Parents look to York Montessori for a program that demonstrates a high fidelity to the Montessori method, and which is delivered by accredited, experienced staff. And, certainly, that’s precisely what they find. Families are actively involved within the life of the school through annual events as well as, uniquely, information sessions, workshops, and in-class observation held at key points throughout the academic year. The schools is larger than most Montessori environments, especially given those which, as here, limit their scope to the early years. That said, the efforts around involving parents lends a familiar, family-oriented cast to the culture of the school. Following on, the size of the student body has its benefits, especially around the breadth of the program offerings, the resources available, and allows for coverage before and after the school day.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"York Montessori School (YMS) is a reputable independent Montessori school licensed by the Ministry of Education and accredited by the CCMA. With a focus on academic preparation and through the use of classic Montessori pedagogy, our experienced and dedicated educators aim to support the holistic development of each of our young learners. Our goal at YMS is for our students to emerge as independent and confident individuals who seamlessly transition from thriving in our classrooms to succeeding in the world."
High-quality, authentic Montessori education
Emphasis on individualized learning
Dedicated, experienced, and highly qualified educators
Low student-to-teacher ratios
Immaculate and engaging learning environments
Specialty French and Music classes
Onsite after-school extracurricular activities
Available before and after school extended care
Nutritious meals and snacks
Summer Camp – exclusive to YMS students
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Established in 2007, YMS has gained a strong reputation within the Richmond Hill community. Recognized for its commitment to classic Montessori principles, YMS prides itself on...(more)
"Established in 2007, YMS has gained a strong reputation within the Richmond Hill community. Recognized for its commitment to classic Montessori principles, YMS prides itself on fostering a collaborative partnership with families and providing a robust foundation for success that goes beyond academic achievements, encouraging a lifetime of curiosity, compassion, and interconnected learning. The school’s highly qualified and experienced educators are devoted to supporting each child's and family’s unique educational journey through a thoughtfully prepared environment and a curriculum designed to encourage confidence and independence. The school's reputation for excellence is evident in the accomplishments of its alumni, who continue to thrive and positively contribute to their communities."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At YMS, we prioritize Montessori principles, which requires us to make deliberate trade-offs. One key decision is balancing personalization with standardization. By maintaining...(more)
"At YMS, we prioritize Montessori principles, which requires us to make deliberate trade-offs. One key decision is balancing personalization with standardization. By maintaining small class sizes, we tailor education to each child’s pace, but we don't focus on standardized testing or academic benchmarks, which some families may expect. Additionally, we emphasize hands-on learning with Montessori materials over heavy technology use, recognizing technology’s importance but prioritizing tangible skills and independence. These trade-offs allow us to stay true to our personalized learning and holistic development values, enriching students’ long-term growth. While we deprioritize standardized testing and digital tools, we believe these choices better prepare our students for a lifetime of learning, creativity, and meaningful engagement with the world."
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?
"YMS is a great fit for students who thrive in an environment that emphasizes independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. Our ideal student enjoys exploring concepts at their...(more)
"YMS is a great fit for students who thrive in an environment that emphasizes independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. Our ideal student enjoys exploring concepts at their own pace, with the support of dedicated educators. YMS is best suited for children who benefit from a personalized approach to learning, where the focus is on the whole child—physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. While we welcome students with diverse learning styles, those motivated to engage in self-directed activities, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of their learning will truly flourish. Families who value a Montessori education, which encourages creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, will find a supportive and enriching community at YMS."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"We would advise a family against choosing YMS if they are unwilling to commit to the full three-year Casa program. The Montessori approach thrives on continuity and long-term...(more)
"We would advise a family against choosing YMS if they are unwilling to commit to the full three-year Casa program. The Montessori approach thrives on continuity and long-term development, where each year builds upon the previous one. The three-year cycle is essential for fostering deep learning, independence, and leadership skills, and students benefit from the consistency of remaining in the same classroom environment with the same educator for multiple years. Families who are seeking a more traditional, short-term school experience or those not aligned with the Montessori philosophy may not find the best fit at YMS. Additionally, families who are unable to engage in the collaborative partnership between school and home may not fully benefit from the Montessori method, which requires active involvement and support for a child’s development."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Information not yet available.
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Families choose YMS for our strong commitment to the Montessori philosophy and the exceptional academic outcomes we provide. We focus on nurturing a love of learning, critical...(more)
"Families choose YMS for our strong commitment to the Montessori philosophy and the exceptional academic outcomes we provide. We focus on nurturing a love of learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for future academic challenges. Parents also value our open communication, which fosters collaboration and ensures that each child's unique needs are met. YMS is recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to the holistic development of students, earning a strong reputation that consistently attracts families through referrals and word of mouth. Our proven track record of academic achievement and emphasis on social and emotional growth make YMS the ideal choice for families seeking a well-rounded education."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"One aspect of YMS that is often underappreciated is our low teacher turnover, which plays a crucial role in maintaining continuity and building strong relationships with students...(more)
"One aspect of YMS that is often underappreciated is our low teacher turnover, which plays a crucial role in maintaining continuity and building strong relationships with students and families. Our dedicated educators remain with us for many years, providing stability and fostering deep connections that benefit both academic and emotional development. This consistency allows teachers to truly understand each child’s learning style and growth, leading to more personalized and effective instruction. Additionally, the close-knit community at YMS contributes significantly to our success. The strong bond between students, families, and staff creates a collaborative environment where everyone works together toward the shared goal of supporting each child's growth. This sense of belonging and trust is often overlooked but is fundamental to the nurturing, supportive atmosphere that sets YMS apart."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families might be surprised to learn of the opportunities provided to YMS students for engaging in global citizenship. Back in 2015, while our students watched their new school...(more)
"Families might be surprised to learn of the opportunities provided to YMS students for engaging in global citizenship. Back in 2015, while our students watched their new school being built, they were also part of a larger, global community project. During this time, our school community raised funds to build a school in Uganda, creating a powerful connection between our students and children halfway around the world. As the construction of both schools progressed, our students corresponded with the children in Uganda, learning about their lives, cultures, and the impact of their contributions. This ongoing, hands-on learning opportunity enriched our students’ learning by further developing their empathy and deepening their understanding of the importance of community service. It provided a real-world context for the values we teach and continues to inspire our students, making their education truly meaningful and connected to the world beyond our school walls."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Most recently, YMS has implemented Transparent Classroom, an innovative virtual platform designed specifically for Montessori schools to enhance communication between educators...(more)
"Most recently, YMS has implemented Transparent Classroom, an innovative virtual platform designed specifically for Montessori schools to enhance communication between educators and parents. This tool allows us to share photos, detailed material descriptions, and comprehensive progress reports, ensuring that parents are consistently informed about their child’s development and classroom experiences. Transparent Classroom strengthens the connection between home and school by providing parents with real-time insights into their child’s learning journey, fostering collaboration, and offering personalized suggestions for integrating Montessori parenting strategies at home."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"YMS anticipates growth and change over the next five years, though the exact path remains uncertain. While we are committed to the core principles of Montessori education, we...(more)
"YMS anticipates growth and change over the next five years, though the exact path remains uncertain. While we are committed to the core principles of Montessori education, we recognize that our community’s evolving needs may shape our direction. To enrich the student experience, we plan to expand our extracurricular offerings, allowing students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with nature through an organic gardening curriculum that fosters responsibility, sustainability, and hands-on learning. Additionally, we are considering the introduction of school uniforms to cultivate a sense of unity and focus within our community. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to enhancing our current programs while staying true to our values of personalized, nurturing education."
Nursery/Toddler (current), Nursery/Toddler (current), Preschool to SK, Preschool to SK — Watch our parent interview with Joanna Lanni to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend York Montessori School.
Nursery/Toddler (current) — My daughter has had a wonderful experience at York Montessori School. She started in the toddler class and is now in the casa class. She loves going to school every day and always comes home excited to tell us about her day. For example, she often talks about the fun she has with practical life activities, like pouring water and buttoning frames. These activities make her feel independent and capable. She also loves the art classes—they did a painting project where she made a beautiful rainbow picture. She feels happy and safe at school, and she’s made some great friends. She especially enjoys the mixed-age classroom, where she can learn from older kids and help younger ones. The only thing she finds a bit disappointing is that sometimes the outdoor playtime feels too short.
Nursery/Toddler (current) — My child really enjoys every part of his daily life at York Montessori School.
In the regular school year, he loves self-directed learning activities as well as group learning led by the teacher. He enjoys outdoor times when he can play with his friends as well as sometimes, simply walking around holding his teacher's hand.
Also, from what I've heard from the school and from himself, he seems to enjoy mealtime at school much more than he does at home. Of course, there are days where he might've had a more challenging time, but he always gets the support he needs from teachers and friends to get back to his joyful routine very fast.
He has also attended YMS's summer camp, which is more play-focused and a different experience, but very enjoyable as well as he gets to explore different topics every week.
My child's experience at YMS has been extremely positive. His growth from Day 1 to present has been remarkable. I feel that the thing our child likes and appreciates most is the sense of community, recognition and association with his peer groups that YMS fosters and encourages.
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