Preparation
for life.

Preparation
for life.

Welcome to Westside Montessori School where
students, aged 18 months to 14 years, radiate
self-confidence and exhibit a love for learning.

Let us help your child achieve their fullest potential through
the Montessori approach to learning. Westside Montessori
School is CCMA accredited and the ideal environment for your
urban family from toddlerhood to adolescence.

Welcome to Westside Montessori School where students, aged 18 months to 14 years, radiate self-confidence and exhibit a love for learning.

Let us help your child achieve their fullest potential through the Montessori approach to learning. Westside Montessori School is CCMA accredited and the ideal environment for your urban family from toddlerhood to adolescence.

Montessori… what the…?

Montessori is an approach to education that fosters academic abilities, along with social and emotional learning.

Our child-centred approach, combined with individualized lessons and inquiry-based learning, enables children to excel academically, problem-solve, persevere and grow into compassionate individuals.

BOOK A TOUR BELOW

Montessori… what the…?

Montessori is an approach to education that fosters academic abilities, along with social and emotional learning.

Our child-centred approach, combined with individualized lessons and inquiry-based learning, enables children to excel academically, problem-solve, persevere and grow into compassionate individuals.

BOOK A TOUR BELOW

PROGRAMS


TODDLER

TODDLER
(18-36 months old)

Our youngest students build their
independence and self-care skills while
living in community in our loving and
supportive environments.


TODDLER

CASA
(3-6 years old)

Students build and strengthen their focus,
concentration, and independence while
working and socializing in our bright and
spacious classrooms.


TODDLER

ELEMENTARY
(6-12 years old)

Older children work collaboratively and
enthusiastically while growing
academically, emotionally
and socially.


TODDLER

ADOLESCENT
(12-14 years old)

Our eldest students pursue academic
subjects, spend time volunteering in their
community and run their own business
through our production and exchange
program.

PROGRAMS


TODDLER

TODDLER
(18-36 months old)

Our youngest students build their independence and selfcare skills while living in community in our loving and supportive environments.


TODDLER

CASA
(3-6 years old)

Students build and strengthen their focus, concentration, and independence while working and socializing in our bright and spacious classrooms.


TODDLER

ELEMENTARY
(6-12 years old)

Older children work collaboratively and enthusiastically while growing academically, emotionally and socially.


TODDLER

ADOLESCENT
(12-14 years old)

Our eldest students pursue academic subjects, spend time volunteering in their community and run their own business through our production and exchange program.

Our classrooms are designed with your child’s
growth and development in mind.

At both our Kensington Market and Dufferin Grove locations,
our classrooms are skillfully designed to cater to and
encompass the children’s developmental needs.

Our classrooms are designed with your child’s growth and development in mind.

At both our Kensington Market and Dufferin Grove locations, our classrooms are skillfully designed to cater to and encompass the children’s developmental needs.

TWO LOCATIONS IN THE
HEART OF TORONTO

Westside Montessori School opened in 2008, in the historical Water Works Building, with just five children. Within a few years, we had outgrown our space and opened our doors at 95 Bellevue Avenue, a historical mansion in Kensington Market in 2014.

Growth and expansion continued, and, in the fall of 2020, we opened our second location on a tree-lined property across from Dufferin Grove Park. Between our two campuses, we now have over 160 students from 18 months to 14 years old!

TWO LOCATIONS IN THE
HEART OF TORONTO

Westside Montessori School opened in 2008, in the historical Water Works Building, with just five children. Within a few years, we had outgrown our space and opened our doors at 95 Bellevue Avenue, a historical mansion in Kensington Market in 2014.

Growth and expansion continued, and, in the fall of 2020, we opened our second location on a tree-lined property across from Dufferin Grove Park. Between our two campuses, we now have over 160 students from 18 months to 14 years old!

Our Values

COMMUNITY | KINDNESS | ENVIRONMENT

Our values are rooted in kindness and respect for
ourselves, our communities and our environment.
We invite you to join us.

Our Values

COMMUNITY | KINDNESS | ENVIRONMENT

Our values are rooted in kindness and respect for ourselves, our communities and our environment.
We invite you to join us.

WESTSIDE NEWS

Stay in the know!

Sign-up to our mailing list to receive
information on upcoming open house
dates, program registration and special
event announcements!

WESTSIDE NEWS

Stay in the know!

Sign-up to our mailing list to receive information on upcoming open house dates, program registration and special event announcements!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

⁠
🐠 Dive into our Toddler Community and meet our finned friend! 🌟⁠
⁠
In the calm waters of our classroom, this sweet goldfish brings a splash of joy and curiosity. 🌊🔍 As our students observe and care for their pet, they're learning valuable lessons in responsibility, empathy, and respect for all living creatures. 🌿💙⁠
⁠
Our students learn about the beauty of nature and the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives. 🌱✨ Plus, it's a wonderful opportunity for hands-on learning as we explore concepts like water quality, ecosystems, and the interconnectedness of life. 🌍🔬⁠
⁠
Drop a comment below to share your favourite memories or experiences with classroom pets. 🐟💖
Welcoming those from Traditional Schools into our Elementary Program

Some Montessori Schools only welcome 🧒🏾👧🏻 who have been in Montessori since they were 3 or 4 years old feeling that without the foundational groundwork absorbed during the sensitive periods from 3-6 yrs., the child will not be successful and potentially disrupt and negatively impact the Elementary Program. While some of my colleagues will disagree with me, I find this to be a limiting belief. I feel we have a responsibility to support children with the transition into our classrooms. 

When we first opened our Elementary Program in 2014 not one of the students who joined us was one of our own students! #facts 🫣

We started with 4 students from public school and 1 student joined us from another Montessori. As our Elementary Program grew, and parents' understanding and trust increased, we welcomed more of our Casa graduates into Elementary. These days, the majority of our Elementary students come from our own Casa Program as well as from local Montessori Schools and each year we welcome between 1-3 children from traditional school. 

Is there a learning curve? YES! Do they often mistrust the adults? YES! Do they test the boundaries looking for the limits and expecting a punishment? HECK YES!

On the other hand, are they thrilled to collaborate and work together with peers? 💯 Do our returning students support their integration? 💯 Do our returning students have opportunity to lead, mentor and grow?! 💯 Do their parents tell us within a few weeks how happy their children are? 💯 

How do we support their start at Montessori? Lots and lots of observation, work in small groups and 1:1, time with our learning support staff, including out Occupational Therapist, and creatively putting together activities that help us figure out where the child is at.

This 📸 shows how one of our Lower Elementary Guides figured out which letters and sounds a new student knew. From there, she created an individualized learning plan to best support her new student, keeping them engaged, challenged and supported. 

If you're keen to discus a change for your child, we're keen to learn more! DM to chat.
🌿🌟 Unveiling the Magic of Nature 🌟🌿⁠
⁠
At Westside Montessori School, we believe in fostering a deep connection with the natural world from the earliest of ages, which is why both of our downtown Toronto Campuses offer extensive natural green spaces and children's gardens. 🌳🌺 Our students embark on captivating journeys of discovery in the great outdoors each and every day!⁠
⁠
🦋 From observing the delicate dance of butterflies to feeling the earth between their fingers as they plant seeds, every moment spent in nature is a lesson in wonder and curiosity. 🌱✨⁠
⁠
"When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength." - Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child.⁠
⁠
🔍 Between our beautiful green spaces, local parks and our partnerships with both the High Park Nature Centre and the PINE Project, Westside provides the perfect setting for hands-on exploration, where children can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the great outdoors. 🌈 Whether they're building forts from fallen branches or discovering the secrets of a buzzing beehive, every day is an adventure!⁠
⁠
👧👦🏽 We welcome your family to join us as we nurture a love for nature and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the world around us. 🌟 Together, let's support our children as they grown  into confident, compassionate stewards of the earth. 🌍💚 ⁠
⁠
DM to book a tour, our programs are geared for children aged 18 months to grade 8. ⁠
⁠

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

⁠
🐠 Dive into our Toddler Community and meet our finned friend! 🌟⁠
⁠
In the calm waters of our classroom, this sweet goldfish brings a splash of joy and curiosity. 🌊🔍 As our students observe and care for their pet, they're learning valuable lessons in responsibility, empathy, and respect for all living creatures. 🌿💙⁠
⁠
Our students learn about the beauty of nature and the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives. 🌱✨ Plus, it's a wonderful opportunity for hands-on learning as we explore concepts like water quality, ecosystems, and the interconnectedness of life. 🌍🔬⁠
⁠
Drop a comment below to share your favourite memories or experiences with classroom pets. 🐟💖
Welcoming those from Traditional Schools into our Elementary Program

Some Montessori Schools only welcome 🧒🏾👧🏻 who have been in Montessori since they were 3 or 4 years old feeling that without the foundational groundwork absorbed during the sensitive periods from 3-6 yrs., the child will not be successful and potentially disrupt and negatively impact the Elementary Program. While some of my colleagues will disagree with me, I find this to be a limiting belief. I feel we have a responsibility to support children with the transition into our classrooms. 

When we first opened our Elementary Program in 2014 not one of the students who joined us was one of our own students! #facts 🫣

We started with 4 students from public school and 1 student joined us from another Montessori. As our Elementary Program grew, and parents' understanding and trust increased, we welcomed more of our Casa graduates into Elementary. These days, the majority of our Elementary students come from our own Casa Program as well as from local Montessori Schools and each year we welcome between 1-3 children from traditional school. 

Is there a learning curve? YES! Do they often mistrust the adults? YES! Do they test the boundaries looking for the limits and expecting a punishment? HECK YES!

On the other hand, are they thrilled to collaborate and work together with peers? 💯 Do our returning students support their integration? 💯 Do our returning students have opportunity to lead, mentor and grow?! 💯 Do their parents tell us within a few weeks how happy their children are? 💯 

How do we support their start at Montessori? Lots and lots of observation, work in small groups and 1:1, time with our learning support staff, including out Occupational Therapist, and creatively putting together activities that help us figure out where the child is at.

This 📸 shows how one of our Lower Elementary Guides figured out which letters and sounds a new student knew. From there, she created an individualized learning plan to best support her new student, keeping them engaged, challenged and supported. 

If you're keen to discus a change for your child, we're keen to learn more! DM to chat.
🌿🌟 Unveiling the Magic of Nature 🌟🌿⁠
⁠
At Westside Montessori School, we believe in fostering a deep connection with the natural world from the earliest of ages, which is why both of our downtown Toronto Campuses offer extensive natural green spaces and children's gardens. 🌳🌺 Our students embark on captivating journeys of discovery in the great outdoors each and every day!⁠
⁠
🦋 From observing the delicate dance of butterflies to feeling the earth between their fingers as they plant seeds, every moment spent in nature is a lesson in wonder and curiosity. 🌱✨⁠
⁠
"When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength." - Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child.⁠
⁠
🔍 Between our beautiful green spaces, local parks and our partnerships with both the High Park Nature Centre and the PINE Project, Westside provides the perfect setting for hands-on exploration, where children can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the great outdoors. 🌈 Whether they're building forts from fallen branches or discovering the secrets of a buzzing beehive, every day is an adventure!⁠
⁠
👧👦🏽 We welcome your family to join us as we nurture a love for nature and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the world around us. 🌟 Together, let's support our children as they grown  into confident, compassionate stewards of the earth. 🌍💚 ⁠
⁠
DM to book a tour, our programs are geared for children aged 18 months to grade 8. ⁠
⁠
Looking for a school where your child will thrive? Who isn't, right??!⁠
⁠
Read on to learn why Westside is the school you've been looking for. ⁠
⁠
We offer: ⁠
⁠
1) Individualized Learning: Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace; they delve deeper into interesting or challenging subjects.⁠
⁠
2) Hands-on Learning: We provide a hands-on learning environment with specially designed materials, enhancing understanding & retention of concepts across various subjects, including math, language, science, & cultural studies.⁠
⁠
3) Holistic Development: We focus on the holistic development of the child: intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Activities & lessons nurture academic skills along with social skills, emotional intelligence, independence, & self-discipline.⁠
⁠
4) Mixed-Age Classrooms: Our classrooms feature mixed-age groupings, allowing older children to mentor younger ones & foster a sense of community and collaboration, promoting empathy, leadership skills, & cooperation among students.⁠
⁠
5) Self-Directed Learning: We promote self-directed learning and foster intrinsic motivation. Children are encouraged to explore their interests & pursue their curiosity within a supportive and structured environment, cultivating a lifelong love of learning.⁠
⁠
6) Respect for the Child: We emphasize respect for each child as an individual with unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. Our guides provide support & encouragement while allowing children the autonomy to make choices and learn from their experiences.⁠
⁠
7) Cultural Awareness: We incorporate cultural studies & promote global awareness; our students learn about a variety of cultures, traditions, and perspectives, fostering a sense of respect, empathy, and interconnectedness with the world around them. Ask me about the MMUN! 🌏⁠
⁠
8) Preparation for the Future: "Soft skills", commonly known as "executive functions", essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability: qualities that are highly valued in today's rapidly changing world are inherent to Montessori. ⁠
⁠
DM to book a tour & learn more.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH