There’s a lot to learn in the early years, one of them being a confidence to learn and to engage effectively with others. ABC, in keeping with the core tenets of the Montessori approach, was founded in 1995 to create a caring, supportive, family-centred environment, and that remains foremost in the school’s approach. An impressive roster of extracurricular activities is a draw, as is the attention to values. ABC’s reputation has been rightly gained through an individual attention to the needs of each student, and providing a solid foundation for their ongoing academic life.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Our goal is to provide every student with the most rewarding and fulfilling education experience. Recognized for academic excellence, ABC Montessori offers a developmental pre-CASA program, a modern Montessori program for students aged 2 to 5 years, and an enriched traditional elementary program from SK to grade 5. Our students excel academically through a rigorous study program and grow socially, emotionally, and physically through a variety of arts, athletic, and extracurricular activities."
Strong academic program
Small nurturing environment within a close knit family
Motivated and engaging teachers
Focus on Literacy, Mathematics, French, Sciences, Social Studies, Music
Skating and Gymnastics programs
Numerous field trips with important curriculum connections
Coding is a part of the curriculum for students in Grades 1 to 5
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We’re a small school with big aspirations. Our families enroll at our school for the intimate learning environment meant to prepare students for success in middle school and...(more)
"We’re a small school with big aspirations. Our families enroll at our school for the intimate learning environment meant to prepare students for success in middle school and beyond. The curriculum we teach is enhanced. The good work habits we teach are ones that stay for a life time!"
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Our committment to core values does not result in giving a lower priority of other values. Our school runs on the belief that young children can succeed immensely at school if...(more)
"Our committment to core values does not result in giving a lower priority of other values. Our school runs on the belief that young children can succeed immensely at school if they are armed with the right academic foundations of reading, writing, numeracy, music, french, science, coding and social studies combined with physical education. These are our prime focus and serve to prepare students for success beyond elementary school."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Our school started in 1995 with just a handful of students and slowly we have grown to a student population of 150 children. We aim to keep our student population small because...(more)
"Our school started in 1995 with just a handful of students and slowly we have grown to a student population of 150 children. We aim to keep our student population small because our work is best done in smaller groups of students. Over the years, our school and its program have changed considerably as we adapt to changing times while adhering to our core values of focusing on reading, writing, numeracy, music, french, science, coding and social studies combined with physical education. As we look into the future, it is our goal to grow a better facility which has been thwarted by difficult zoning laws in Mississauga."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Students are expected to be well-manared and motivated to learn. Our program is designed to truly challenge students beyong the norms of the Ontario curriculum and students are...(more)
"Students are expected to be well-manared and motivated to learn. Our program is designed to truly challenge students beyong the norms of the Ontario curriculum and students are expected to come to school ready to learn each day."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"ABC Montessori provides a strong and challening learning environment for students. To achieve success, students and parents must understand that effort must come from the student....(more)
"ABC Montessori provides a strong and challening learning environment for students. To achieve success, students and parents must understand that effort must come from the student. Without committment and hardwork, students will not achieve success under any circumstances. Enrolling in a private school should not necessarily equate with guaranteed success. We provide a nurturing environment and the necessary guidance, but students need to put in the hard work."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Being a smaller school with a strong curriculum, our students excel in our nurturing environment with good life long habits that serve students well into middle school and high...(more)
"Being a smaller school with a strong curriculum, our students excel in our nurturing environment with good life long habits that serve students well into middle school and high school. They prepare very well academically with good manners and excellent work ethic."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"We are a small school with big ambitions. We have a unique system to develop the foundations of academic success. Our repuation for a strong academic program is well know through...(more)
"We are a small school with big ambitions. We have a unique system to develop the foundations of academic success. Our repuation for a strong academic program is well know through 30 years of word of mouth by past families and student alumni."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"While progress can seem slow at first, the habits formed and the direction provided by teachers really begin to show mid way through the year. The students transform into well...(more)
"While progress can seem slow at first, the habits formed and the direction provided by teachers really begin to show mid way through the year. The students transform into well balanced students with an enviable love for learning."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"The intensity with which teachers engage with students to help them and guide them along the way is what makes our experience unique. The teachers are truly our most treasured...(more)
"The intensity with which teachers engage with students to help them and guide them along the way is what makes our experience unique. The teachers are truly our most treasured part of our school and with dedicated students, the progress they make is remarkable."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Over the past 4-5 years, the school has transformed dramatically following the onset of the pandemic. We saw the opportunity to upgrade our systems to better serve students and...(more)
"Over the past 4-5 years, the school has transformed dramatically following the onset of the pandemic. We saw the opportunity to upgrade our systems to better serve students and parents. No longer are snow days or other closures spent unproductive. Communication with students continue even when a family decides to take unplanned time away from school arising out of personal circumstances."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Our future plans include moving into a larger facility where students can thrive by adding a new dimension to their educational journey. A bigger and better facility that...(more)
"Our future plans include moving into a larger facility where students can thrive by adding a new dimension to their educational journey. A bigger and better facility that contributes to student learning will serve to strengthen our program and offering."
Preschool to Gr. 3 (current), Nursery/Toddler to SK (current) — Watch our parent interview with Eileen Daunt to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend ABC Montessori.
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