Canada from A to Z, published by LGMS Students 2016, cover by Kathy, age 8 & Alice, age 11
Thank you for considering Montessori education for your child at our school!
We successfully adapted our unique hands-on educational philosophy and curriculum for online access in record time as a response to the closing of all schools in the province due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. To learn more, click here.
In her research, Dr Montessori found that education, carefully designed to meet the interests and abilities of children, is far more effective when complementing their natural developmental needs. This focus on the “whole child” led her to develop a very different sort of school from the traditional adult-centered classroom. To emphasize this difference, she named her first school for children ages three to six, “Casa dei Bambini”, translated into English as the “Children’s House.” This profound choice of words signified her vision of the ideal Montessori classroom: One that is not the domain of the adults in charge, but rather, a true children’s community carefully prepared and designed to promote the development of each child’s independence and sense of personal empowerment. As such, our students are encouraged to move freely within their classrooms, engaging in lessons and activities that capture their interests under the guidance of teachers using thoughtful observations and directions.
Emulating the school’s motto, our students’ educational experience extends beyond the four walls of a physical classroom through participation in enrichment activities near and far. This included a class-wide art project (with thanks to a generous grant from ArtStarts) culminating in the creation of our school’s first publication, Canada from A to be Z.
Every two years, students attend Montessori Model United Nations conferences in New York City. Amongst over 2,000 other Montessori students from around the world, they explored, debated, sought consensus to pertinent issues affecting our world, and voted on proposed resolutions in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters. On their 2015 trip, they capped off their journey with a visit to Philadelphia and Washington, DC – and were event treated to a bowling and pizza party at the (White House) Truman Lanes. Sights explored also included a visit to Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria. Our students returned home with a deeper appreciation for US/Canadian relations and history as well as a greater perspective on the settlement of this continent by early European explorers.
Last year, the Upper Elementary students travelled to Rome, Italy for this year’s conference where they presented their resolutions at the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) headquarters. It’s our hope that these experiences will lead to deeper insights about the world community to which they belong.
There are many approaches to education – be they Montessori or traditional. We encourage you to visit a variety of schools so as to make an informed decision in choosing the right fit for your child. Wise parents should assess if a school can realistically deliver educational goals as expected as well as recognize that your child is entering a second family. The school’s emotional and psychological ambiance, as well as its education practice, should be in harmony with your own values. Trust your eyes, ears, instinct, and personal experience.
Please be aware that the term “Montessori” is not patented and does not guarantee quality. When visiting schools, parents should look for classes staffed by certified Montessori teachers who also meet licensing approval requirements. The environments should be stocked with a full range of Montessori materials with busy, happy, and thoughtful children.
For those new to Montessori, kindly visit our Parent’s Perspective page and view videos by Trevor Eissler and Stephen Curry, this year’s NBA’s MVP (Most Valuable Player). They offer wonderful, pithy explanations on Montessori education. Further information on Montessori and other insights we think you might find interesting can be found on our “Reaching Beyond” and Facebook pages.
I invite you to visit our school in person as well as meet our students and staff. We’d be most happy to show you our programs in action, and answer your questions.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Riza Weinstein, Founder