Toronto is home to people from all walks of life, including those who want to raise their kids in an environment that encourages learning and growth. One way to do this is by enrolling your child in a Montessori school.
There are several Montessori schools in Toronto that offer programs for children aged 3 – 9 years old. If you’re looking for the best Montessori schools in Toronto, here are our 20 top picks.
Overview of Montessori Schools in Toronto: Its Education System
Montessori schools are based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator, and advocate for world peace.
The Montessori method is founded on five principles:
- A child-centered learning environment.
- Sensorial activities (such as auditory, visual, and tactile experiences).
- Self-directed learning—children learn through doing rather than being taught by an adult.
- An emphasis on hands-on activities such as art projects, cooking classes, music lessons, or field trips instead of traditional classroom work.
- A strong emphasis on independence and self-discipline.
Thus, the Montessori school system has been adopted by so many private, public and independent schools all over the world; as a result, it is one of the most popular education systems used in schools.
Montessori education is a child-centered approach to learning. Children are encouraged to explore and learn through play, and they’re given independence and responsibility for their own learning.
They’re also taught how to work independently, and they’re encouraged to be creative and imaginative.
Also see: 30 Must-Have Best Educational Apps for Kids
Advantages of the Montessori School System
Montessori schools are an excellent choice for many parents, especially those who want their children to learn through play. They also offer a wide range of benefits that are not available in other types of schools.
Some benefits of the self-learning education approach allow the children to:
- First, the system allows children to learn through play: One of the main advantages of Montessori schools is that they allow children to learn through hands-on activities.
Children will be exposed to many different experiences, which can help them develop their skills and interests more easily than if they were simply sitting at a desk all day.
- It teaches independence: Parents often worry about how much independence their children will have when growing up. In a Montessori school, students will learn how to follow rules and routines on their own as well as contribute towards maintaining good relationships with others within the organization (such as being polite). This can help reduce stress levels among parents who may feel like they have no control anymore.
Average Tuition Cost of Montessori Schools
The average tuition cost at Montessori schools in Toronto falls between $15,000 – $27,000 per year.
| Montessori Schools in Toronto | Cost of Tuition per year |
| The Clover School | Varies between C$13,910 and C$23,550 depending on your child’s entry class. See tuition options. |
| Westside Montessori School | C$20,700 – C$23,300 |
| Central Montessori School | C$8,750 – C$19,900 |
| Enquiring Minds Montessori | C$19,100 – C$32,700 |
| Esprit Academy | C$24,500 |
| Maria Montessori School | C$10,080 – C$16,800 |
| Academy of Thought & Industry Toronto | C$17,000 |
| Bannockburn | C$17,450 – C$26,900 |
| Cornerstone Montessori Prep School | C$15,800 – C$26,000 |
| Alive Montessori & Private School | C$15,500 – C$17,500 |
List of Top-Rated 20 Montessori Schools in Toronto
There are several Montessori schools in Toronto that are well-received and reputable. Our estimate put it at over 40 Montessori schools in Toronto – including up-and-coming schools in the province.
However, if you have been searching for a Montessori-style school for your kid, here are the Montessori best schools in Toronto that are definitely worth looking out for.
These schools have been listed as the most popular to the least-popular Montessori schools in the Toronto province.
- The Clover School
- Westside Montessori School
- Central Montessori School
- Enquiring Minds Montessori
- Esprit Academy
- Maria Montessori School
- Academy of Thought & Industry Toronto
- Bannockburn
- Cornerstone Montessori Prep School
- Alive Montessori & Private School
- Montessori Jewish Day School
- Humberside Montessori School
- Avalon Children’s Montessori School
- Seneca Hill Private School
- Guidepost Montessori School
- Taddle Creek Montessori School
- Momentum Montessori School
- Liberty Prep School
- Mini Bluebird Montessori School
The Clover School
The Clover School was founded in 1996 to provide Montessori education to students of all ages. The school is housed in a beautiful building, which includes an early childhood center, an elementary school, and a middle school.
The Montessori approach is based on the idea that children are natural learners who can benefit from having the freedom to direct their own learning process. With this philosophy in mind, teachers at The Clover School work with each student individually to help them engage with the material they’re being taught and find ways to apply it throughout their day.
Students at The Clover School are encouraged to take ownership of their education and build relationships with adults who support them in this goal. They learn how to set goals for themselves and make decisions about what they want out of life—and then how to achieve those goals.
Westside Montessori School
Westside Montessori School Westside Montessori School is a private, non-profit school that provides Montessori education to students of all ages. The school is committed to supporting the development of each of its students as they grow and learn; and strives to create an environment where each student can thrive.
Westside Montessori School was founded in 2008 by Liz Bovey, who currently serves as the school’s Director. In terms of education, Westside provides a system that is holistic—a system that encompasses not only the academic side of Montessori education but also the physical and emotional side.
The school maintains that its goal is to help each child develop into a self-directed learner who is capable of making informed decisions about their life and future. They do this through hands-on activities that encourage kids to interact with their environment in new ways every day.
Central Montessori School
Central Montessori School is conveniently located in North York and Greater Toronto, Ontario. They offer full-day, part-time, and summer programs for children aged 18 months to 8 years old (Grade 6). The school has a very warm and welcoming community that includes teachers, parents, and students alike.
Central Montessori School requires a minimum 12-month commitment from parents when signing up with them so they can ensure their child gets the best possible education while enrolled there. In addition, the tuition fee is paid in monthly fee installments.
Enquiring Minds Montessori
Enquiring Minds Montessori is a private elementary school in Toronto. Enquiring Minds Montessori offers a unique Montessori approach to education. The school is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and caters to children aged 3-12 years old.
Esprit Academy
Esprit Academy is a Montessori school in Toronto that was founded in 2003. It is located at 39 Pleasant Blvd, Toronto, Ontario.
Esprit Academy Toronto is a Montessori school that focuses on providing a high-quality education for young children.
The school’s approach to teaching is based on the Montessori philosophy, which applies self-directed learning and a hands-on approach to learning that allows students to explore and discover new things in an environment that encourages them to be curious and engaged.
Maria Montessori School
Maria Montessori School is one of the oldest Montessori schools in Toronto. Named after the matriarch herself, the school’s focus is to support the full development of kids and provide them with skills that will be harnessed as “aid to life.”
The school currently serves children between 16 months to 12 years of age and supports a Young Children’s Community (toddlers), three Casa, and two Elementary Communities with a student enrollment of approximately 113 students.
Maria Montessori School is one of the top Montessori schools in Toronto suitable for every child to develop a keen interest in their own development through their environment. It is one of the highly-recommended schools by parents.
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto
Academy of Thought and Industry Toronto is a Montessori school that offers a holistic approach to education, focusing on the development of the whole child.
Students are encouraged to develop themselves intellectually, emotionally, and socially through an emphasis on independent thinking and self-discipline. The school has a strong focus on environmental stewardship, with students participating in gardening projects that teach them about growing their own food.
The school campus is located in downtown Toronto, with easy access to public transportation.
Bannockburn
The Bannockburn Montessori School offers both a traditional and academic curriculum that goes from infant to grade 6. The school has an open concept design with tables instead of individual desks, allowing children to move freely throughout their day.
The staff at this school consists of qualified teachers who have experience working with children ages 2-6 years old.
The teaching style is highly interactive and engaging for young learners; however, there are also times when students will have time to work independently on their own projects as well as explore various materials in the classroom setting (such as blocks).
Tuition fees start at around C$17,450 per year depending on your placement within their programs (e.g., full day vs half day).
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School
Cornerstone Montessori Prep School offers the Montessori method of education for children aged 3-12 years old.
The school hours at CMPS are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed on statutory holidays).
The curriculum consists of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies as well as an introduction to art appreciation and music appreciation courses at certain grades.
Students must pass standardized tests such as EQAO or YBMG exams before they can graduate if applicable in their area of study. The student-to-teacher ratio varies.
Parent involvement is encouraged since all parents have access to online portal where they can check out student assignments or access reports.
CMPS is recommended as a top Montessori school due to its academically-challenging curriculum, its caring faculty, and its family-oriented setting. These kids are taught through active learning programs and physical activities that aid their assimilation.
Alive Montessori & Private School
Alive Montessori & Private School is a well-respected school that offers both a Montessori program and private school programs. With just over 20 years of its existence, its mission is to show children how to take responsibility for their learning.
The curriculum at Alive Montessori & Private School centers around developing the whole child: physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
They have a progressive approach to learning as they encourage students’ natural interests in order to foster self-directed learning through play-based activities and open-ended materials that encourage creativity and imagination.
With small class sizes (16 students maximum), you can be sure your child will get the attention they need while they are at school.
The teachers at this school focus on individualized instruction that allows each student’s potential to be fully realized; this gives them an opportunity not only to improve academically but also socially as well as emotionally.
Humberside Montessori School
Located in the heart of Toronto, Humberside Montessori School is a private Montessori school that offers a rich and nurturing environment for children ages 3 to 12.
Their curriculum focuses on math, science, and language development using Montessori principles.
Humberside comes off as a community-style school with caring teachers and faculty; generally, students notably perform above average at this school.
However, one negative aspect that parents seemed to complain about in this school was the rife bullying. Other than that, Humberside is a decent Montessori school.
Avalon Children’s Montessori School
Avalon Children’s Montessori School is a private school that has been around for over 30 years and continues to grow, thanks to its reputation as a safe and nurturing environment. Avalon is located in the heart of midtown Toronto, near many shops and restaurants.
It is an average-performing school.
Prince Edward Montessori School
Prince Edward Montessori School is a private co-educational school located in the Annex neighborhood of Toronto.
It offers an extensive French immersion program, including a trilingual Montessori pre-school program for children ages 18 months through 4 years old, as well as its French Immersion Preschool for children between 3 and 5 years old.
This school also has an English-based preschool program for children between 18 months and 4 years old.
Seneca Hill Private School
Seneca Hill Private School is a Montessori school located in Toronto’s Leaside neighborhood. The school offers a bilingual program and pre-kindergarten classes for children ages 3 months to 5 years old.
Seneca Hill Private School aims to provide a quality education that develops the body, mind, and spirit of each child. In addition to classroom space, the school prioritizes play areas for kids to enjoy, as well as several extracurricular activities that aid their sensory development.
Guidepost Montessori School
Guidepost Montessori School is a private pre-kindergarten through grade 6 school located in North York. The school provides an inclusive community where all students thrive academically and socially in an environment that fosters independence and social responsibility.
The curriculum is based on Maria Montessori’s principles of child development. The program includes art instruction as well as outdoor play opportunities throughout the school year.
Taddle Creek Montessori School
Taddle Creek Montessori School is a private school located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The school offers a carefully designed, multi-age classroom setting that allows children to be themselves while they explore their world.
They have teachers who are trained to nurture each child’s unique abilities, interests, and learning styles. At Taddlecreek, they believe that the best way to teach is to guide children in discovering the facts of life through their own experiences.
The school also offers a safe environment where your child can learn about his or her world at his or her own pace. Their teachers are committed to creating an environment of respect for all students and for each other’s differences.
They have dedicated classes that help children develop confidence and self-esteem in a nurturing educational environment that promotes creativity, intellectual curiosity, social development, and physical well-being. Overall, it is a great school.
Momentum Montessori School
Momentum Montessori School is a private school that offers Montessori education to children 6 weeks to 6 years of age.
The schools offers education to toddlers, preschoolers, and Kindergarten children. Momentum is a relatively newer school. In terms of the academic performance of its children, it is considered average, at best.
To contact them, you can send an email to admin@momentummontessori.ca to find out the details for enrollment of your ward.
Liberty Prep School
Liberty Prep School is a private school that offers Montessori education. The school is located in Toronto and was founded with the mandate of providing an academically challenging and cognitively stimulating environment for students aged 2 to 12 years old.
Liberty Prep School follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, as well as their own Montessori philosophy, which focuses on developing independence and confidence through active learning experiences.
Liberty Prep School has a bilingual program, where all classes are taught in either English or French according to student preference.
Students who attend this Toronto Montessori school will learn both languages simultaneously while also experiencing them at home through their parents’ native tongues—one lesson learned from our multicultural city.
Mini Bluebird Montessori School
Located in Toronto, Mini Bluebird Montessori School is a bilingual preschool with a unique approach to teaching.
The school uses an innovative technique that integrates academics and play. Children are encouraged to think for themselves and learn through practical experiences rather than memorizing information.
The curriculum is designed around the child’s interests, so they can enjoy learning while being engaged throughout the day.
This program offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, drama and art programs as well as field trips such as picnics at local farms or nearby parks where children explore nature while having fun outdoors.
FAQs About Montessori Schools in Toronto
Having grown to be a popular and effective teaching style adopted by more than 10,000 schools all over the world, parents are bound to ask if the Montessori school system will be right for their kids, naturally.
Here are some FAQs:
What is a Montessori school?
A Montessori school is an educational approach that teaches children through self-directed learning and hands-on activity. It was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori and first implemented in 1907.
The philosophy of the approach emphasizes independence, freedom, and self-discipline for children aged three to six years old.
What is the difference between Montessori and traditional schools?
Montessori schools focus on teaching students at their own pace through individualized attention from teachers who guide them using a prepared environment where materials are kept in order by age groupings or developmental levels.
In contrast to this individualized learning experience that occurs within each classroom, most traditional schools follow more traditional methods such as lecturing, memorization, and testing which may be ineffective for individual students at all levels of development.
Are Montessori schools in Toronto expensive?
Montessori schools in Toronto are not as expensive as say, boarding schools in Toronto. The tuition fees for most Montessori-style schools usually range from C$15,000 to C$27,000; with only a few schools going above C$30,000 per year.
So, they are less expensive and provide great education for your child.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re interested in enrolling your child into a Montessori school, the best place to start is by contacting the school directly.
They can answer any questions that you have and provide information about their programs and curriculum.
Most schools will also be able to provide references from other parents who have children enrolled there already so that they can tell you what they loved most about their experience at this particular location.