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Dearcroft Montessori School logo

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Dearcroft Montessori School








THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Dearcroft Montessori School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

Meet them
at the Expo

Halton-Peel (Oct 19)

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School overview

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    Nursery/Toddler — Gr. 8
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    10 — 20 students
  • Tuition
    $10,600 to 27,800/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    OIS, CCMA
  • Enrolment
    170 day students
  • Curriculum
    Montessori
  • EBROCHURE
    View eBrochure

Special Event
  • Meet Dearcroft Montessori School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Halton-Peel (Oct 19).  RSVP NOW

The big picture on Dearcroft Montessori School

We summarized the school ourselves

More than 50 years old, Dearcroft is one of the older Montessori schools in the country, founded in 1968 by Peter and Barbara Phippen. It also has very consistent history, now being directed by Gordon Phippen, son of the founders. All of that, while not essential to the delivery of a quality Montessori program, nevertheless underscores what parents and students value in the approach, namely a clear sense of community, family, cross-generational interaction, and a sense of tradition. The program hews very closely to Maria Montessori’s model, and also brings the community—both local and beyond—into the classroom. The student body is on the larger end for a dedicated Montessori school, and the benefits of size are apparent in the range of programs offered.


We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Established in 1968, Dearcroft is Oakville's original Montessori school offering programs from Toddler through to Junior High with three campuses in Oakville delivering exceptional Montessori Programs. Our North Campus offers an urbanized natural space, complemented by over 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms. Our Satellite campus offers enriched Montessori programs for Toddler and Casa. Dearcroft is a fully accredited charter member of CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators)."

  • Spacious, naturally lit classrooms
  • Computers & multi-media
  • Extensive athletics program / Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) * NYC
  • Outdoor/experiential education
  • Performing arts stage/music/drama
  • Aboriginal/First Nation Studies
  • French from Preschool to Grade 8
  • Before and After Care

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"At the core of our Montessori curriculum is a strong emphasis on peace education. This creates an environment of kindness and compassion where students are supported not only by...(more)

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"A wonderful degree of innovation and natural design have driven the evolution of our school community.  An excellent curriculum that goes above and beyond the public system...(more)

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"Founded in 1968, Dearcroft is Oakville’s original Montessori School and one of the first independent schools Canada-wide. Under the consistent direction of the Phippen family...(more)

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"At Dearcroft Montessori, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and challenging environment that fosters a love of learning. When students and families share our values, the...(more)

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"Dearcroft Montessori is dedicated to fostering independence, creativity, and a deep love of learning. However, we understand that every family has different priorities when it...(more)

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"A wonderful degree of innovation and natural design have driven the evolution of our school community. An excellent curriculum that goes above and beyond the public system...(more)

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"Celebrating over 50 years, Dearcroft continually proves to be a highly respected leader in education. Our experienced staff takes great pride in offering a warm and engaging...(more)

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"One of the most underappreciated aspects of Dearcroft Montessori is the depth and intentionality of our individualized learning approach. While Montessori education is often...(more)

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

"For 25 years Dearcroft/West Wind has been Canada’s leader in elementary experiential education. Our award-winning Expedition Education Program established in 1996 has been an...(more)

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"Dearcroft Montessori has grown into three thriving campuses, each dedicated to providing high-quality, authentic Montessori education in Oakville."

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"New! State-of-the-art Montessori Elementary Classroom (Grades 1-6)

Discover our 4,000-square-foot classroom, complete with a live green wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, a Music...(more)


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Dearcroft Montessori School: Parent Review from Katherine & John Vellinga

Watch our parent interview with Katherine & John Vellinga to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Dearcroft Montessori School.
 

Dig deeper into Dearcroft Montessori School

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The OUR KIDS Report: Dearcroft Montessori School

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