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Student-Centred Classes

Stepping into our mixed aged three-year classroom, you are amazed by the level of focus and engagement of the children working with their own selected learning materials. The individual lessons and daily activities are targeted to each child's interests and abilities making the learning perfectly tailored to each student.

Multiple Programs

Three year olds have different learning needs than four year olds or five year olds and our program accommodates for that. We offer four half days to our youngest students and a full schedule for our kindergarten students with options in between as well. You can select the program that is perfect for your own child.

The Montessori Approach

Learning progression and appropriate materials and lessons are all part of adhering to the Montessori method first created by the acclaimed Dr. Maria Montessori. Based on this time-tested approach to development, students are introduced to practical life skills, language, math, social sciences and sensorial skills during a three year educational progression.

WMS Expansion

This year has been an incredibly busy one for us as we look forward to our expansion into the Elementary grades. We are so excited to be able to have our students continue with us as we bring our student-centred Montessori approach into the elementary years.

We are a safe place for all students.

The Core Montessori Program

Our first year students, the three year olds new to the school, are enrolled in our Core Montessori Program. They attend school Monday through Thursday for a three hour work cycle either in the morning or in the afternoon. Four year old students in their second year also participate in the Core Montessori Program and may choose to enroll in the Enrichment Program.

The Enrichment Program

During their second year, our four year old students have the option of joining us on Friday mornings for our Enrichment Program. This time together allows us to go beyond the regular program with learning opportunities such as novel studies, field trips and inquiry based projects. All Kindergarten students participate in the Enrichment Program on Friday mornings.

Specialist Classes
French, Yoga and Orff Music

Students participate in small group, specialist led French, Yoga and Orff Music classes three days of each week for thirty minutes. The classes enhance the classroom experience by providing students with well rounded instruction by specialist teachers the alternate subject areas. The Specialist Classes are included as part of The Regular Program and are already factored into the tuition of The Regular Program.

Half Day and Extended Day Kindergarten Programs

We understand that children are individuals and, because of that, we offer two options for our Kindergarten students. Children in the Kindergarten year can either participate in the Regular Program and Enrichment Program, for a total of five half days a week, or they can attend the Extended Day Kindergarten Program with full days on Monday through Thursday and the half day Enrichment Program on Fridays (for a total of four and a half days a week).

The teaching teams at Westside Montessori consist of dynamic partnerships that work seamlessly together to create caring and nurturing environments. As a group, they bring over fifty years of Montessori experience into the classrooms.

See Our Teachers

WMS adheres to the unique educational philosophy set out a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori philosophy aims to develop the child's innate desire to learn by using his or her natural curiosity and love of knowledge. The child is able to learn and acquire an 'inner discipline' free of the need for external reinforcements.

The Montessori Approach

What is included in the tuition cost?

Everything. All costs for the year are included in the annual tuition fee. This includes all supplies, snacks, specialist classes, field trips, etc. No additional fees will be collected throughout the year.

Does my child need to be toilet trained?

Yes. In order for our program to function at it’s best, all children must be potty trained.

How much time do you spend outside?

We spend a minimum of 15 minutes in outdoor play time daily.

When can my child start?

Your child may apply for a September start the year they turn three years old.

See More FAQs

"Our son has attended Westside Montessori for three years and we don’t want it to end! From the outset we knew that this was a special place. There is a warmth and orderliness that our son responded to immediately. We recognized WMS as a safe and stimulating space, which has encouraged him to learn deeply and freely. The tools of learning are thoughtfully laid out, and the organization of lesson plans is detailed. All the while, solo and group learning is encouraged in just the right ratios. Fun and play, didactics and responsibility seem to be perfectly planned and age appropriate."

- Zehavit and Eytan David

"We have been fortunate to have two children (so far) go through the three-year program at WMS and we couldn't be happier with their school experiences. Both of our boys have clearly harnessed their innate curiosity and developed a true love of learning thanks to the incredible teachers and the amazing school environment they get to explore each day. They have also learned valuable social skills and have built long lasting friendships during their time at the school. We feel quite strongly that Bettina, Garland, Victoria and Portia have played a vital role in our sons’ development into confident, respectful and inquisitive students and we look forward to having our third child enter the program next fall!"

- Jenn and Andrew Kirker

"Since our daughter started at Westside Montessori only a few months ago, we have seen amazing changes. Her desire for independence, willingness to try new things, and ability to persevere through daily challenges have all progressed amazingly. We have also seen a tremendous improvement not only in her language and comprehension, and also in her thirst to learn and understand more. We believe that the instruction and attention she is getting from her instructors and classmates at Westside Montessori will be transformative for her in these critical stages of development. We wouldn’t have her go anywhere else."

- Amanda and Matt Arneill