“Let’s talk this out under the magnolia tree,” is the Clanmore version of, “we need to have a talk.” How great is that? Certainly, from the magnolia tree on up, there’s a lot to love here. The Clanmore building, as well as the context it sits within, is gorgeous. The home was built in 1904, and the school bought it in 1998 from descendants of the original owner. Which, frankly, just feels right for some reason. Atmosphere, is an important aspect of Montessori education, and all of the additions and adjustments to the structure have been undertaken with that in mind. It sits on the edge of the Joshua’s Creek Conservation area, and the school rightly makes use of that location within its programming. The curriculum hews to a close reading of Maria Montessori’s intentions, the attention to student-guided instruction prime among them.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Located in southeast Oakville, bordering Mississauga, Lake Ontario, and a local conservation area, Clanmore Montessori School is housed in a beautifully restored historic farmhouse with a custom-designed, environmentally innovative addition. Clanmore provides top-quality authentic Montessori programming from Toddler to Middle School. Our highly qualified, caring staff support each child, fostering individual potential and nurturing academic, emotional, and social growth. CCMA accredited. Licensed."
In-house catered lunch program, prepared fresh daily by our chef.
Our most recent addition has a living, green roof. One of the largest in Oakville.
On-site co-curricular offerings.
One of the first Montessori Toddler Programs in Canada and the first to be CCMA accredited.
One of few schools to have an authentic Montessori Middle School program.
Summer camp on offer for students 4 and up.
School is owned and led by a team of Montessori trained staff, including administration.
Extended hours for working parents.
Beautiful aesthetics, including original art, flowers, lots of natural light.
Member of Oakville Independent Schools
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Clanmore literally means "big family" in Irish Gaelic. Community permeates every aspect of what we do. Our classrooms are mulit-aged student communities, our parent community is...(more)
"Clanmore literally means "big family" in Irish Gaelic. Community permeates every aspect of what we do. Our classrooms are mulit-aged student communities, our parent community is an intergral partner in school life at Clanmore and our older students are mentors and leaders not only in their own programs but for the school as a whole. We care deeply for all community members as we stand by, cheer on, support, and collaborate with each other."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Clanmore has a very conscious approach in terms of incorporating technology. Limited computer access occurs at the Upper Elementary Level (the equivalent of grades 4-6) with...(more)
"Clanmore has a very conscious approach in terms of incorporating technology. Limited computer access occurs at the Upper Elementary Level (the equivalent of grades 4-6) with strict parameters. Our MIddle School students each have access to an individual device, but again, the parameters of use are clearly set-out, including periods during the day when devices are locked away."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Clanmore's founding stemmed from a desire for the owners to offer the school experience they had always wanted for their own children. It was a very personal passion project, and...(more)
"Clanmore's founding stemmed from a desire for the owners to offer the school experience they had always wanted for their own children. It was a very personal passion project, and the school is still infused with that passion. A successful first year saw the school purchase and re-locate to an historic farmhouse property which could be customized to best meet the need of our students. A first addition was added to the original building to accommodate growing demand from our community. The demand for additional classroom space continued as did an interest from our families for expansion into the middle school years. In response, the school added a second addition. We are proud to be one of the few Montessori schools offering a full spectrum Montessori curriculum (Toddler to Middle School). especially for those of our families committed to supporting Montessori education for as many of their children's developing years as possible."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Students who thrive in an environment which supports freedom (within limits) and who enjoy being actively engaged in their learning. Students who do not need constant direction...(more)
"Students who thrive in an environment which supports freedom (within limits) and who enjoy being actively engaged in their learning. Students who do not need constant direction and a learning curriculum which is fixed and highly structured."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"As a Montessori School, we empower our students to be active participants in their learning. Clanmore, therefore, is not an ideal fit for families looking for a more traditional,...(more)
"As a Montessori School, we empower our students to be active participants in their learning. Clanmore, therefore, is not an ideal fit for families looking for a more traditional, teacher-directed approach."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families often comment on the authenticity and breadth of our Montessori programming along with the strong qualifications of our staff as a factor that attracts attention. Beyond...(more)
"Families often comment on the authenticity and breadth of our Montessori programming along with the strong qualifications of our staff as a factor that attracts attention. Beyond this, the beauty of our buildings both inside and out, and the surrounding natural environment are also appreciated. There is an attention to detail and thoughtfulness in all that we do. Families feel respected and feel confident and comfortable that their children are in good care when choosing Clanmore."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Clanmore stands out for its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Students and families alike feel that they are approached as individuals. and not just a cog in the wheel. The school...(more)
"Clanmore stands out for its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Students and families alike feel that they are approached as individuals. and not just a cog in the wheel. The school clearly cares about its community and lives up to its name: Clanmore = Big Family in Gaelic."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The independent and individualized learning environments allow for the development of competence and confidence, but more than this, the children can move at their own pace in...(more)
"The independent and individualized learning environments allow for the development of competence and confidence, but more than this, the children can move at their own pace in each aspect of their development. Children with strong leadership skills, for example, can confidently capitalize upon this strength while spending more time on areas that come less readily. Children who have mastered something may mentor a peer, even if that peer is a little older than they are."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"The children have a big voice in our school, be it in fundraising initiatives, the idea of the installation of a lower handrail for younger children, or the design of our school...(more)
"The children have a big voice in our school, be it in fundraising initiatives, the idea of the installation of a lower handrail for younger children, or the design of our school crest. The children are listened to and conversed with. They know they are integral members of our community and that with that comes important responsibility. They are encouraged to always speak up, to share their thoughts and ideas, and to advocate for themselves and others."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Our last significant change was our physical expansion in 2013, allowing us to offer more classroom space and a middle school program. We also now have a beautiful gymnasium and a...(more)
"Our last significant change was our physical expansion in 2013, allowing us to offer more classroom space and a middle school program. We also now have a beautiful gymnasium and a second kitchen. We also redesigned our website and launched in 2023. Our new site is more user-friendly and offers our parents a private portal."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Fundamentally the school will not change, which is one of our strengths. We adhere to a philosophy that we are firmly committed to. That said, we regularly reflect upon all areas...(more)
"Fundamentally the school will not change, which is one of our strengths. We adhere to a philosophy that we are firmly committed to. That said, we regularly reflect upon all areas of the school with our goal being continual improvement."
We have two boys at Clanmore, both of whom have attended since Toddler. We are truly part of the family at this school and throughout the many years we've seen our boys accomplish so very much. Most notably for us - our lads have retained a powerful sense of curiosity. The school's ability to create and nurture inquiring minds is a standout feature. This comes about as a direct result of the quality and character of the teachers. So often we hear organizations make claims to caring for our children as though they were family. There are few who can genuinely deliver on this promise. It is difficult but from the head of school, Grace Kidney, to the folks in the kitchen, everyone authentically embraces our children with insight, patience, acknowledgement of the individual needs of each of our boys. At Clanmore our kids are learning to be adaptable - things change and so they are shown how to be nimble. They are learning to be resilient - sometimes we have to turn toward adversity to learn and progress. This is encouraged. They are exposed to the requirement to be agile - even at the youngest ages they learn how to confidently pivot. We couldn't be more happy with our Clanmore decision. Since our sons enrolled, we have relocated to new homes three times. That can be a challenge for kids. Throughout all of this though there was the beautiful home they enjoyed at Clanmore and the roots they have established are deep and meaningful.
When I was a student at Clanmore one of the many phrases that we had was "the little school with the big heart". Although the school has grown ten times over, they still are able to keep this atmosphere at its core. The teachers at Clanmore have a fantastic ability to connect with students, and create a learning plan that best suits every individual. This kind of experience is difficult to come by. The teachers and faculty at Clanmore have really mastered creating a wholesome experience that makes coming to school so positive and special. If you are looking for a place that your child can grow, learn, and develop into a magnificent individual... Clanmore is most definitley the place.
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