Montessori Learning offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are regular rider, occasional rider.
The regions Montessori Learning offers busing from are:
Pickering
Additional notes: Bussing is offered as a service between locations - primarily for families with students at both locations but additional seats can be used, as needed, by others
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering
The big picture on Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering
We summarized the school ourselves
Often what attracts parents to Montessori education is the close, community feel that many schools are able to provide, and that’s very true of MLCP. The school began in 1984 with 25 students, and growth has been less of a concern for its administrators than quality. The student population today is just 200, this in a program that spans preschool through Grade 8. Yes, there are all of the things we expect of the Montessori approach, though that’s coupled with a very close attention to the needs of individuals, both students and parents combined. Before and after care is available, and while it’s not included in tuition, the rates are very reasonable. Likewise, those programs are entirely flexible—parents pay only for what they use. In that, and in other ways, this is a school that really operates with the needs of its families foremost in mind.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"MLCP caters to infants through 14 years. To further enrich the Montessori curriculum, the school offers French, Physical Education and Music, with Home Economics, Civics, Computer and community service for the older students. The school welcomes the alumni who return for visits and second generation students. Celebrating 40 years in education, we acknowledge the established methodologies of Maria Montessori and the whole life education still so intrinsic to today's students."
We celebrate long term staff and welcome new energy of those just entering the field
Strong PTA presence
Hot lunches and snacks prepared on site
Diverse ethnicities and cultures support global citizenship in both families and staff
Older students participate in both on site and off site community service
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"The individualization that the Montessori program offers allows staff to recognize and hone individual learning styles empowering students to be working at potential. Our long...(more)
"The individualization that the Montessori program offers allows staff to recognize and hone individual learning styles empowering students to be working at potential. Our long term staff share years of dedicated experience with students. Our commitment to the development of the student as a whole person is supported by a myriad of opportunities to grow and thrive."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Montessori education is already a choice of "stepping outside of the box" Traditional methodologies and curriculums are recognized but potentializing students in all areas of the...(more)
"Montessori education is already a choice of "stepping outside of the box" Traditional methodologies and curriculums are recognized but potentializing students in all areas of the curriculum can allow them to be functioning at advanced levels in some areas, managing at grade level in others and being additionally supported in others."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"opened in 1984 with 25 students
established PTA in 1986
moved in 1991 to present location purchasing the property in 1995
expanded to include the two neighboring properties in...(more)
"opened in 1984 with 25 students
established PTA in 1986
moved in 1991 to present location purchasing the property in 1995
expanded to include the two neighboring properties in 1997 and 2003
introduced the infant program in 1996
grew into the upper elementary grades in 1993
acquired independent location for upper elementary 2019"
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"As Montessori's method individualizes for each child's learning style many students excel in the classrooms. Strengths are potentialized and areas for growth are supported. ...(more)
"As Montessori's method individualizes for each child's learning style many students excel in the classrooms. Strengths are potentialized and areas for growth are supported. Families wanting a "whole person" learning environment where academic, social, community responsibility and courtesy, compliment and balance each other, will recognize Montessori for the established education it has become."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"While Montessori caters to many learning styles, some students are better served in smaller classrooms where individualization and support can be more personally consistent."
"While Montessori caters to many learning styles, some students are better served in smaller classrooms where individualization and support can be more personally consistent."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Our long history in Pickering has allowed us the privilege of sharing all we offer with many families. Our program is a solid and acknowledged one growing and changing over the...(more)
"Our long history in Pickering has allowed us the privilege of sharing all we offer with many families. Our program is a solid and acknowledged one growing and changing over the years, based on family needs and feedback. MLCP respects and appreciates the referrals from those who have come before and continually strives to better in all we offer."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"With our long term standing in the area and with students revisiting to register their children, our reputation feels well established. We are fortunate to have a low staff...(more)
"With our long term standing in the area and with students revisiting to register their children, our reputation feels well established. We are fortunate to have a low staff turnover supporting much academic experience to share with students."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
Information not yet available.
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Ongoing feedback often refers to appreciation for the individualization of all that we offer with each student and family. Especially with longer attending students, the...(more)
"Ongoing feedback often refers to appreciation for the individualization of all that we offer with each student and family. Especially with longer attending students, the dedication of the long term staff and the respect shared between them for differences and accomplishments is often noted. The uniqueness of each student is valued.
While a repeated acknowledgement of a "family feel" environment is often shared, this comes from a mutual respect that develops between families and staff over time."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"While consistency and routine are important in this ever changing world, it is also important to be aware of newer social, academic and emotional findings to ensure student...(more)
"While consistency and routine are important in this ever changing world, it is also important to be aware of newer social, academic and emotional findings to ensure student preparation outside of our immediate surroundings. Through ongoing professional development opportunities, as well as liaisons with other schools improvements and supports for curriculum and socialization are ongoing."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Preschool to Gr. 2 (current), SK to Gr. 5 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Nina Dhir to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998
