Bloomsbury Academy is an enriched Montessori school that combines traditional Montessori methods with the latest cognitive development research. The Academy focuses on self-directed learning while incorporating early reading, math, and social skills through playful instruction to prepare students for a smooth transition to primary school. Families who value innovative, research-driven education find Bloomsbury an ideal fit. The Academy also emphasizes community engagement and experiential learning, nurturing curiosity and creativity. Located in urban communities close to transit, makes it easier to build family and community connections, with social and educational events for families. Though it opts for smaller, urban spaces instead of large campuses, Bloomsbury integrates outdoor learning through its connection with the surrounding neighborhood, providing a unique educational experience.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Bloomsbury Academy blends Montessori principles with 21st-century strategies to build executive function skills like focus, planning, and communication. Our approach encourages self-direction, emotional intelligence, and collaborative problem-solving through both independent learning and imaginative play. Supported by expert teachers and research, our program prepares children for social and academic success in their primary school years."
A high-quality enriched learning curriculum supporting children from 16 months to 6 years.
Family and community connections are a core value at Bloomsbury Academy.
We believe that preschools should support family well-being through social and educational events.
We prepare students for a successful transition to primary school and beyond.
Bloomsbury Academy centres are conveniently located in residential communities close to transit.
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Family and community connections are a core value at Bloomsbury Academy. Our centres are located in vibrant, walkable urban communities. Bloomsbury Academy is a high-quality...(more)
"Family and community connections are a core value at Bloomsbury Academy. Our centres are located in vibrant, walkable urban communities. Bloomsbury Academy is a high-quality learning program with a beautifully designed learning space, a dedicated playground, and a gymnasium conveniently located within urban neighbourhoods close to transit.
Our teaching philosophy is built around a focus on children’s well-being and the importance of being part of a nurturing and supportive community. Children need to feel confident and valued before they can explore and learn about the world around them.
Bloomsbury Academy's commitment to current educational research, best practices, and teacher professional development ensure an exceptional learning experience for all students."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"By prioritizing urban locations for our facilities, Bloomsbury Academy offers a more intimate learning environment, allowing for personalized attention and stronger connections...(more)
"By prioritizing urban locations for our facilities, Bloomsbury Academy offers a more intimate learning environment, allowing for personalized attention and stronger connections among students and educators.
This focus on accessibility means we’ve opted for innovative, multi-purpose spaces instead of expansive campuses, fostering creativity and collaboration within a cozy setting. While our facilities may not boast sprawling outdoor areas, we’ve integrated nature-based learning through our community spaces, encouraging exploration and outdoor play in the neighborhood.
Additionally, our commitment to offering a curriculum that emphasizes community engagement and experiential learning sometimes requires flexibility in scheduling. These tradeoffs enhance our mission to create connected, sustainable urban environments, ensuring that families have access to quality education within their community while nurturing a sense of belonging."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Bloomsbury Academy is an innovative new school with beautiful modern facilities. Many preschools are located in dark older buildings. Bloomsbury classrooms are airy and...(more)
"Bloomsbury Academy is an innovative new school with beautiful modern facilities. Many preschools are located in dark older buildings. Bloomsbury classrooms are airy and light-filled."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Our school is an ideal fit for students and families who value a high-quality education and are committed to nurturing their children's potential. These families are culturally...(more)
"Our school is an ideal fit for students and families who value a high-quality education and are committed to nurturing their children's potential. These families are culturally diverse professionals with a global mindset in dynamic fields such as finance, technology, law, and healthcare, reflecting a dedication to success and lifelong learning. Our curriculum is designed to go beyond purely paly-based learning, encouraging early introduction to reading and math skills by supporting children's capacity to focus.
Families that will benefit most from our school are those who prioritize innovation and evidence-based learning over purely traditional approaches. They seek out a nurturing community that values progressive values and holistic development, ensuring their children not only achieve academically but also grow socially and emotionally."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Bloomsbury Academy's state-of-the-art urban facility nurtures curiosity and creativity in young minds. If parents are expecting large playing fields and an extracurricular...(more)
"Bloomsbury Academy's state-of-the-art urban facility nurtures curiosity and creativity in young minds. If parents are expecting large playing fields and an extracurricular program, we are not able to provide that downtown. Parents who value a highly traditional school environment may not be a good fit for our innovative model."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"The high quality of our programs and our teachers' commitment to children are the core of our program. The convenience of our urban locations also help reduce family stress by...(more)
"The high quality of our programs and our teachers' commitment to children are the core of our program. The convenience of our urban locations also help reduce family stress by offering an easy pick-up and drop-off close to transit."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Bloomsbury Academy is a licensed early childhood education centre that offers seamless integration of living and learning for children aged 18 months to 6 years old. Bloomsbury...(more)
"Bloomsbury Academy is a licensed early childhood education centre that offers seamless integration of living and learning for children aged 18 months to 6 years old. Bloomsbury Academy blends Montessori principles with teaching strategies that support children’s capacity to self-regulate and focus. The unique curriculum and classroom spaces provide an enriching learning environment that represents the local community and culture.
We are open to the public and we offer discounted tuition rates to residents of our communities and feature state-of-the-art amenities, including a dedicated outdoor play area, a Toronto Raptors basketball court, yoga classes, nutritious meals and classrooms designed to maximize natural light. Regular updates and communication foster trust between educators and families, while regular family events and parenting workshops create a strong sense of community."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Our centres are smaller and offer more individual attention. Our unique curriculum supports children's capacity to focus and learn collaboratively as they develop positive peer...(more)
"Our centres are smaller and offer more individual attention. Our unique curriculum supports children's capacity to focus and learn collaboratively as they develop positive peer relationships."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"We offer parent social and educational events throughout the year. We are a close-knit community located within a vibrant urban neighborhood."
"We offer parent social and educational events throughout the year. We are a close-knit community located within a vibrant urban neighborhood."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Our teachers are the foundation of our program. They are trained in a range of teaching methods and they embrace current research on children's development. Our brand-new...(more)
"Our teachers are the foundation of our program. They are trained in a range of teaching methods and they embrace current research on children's development. Our brand-new educational facility is designed to be a soothing learning environment for toddlers and preschoolers. In fall 2024, we are piloting the Tools of the Mind curriculum to support children's ability to focus and self-regulate. Our spacious classrooms are filled with high quality materials designed to promote interactive learning and collaboration among young children."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Bloomsbury Academy will be a signature service offering in several Toronto neighbourhoods, reflecting our commitment to fostering vibrant famili-focused communities across...(more)
"Bloomsbury Academy will be a signature service offering in several Toronto neighbourhoods, reflecting our commitment to fostering vibrant famili-focused communities across Toronto. As we develop two new locations in North and West Toronto, we aim to create educational environments that are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of these communities.
Our Academy is designed to not only provide exceptional early learning but also to encourage a lifestyle that promotes walking, exploration, and community engagement. We envision a city where children can thrive in educational settings that foster creativity and curiosity."