In one corner of this sunny classroom, a group of children are painting pictures, while children in another area are playing games. Across the room, two girls are sitting quietly while eating snacks. It’s not a scene you would typically find in most classrooms where the desks are neatly lined up and children learn from the same lesson. But this is a Montessori learning environment which follows the philosophy that children learn by doing rather than by being told what to do, and that they learn at their own pace. There are several schools in Oakville and Burlington that offer a traditional Montessori approach.

At the Clanmore Montessori School on Lakeshore Road in Oakville, the building itself tells you that something different is going on inside. The original building was a farmhouse built in 1904 and the second addition was designed to look like an old barn and is covered in reclaimed barn board. The green roof is in keeping with the school’s philosophy on green living. Pine trees surround the building and there’s a special magnolia tree where students often go for quiet talks. When the school opened in 1997, there were 50 students (toddler to grade two) compared to 150 now (toddler to middle school).

Clanmore’s Communication Co-ordinator, Anne Mercer, says the school’s approach to learning is based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s observations about the developmental needs and abilities of children, which are addressed both in terms of content and approach as well as subject areas. Rather than being compartmentalized, all facets of a child’s development are addressed, including academic, physical, social and emotional. The key is to take an individualized approach with each child. “What emerges are students who are independent, curious, responsible, self-disciplined, empathetic, and able to collaborate,” says Mercer. “They have strong academics, leadership skills and initiative. They are the best versions of themselves.”

Dr. Montessori’s belief was that you should educate the child for life so that when they become adults, they’re able to contribute their skills, knowledge and talents to the betterment of their communities. Mercer notes that Clanmore creates an environment where children can learn that way. “We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.” She says the majority of children thrive under the Montessori model, including children who struggle to learn, but children who need constant one-on-one attention may be beyond the resources of a typical classroom.

Breanne Rymes, Director of School Operations at Dearcroft Montessori School in Oakville, also emphasizes the importance placed at their school on a student-centered approach.  Every student has an individualized curriculum that is tailored to his or her abilities and needs.  Lessons are presented one on one or in small groups, ensuring each student receives instruction that is appropriate specifically for that student at that time.  Students are always working at their highest ability in every subject area.  Rymes explains that “with a hands-on, student-centered program, students help drive the curriculum, keeping it interesting and engaging. In addition to using a true Montessori approach, our school regularly has extra classes and programs to ensure students are prepared for the rapidly changing workplace.”

Tammy-Leigh Sage, Director of Fairview Glen Montessori School in Burlington, says the biggest key for success in any child is their ability to self regulate. In a Montessori classroom, if a child has trouble concentrating, the teacher will show them strategies to help them concentrate. Fairview Glen Montessori School has 120 students, from toddler to grade six and, like Clanmore, they’ve seen steady growth since opening in 2007. This year’s enrolment is up by 20 percent from last year. 

Sage says parents often enroll their child during the pre-school years and keep them there once they discover the benefits. What parents like is the philosophy that not every child the same age has the same abilities. “They’re looking for an individualized approach to education where teachers plan individual lessons and where every child has an individual plan for the week,” she says. “There’s also a big emphasis on the community and what you can contribute.” She also states that studies have shown that children who attend a Montessori school have an ability to think critically and are more skilled at using their time.

To see if your child would benefit from a method of education that’s beyond a typical classroom setting, consider attending the Oakville Independent Schools open house event on Saturday, January 21st from 10am – 2pm. Visit www.educationoakville.com for more information.

by Denise Davy

Local Links

Fairview Glen Montessori School
fairviewglen.com

Clanmore Montessori School
clanmore.ca

Dearcroft Montessori School, Oakville
dearcroft-montessori.com

Rotherglen School, Oakville
rotherglen.com

Headon Forest Montessori, Burlington
headonforestmontessori.com

Burlington Montessori Preschool, Burlington
burlingtonmontessori.com

Hopedale Montessori School, Burlington
hopedalemontessori.ca

Childventures Early Learning, Burlington
childventures.ca

Western Heights Montessori Academy, Oakville
westernheightsmontessori.com

Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School, Oakville
trms.ca

Glen Abbey Montessori School, Oakville
glenabbeymontessori.com

Choosing which school your kids should go to comes with a list of questions longer than a spelling bee. There are so many options and schooling methods to consider: Catholic, French Immersion, Christian, Montessori and more.  We are very fortunate in Halton as our publicly funded schools have great reputations, undoubtedly fueling the immigration to our region. For example, both Oakville Trafalgar and Abbey Park in Oakville consistently rank in the top 10 schools in the province in the annual Fraser Institute rankings.

Oakville and Burlington’s public and separate schools offer many programs and options, including special education resources. For example, you can elect to take the International Baccalaureate curriculum, or sign up for a variety of extra-curricular, athletic and after school programs. The Thomas Merton Centre for Continuing Education in Oakville offers youth, academic upgrade and language programs that are very economically feasible.  Kids from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 can take international language classes in one of more than 15 languages during the school year and in the summer. It is widely accepted that learning multiple languages can enhance cognitive development, promote cultural literacy, and increase employability.

In addition to our strong public schools, the Town of Oakville also boasts one of the highest concentrations of independent schools in North America. Jane Hamilton, Executive Director of Oakville Independent Schools (OIS), explains that these schools provide parents with a choice that they may be looking for based on their child’s talents, passions, needs and their family’s situation. “Just as we have great public schools in the area, we also have exceptional independent schools. It’s up to each individual family and parent as to what they decide is best for their child.” Parents opting to send their kids to an independent school may be attracted by the benefits of special needs classes, smaller class sizes, a focus on the arts, or perhaps the philosophy of Montessori-based education. There are also increased opportunities for children to get involved in charitable work. “Every single one of the OIS member schools is involved in some way with giving back to the community,” Hamilton says.

Two schools, Wildwood Academy and Chisholm Academy, focus on the special needs of children with ADHD, autism or dyslexia. Appleby College offers the option of boarding school for international students and requires all students to board in their final year. “Each school has its own mission and philosophy and is uniquely positioned to address each student’s educational goals and needs. It really comes down to what each family is looking for. Their reasons are often very personal and individual,” says Hamilton.

Private school is not just for the wealthy. Many forms of financial assistance are offered through bursaries, scholarships, and payment plans. “It is a cost and it is an investment. Financing an independent education takes planning and most families look at various options to keep costs within reach. Some families choose to manage with one car or forgo family vacations in order to provide for an investment in private education,” notes Hamilton. If you are thinking that a private school might be an option for your child, this is the time of year for school expos and open houses. You should consider attending the 11th annual Halton-Peel Private School Expo on October 16 at St. Joseph’s Banquet & Conference Centre in Oakville, and the members of OIS participate in a joint open house day on October 22nd where you can visit one or all of the eleven schools in one day.

With so many options available, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming. Of course, this is a good problem to have. Choice is important, and at the end of the day parents simply want to make the best decision for their child and their family. Take the time to explore your options, ask meaningful questions, and compare schools objectively.  The best part is: the choice is yours.

Local Links

Halton District School Board
hdsb.ca

Halton Catholic District School Board
hcdsb.org

Oakville Independent Schools
educationoakville.com

Thomas Merton Centre for Continuing Education
mertoncentre.com

Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools
oacs.org

Our Kids Media
ourkids.net