 to $13,300 | 35% | 1 - 8 | $40 |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | $18,300 | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 |
Delano Academy & Delano High | $17,600 to $23,600 | 4% | 1 - 12 | |
Meadow Green Christian Academy | $18,490 | |||
ABC Montessori | $4,576 to $11,650 | |||
The Element High School | $18,810 to $21,905 | |||
OMS Montessori | $14,664 to $21,384 | 10% | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | $2,500 |
Somerset Academy | $16,000 | 5% | 1 - 8 | |
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | $4,620 to $18,925 | Nursery/Toddler - 8 | ||
Bannockburn | $28,120 | Nursery/Toddler - 6 | ||
Aurora Montessori School | $19,400 to $22,150 | 7% | Preschool - 8 | $1,000 |
Avalon Children's Montessori School | $14,725 to $22,275 | 5% | 1 - 8 | $10,000 |
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | $15,420 to $15,840 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
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 | |||
Ashwood Glen | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Clanmore Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Lauremont School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | |||
Peel Montessori School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Monarch Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Century Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Central Montessori Schools | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
La Villa Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | ||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | Montessori | Waldorf | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Light integration | |
Blue Butterfly Montessori School | Indirect Support | |||||||
Kanata Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 23 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | ||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Wishing Well Schools | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Town Centre Private Schools | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 22 | No support | ||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | No support | ||||
Sunrise Montessori School | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Montessori House of Children | Montessori | Standard-enriched | 8 | No support | ||||
The Clover School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Light integration | |||
Miracle Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | Indirect Support | |||||
Academie Providence | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 20 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
Delano Academy & Delano High | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | Light integration | |
Meadow Green Christian Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Hatch House Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Alderwood Academy | Montessori | Waldorf | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 12 | No support | Light integration | |
Unionville College | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | Partial Integration | Heavy integration | |
DMS Montessori Preschool and Daycare Inc. | Student-paced | Supportive | Full-time Dedicated Class | |||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Braemar House School | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Kaban Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | |||
ABC Montessori | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Toronto French Montessori | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Wheatley School | Montessori | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Indirect Support | ||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 | No support | ||
The Element High School | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Indirect Support | Heavy integration | ||
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
OMS Montessori | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Light integration | ||
Erindale Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Somerset Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 13 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
École Montessori | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Humberside Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
York Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | No support | ||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | Progressive | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | |||
Dearcroft Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Light integration | |||
Nile Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | |
The New School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate Candidate | Student-paced | Supportive | 8 to 12 | No support | Light integration | |
Bannockburn | Montessori | Accelerated | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Resource Assistance | Light integration | ||
Trinity Montessori School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | ||
Grace Christian Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Indirect Support | ||||
Aurora Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 15 to 24 | Partial Integration | Medium integration | ||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | Montessori | No support | ||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | Liberal Arts | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | ||
Ace Acumen Heights | Progressive | Standard-enriched | 18 to 20 | Indirect Support | ||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Medium integration | |||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 13 | No support | ||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | |||||
R.I.S.E. Academy | Reggio Emilia | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | 1 | Special needs school |
Legend:
Hillfield Strathallan College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashwood Glen | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clanmore Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lauremont School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Peel Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Monarch Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Century Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central Montessori Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
La Villa Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alive Montessori & Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Blue Butterfly Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kanata Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fairview Glen Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wishing Well Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Town Centre Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Cachet Montessori and Private Schools | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunrise Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori House of Children | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Clover School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Miracle Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Academie Providence | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Delano Academy & Delano High | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Mississauga | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadow Green Christian Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hatch House Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alderwood Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unionville College | ||||||||||||||||||||
DMS Montessori Preschool and Daycare Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northstar Montessori Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Braemar House School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kaban Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
ABC Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto French Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wheatley School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rotherglen School - Oakville | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Element High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
OMS Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Erindale Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Somerset Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
École Montessori | ||||||||||||||||||||
Humberside Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
York Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dearcroft Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nile Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
The New School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bannockburn | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Grace Christian Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aurora Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Western Heights Montessori Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ace Acumen Heights | ||||||||||||||||||||
Avalon Children's Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Yip’s Music & Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
R.I.S.E. Academy |
The Montessori philosophy and approach, based on the research and insights of Maria Montessori, is unique. And Montessori schools (including preschools), in Ontario and other provinces, have several progressive classroom practices. Some of the main ones are discussed below.
For more comprehensive coverage of the Montessori method, see our main Montessori school guide.
Self-directed work: Montessori students do lots of independent work. While the learning environment provides some structure, students often choose their own tasks and learning materials. With some guidance from the teacher, they also determine the pace of their studies. This allows them to do work they find challenging and stimulating, and that they’re likely to complete. It can also lead to a love of learning, throughout the school years and beyond.
Concrete learning: The main focus is on concrete learning, rather than abstract learning. Especially at the preschool and elementary level, kids work with lots of different concrete materials to learn important practical life skills.
Concrete learning engages many of the senses. And research has shown that it has several benefits. For instance, it leads to faster and more efficient learning, and it can also improve a child's focus and engagement.
Minimal tests and grades: Similar to Waldorf and Reggio Emilia schools, Montessori schools almost never test students or give them assignments. Moreover, student work is rarely graded, except in high school (and sometimes middle school).
Instead, student progress is informally assessed through observation and developmental rubrics. The belief is that kids should be intrinsically motivated—by doing meaningful work they enjoy and find fulfilling—rather than externally motivated (through grades, report cards, and the like).
Individualized curriculum: Montessori schools focus heavily on academics, even sometimes at the preschool level (3-6). Kids must master the basics in math, science, the language arts, and other subjects. They can then move on to more advanced work.
The curricular focus and pace, though, will differ between children. Each child will move at a different pace and study subjects in different ways, depending on their specific learning needs and interests. Each child will also have their own individualized learning plan, one that’s arrived at by both the child and the teacher. This is a hallmark of the Montessori method.
In Montessori schools in Ontario, subjects are almost never taught in isolation. Typically, several subjects are taught together, as part of what's called an integrated curriculum.
For instance, biology or chemistry aren’t taught as single subjects, except possibly in high school (and maybe middle school). Rather, they’ll be taught as part of an integrated unit.
To this end, a teacher might deliver what Montessori educators refer to as a great lesson. For instance, in some schools, teachers give a great lesson on the beginning of life, where students learn about biology, chemistry, history, religion, and other subjects.
An integrated curriculum can be very rewarding for Montessori students. It encourages them to make connections between ideas and concepts from a variety of disciplines. It also can lead to positive learning outcomes, such as a broadening of knowledge and a wider range of interests.
Unlike mainstream schools, though, Montessori schools don’t deliver this curriculum through direct instruction. Teachers rarely, if ever, give long lectures or lessons. When lessons are given, they tend to be shorter and more interactive and engaging than lectures given in mainstream schools.
Instead of lecturing, teachers tend to work with individuals or small groups of students. Their main role is to be a facilitator: they provide the necessary support and guidance for students to complete their work. They also help connect students with meaningful work.
Sometimes, though, teachers will just sit back and observe kids work. Often, this will be group work, where small groups of kids come together (of their own accord) to work on different tasks and projects.
The belief is that classmates often do a better job of teaching than the main teacher. In particular, older kids can excel at teaching and mentoring their younger peers, and modelling appropriate behaviour to them. The teacher, in these situations, will intervene or provide guidance only when absolutely necessary.
To learn about how Montessori education evolves through the years, read our Montessori curriculum guide. To learn how it might be suitable for kids with special needs such as gifted children, read our Montessori and special needs guide.
There are plenty of Montessori schools, preschools, and daycares in Ontario. This includes schools in Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, Mississauga, London, Kingston, St. Catharines, Oakville, Milton, Pickering, Scarborough, Brantford, Unionville, Stouffville, Aurora, and Vaughan. Parents will thus have a lot of options when selecting a school.
Some schools are more traditional, and follow the Montessori philosophy to the letter. Other schools are more supplemented, and combine the Montessori philosophy with more modern curricular approaches and materials. Remember, each Montessori school has a unique approach. In choosing a school or preschool, it’s best to look for one that’s the right fit for your child in terms of philosophy, culture, values, and the like.
Ontario has plenty of great public and private schools. It's also home to some first-rate post-secondary institutions. These include the University of Toronto, Queen’s University (in Kingston), Western University (in London), McMaster University (in Hamilton), and the University of Waterloo (in Kitchener-Waterloo).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2025 All right reserved.
