Unionville offers everything you would rightly expect from a Montessori education, including casa classrooms and group arts and music instruction, which provide opportunities for hands-on learning and the development of natural peer and mentor relationships. The program also builds from that foundation, including a significant and enthusiastic adoption of in-class technology. That aspect of the school is integrated nicely within with more traditional aspects of the method, becoming a natural extension of the approach that Maria Montessori described a century ago. The school is larger than we might initially expect of a Montessori program, though the benefits of size include a breadth of curricular and extra-curricular programming. Families that enroll here are those that prize the Montessori approach, though are also looking for something more. Indeed, that’s exactly what they find.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Established in 1987, Unionville College (UC) is a co-educational private school with a proud tradition of academic excellence. Offering an advanced curriculum with a gifted and talented education (GATE) program, UC inspires, guides, and challenges students. We incorporate cutting-edge technologies through our STEAM lab, laptop program, and coding and robotics extensions. UC prepares students to excel as 21st-century learners while fostering talent in fine arts and athletics. We also offer a wide breadth of enriching extracurriculars and after-school programs. UC’s hallmark is a focus on high expectations, blending academic success with character development. Our Casa program builds on the Montessori Method with enhancements in music, science, visual and dramatic arts, and more. Elementary classroom lessons encourage exploration, discovery, challenge, and engagement in dialogues. UC students develop skills for success in school and life through activities promoting academic excellence, self-reliance, and critical thinking. UC’s Secondary School program offers a supportive, enhanced learning environment with small class sizes preparing students for top university programs. UC students gain a well-rounded education that promotes a strong academic and social foundation, preparing them to become lifelong learners and committed citizens"
Enriched Montessori, AP, and Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) Programmes
OCT Certified and Dedicated Faculty.
Beautiful New Secondary campus
Strong communication with parents.
High Academic Standards
After-School and Enrichment Programmes offered.
Before and After School Care included.
Advanced Year-ahead Curriculum
1:1 device program beginning Gr 3
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At Unionville College, we differentiate ourselves through a strong focus on individual growth and achievement. No two students have the same extracurricular and educational...(more)
"At Unionville College, we differentiate ourselves through a strong focus on individual growth and achievement. No two students have the same extracurricular and educational experience at UC — we emphasize choosing the mix between athletics, academics, and creative interests that works for each student. We also offer the chance to compete in specialized STEAM extracurricular activities like math and coding competitions, science fairs, and robotics fairs."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Our commitment to tailoring learning experiences to each child’s unique needs means we’ve chosen to prioritize personalized, enriched instruction over a one-size-fits-all...(more)
"Our commitment to tailoring learning experiences to each child’s unique needs means we’ve chosen to prioritize personalized, enriched instruction over a one-size-fits-all standardized curriculum. We prioritize a curriculum that not only covers academic rigor but also includes opportunities for character development, teamwork, and social responsibility. This decision allows us to emphasize critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaborative skills over simply meeting provincial benchmarks. This personalized approach may sometimes require more time and resources than a more standardized program, but we believe it ultimately yields more independent, self-reliant learners. We focus on a core set of high-quality, depth-oriented programs that reflect our values in both academics and character education."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"The students who thrive at Unionville College are those with a curious and growth-oriented mindset, eager to engage deeply in both academics and character development. Students...(more)
"The students who thrive at Unionville College are those with a curious and growth-oriented mindset, eager to engage deeply in both academics and character development. Students with an enthusiasm for exploring new ideas, tackling challenges, and working collaboratively with others benefit greatly from our personalized, enriched curriculum. We place an emphasis on both academic excellence and personal growth, seeing the importance of character-building, teamwork, and social responsibility alongside academic success. They have a long-term perspective, appreciating an educational journey that nurtures independence and lifelong learning rather than focusing solely on grades or standardized achievements. Families choose UC share our commitment to holistic development and prioritize a balanced approach to education."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose Unionville College (UC) because of our commitment to delivering an exceptional and forward-thinking educational experience. We at UC pride ourselves on our quality...(more)
"Families choose Unionville College (UC) because of our commitment to delivering an exceptional and forward-thinking educational experience. We at UC pride ourselves on our quality of education and our ability to distinguish our student's development with our advanced Year-ahead Curriculum; where students consistently learn a year ahead, fostering academic excellence, confidence, and critical thinking. This approach gives students a strong foundation and preparation for AP, competitive university pathways, and lifelong success. UC stands out with small class sizes, OCT-certified faculty, and individualized attention, successfully ensure both academic and personal growth. Our dedication to fostering long term relationships with our staff, students, and their families facilitates the development of long-term connections between educators and families."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Unionville College is known for its academic excellence, innovative programs, and well-rounded education. People often describe UC as a school where high standards meet a...(more)
"Unionville College is known for its academic excellence, innovative programs, and well-rounded education. People often describe UC as a school where high standards meet a supportive, nurturing environment. our commitment to preparing students for the future through advanced academics, cutting-edge technology, and a wide range of extracurriculars. Families recognize UC as a place where students are challenged and inspired, gaining attributes essential for lifelong learning and success. Our students are known to be driven to achieve their best, encouraged by peers who share a commitment to learning and growth. At UC, students not only push themselves academically but also support one another, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to reach their full potential."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"An overlooked aspect of our school is the depth of our tech integration and STEAM curriculum, emphasizing not just innovation for reputation but a genuine belief in technological...(more)
"An overlooked aspect of our school is the depth of our tech integration and STEAM curriculum, emphasizing not just innovation for reputation but a genuine belief in technological literacy as a crucial future skill. We aim to prepare students for the digital age, embedding technology across all subjects, from math to literature, ensuring a practical and educational approach. This experience is best appreciated firsthand, highlighting our commitment to fostering adeptness in the digital world"
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"An unexpected benefit of our school community is the breadth of experience that each student gains from being part of a diverse student body. Our students come from many different...(more)
"An unexpected benefit of our school community is the breadth of experience that each student gains from being part of a diverse student body. Our students come from many different backgrounds, possess many unique skills and strengths, and learn from each other through this diversity. We choose to celebrate and foster every area and strength at UC, because we believe that our diversity of experience, background, and interest brings something valuable."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"To deepen students' academic and creative development, we've expanded our STEAM program with new state-of-the-art robotics and coding labs, providing hands-on learning with...(more)
"To deepen students' academic and creative development, we've expanded our STEAM program with new state-of-the-art robotics and coding labs, providing hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology. Our curriculum now includes a broader selection of advanced courses, allowing students to tailor their learning to their interests and career aspirations. Additionally, we’ve introduced professional development initiatives for our faculty, focusing on new teaching methods and inclusive practices to ensure our educators are fully equipped to support every student’s needs. These changes are all part of our dedication to fostering a nurturing environment where students can excel academically and grow into confident, capable individuals ready for future challenges."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"In the next five years, Unionville College will continue its growth, enhancing our commitment to academic excellence and well-rounded student development. With the recent...(more)
"In the next five years, Unionville College will continue its growth, enhancing our commitment to academic excellence and well-rounded student development. With the recent expansion to a full K-12 curriculum, we are focused on providing a seamless educational journey that prepares students for top universities and life beyond. We will strengthen our STEAM, arts, and athletics programs, ensuring students have the tools to explore their passions. Additionally, we’re expanding wellness and counseling resources to support students socially and emotionally. Our professional development initiatives will ensure faculty remain at the forefront of teaching methods. Unionville College is also proud to introduce Unionville College Online School in 2025, offering Ontario Secondary School credits in a flexible online format, providing even more opportunities for students to thrive academically while maintaining balance in their lives."
Watch our parent interview with Lesley Sahakian to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Unionville Montessori Private Schools.
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